Windows 2012 server Release Candidate fails install with vmware rel 8

[jimbo45]

Hi there
deleted -- fixed now

 

[jimbo45]

W2012 server -- OK now --starts up in the DESKTOP !!!

Hi there

W2012 sever preview is a bit fiddly to install as a VM on a laptop -- well it IS a server OS !!!

1) after the initial install -- UNPLUG any external USB disks / sticks that you aren't using to install the VM on before the ist re-boot after all the files have been loaded.

2) for vmware specify it as a W7 x-64 machine if you are using the wizard.

3) set nr of processors to ONE and nr of Cores to 2 -- don't know why this particular combination worked but it did the trick

4) ensure vmware tools are installed

5) SOUND works but you have to enable the audio Manually -- on W8 server sound didm't work --end of.

6) you need to get IE from the Metro apps to the taskbar -- just pin to taskbar from the Metro app settings (Windows 8 users will know what I mean by this)


Note also choose the GUI install --otherwise you just get a server with the Powershell prompt at boot --fine for running a full blown server - but for testing on a laptop I suggest you use the GUI

I don't think "Themes" work -- it's a SERVER after all but at least it boots to the desktop

Ie security (usual on servers) -- very very fiddley to turn it off -- the supplied documentation in IE 10 doesn't work (Well it's microsoft so what did you expect !!)

I'm going to customize this to run as a workstation (switch off all the usual nags about re-booting servers etc --done this enough times with W2003 server) and see how I get on with this.

enc two screenshots

one --after boot -- to DESKTOP !!!! not metro
two the standard Metro screen.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[Golden]

Good God, it looks awful!

 

[solarmystic]

I'm amazed that Server 2012 allows the user to boot straight to desktop! Thought they were gonna force experienced network admins to suck the Metro down and like it...

Horrendous looking screens there, metro is completely unnecessary for a server based os...

Good work, and great write up on the required steps!

 

[jimbo45]

Good God, it looks awful!

Hi there
That's because I haven't done any desktop customising yet (also remember it is a SERVER -- often these run without screens at all for weeks or even years at a time so "De-Uglification" isn't the highest priority)

The "Bog standard" desktop always looks horrible. Even in W7 the basic screen was fairly hideous too.

Cheers
jimbo