Build a Windows Server 2003 R2 (32) Clone Template

Introduction

This posting compiles notes on building a Windows Server 2003 R2 SP2 32-bit server clone template for development and training purposes, for use with VMware Workstation 7.X. This procedure is based upon an evaluation copy of Windows Server 2003 R2.  Settings that are not specifically indicated below are default.  Creating the clone involves five discrete steps:

1. Preparing the VM
2. Installing Windows Server 2003
3. Configure Windows
4. Install VMware Tools
5. Sysprep

Other optional steps also covered here include: building a new VM from the clone and setting up Active Directory and DNS services.

Step 1: Prepare VM

 

Build a new VM using the following parameters:

1. Have both installation disks ready.
2. Start the procedure for building new VM using the following parameters.  Use the following configuration settings as you work through the New Virtual Machine Wizard:
   
1. Type of configuration: Custom (advanced)
2. Choose virtual machine hardware compatibility: Workstation 6.5-7.X.
3. Guest operating system installation: I will install the operating system later.
4. Select a Guest Operating system: Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition (not x64).
   
5. Name the Virtual Machine: Template2k3R2Sp2.
6. Processor Configuration:
1. Processors: 1
2. Cores: 1
7. Memory for the Virtual Machine: 1536
8. Network Type: Bridged
9. Select I/O Controller Types: SCSI Controller: LSI Logic
10. Select Disk: Create a new virtual disk
11. Select a Disk Type: SCSI
12. Maximum disk size: 25GB
• Allocate all disk space now: enabled
• Store virtual disk as a single file: selected
  

Step 2: Install Windows Server

1. Insert Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise SP2 disk 1 of 2
2. Power on VM.
1. Computer name: Template2k3R2Sp2.
2. Administrators password: [blank].
3. Network settings: Typical settings.

Step 3: Configuration

1. Install VMware Tools - typical installation
2. Disable Internet Explorer Enhanced Security.
   

Step 4: Install VMware Tools

1. On VMware Workstation, from the VM menu, select Install VMware Tools.
   
2. Reboot.

Step 5: sysprep

1. Insert the Windows Server 2003 R2 installation disk 1.
2. Create new folder at: root:\sysprep.
3. Navigate to: CDDrive:\Support\Tools\Deploy.CAB.
   
4. Copy contents of CAB file to new folder.
5. Double-click setupmgr.exe.
1. New or Existing Answer File: Create new.
2. Type of Setup: Sysprep setup.
   
3. Product: Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition.
4. License Agreement: No, do not fully automate the installation.
5. Wait for message stating "You have successfully completed...", then click Cancel button.
   
6. Verify File and Printer Sharing is installed.
7. Verify Server Service is running.  If not, start it.  Use Services.msc.
   
8. Double-click sysprep.exe.
1. Prompt: OK.
2. Dialog: keep all defaults, then click Reseal button.
• NOTE: if this prompt appears, leave it be (don't click OK), then verify that the Server service is started.  If not, start it and then return to the prompt, click OK, and then click Reseal again.
  
3. Prompt: OK.
   
9. Shutdown (automatic).

Optional: Build new machine from clone

1. Right-click on the template, and then select Clone.
2. Select the following settings at each window of the Clone Virtual Machine Wizard:
1. Clone from: The current state in the virtual machine.
2. Clone method: Create a full clone.
3. Click Close.  Clone operation will take approximately five minutes.
4. Power on new machine.  Windows Setup Wizard starts.
5. Configure new settings as needed.

Optional: Configure Domain Controller

1. From the Start menu, select Manage Your Server.
2. On the Manage Your Server page, click Add roles.  The Configure Your Server Wizard appears.
   
3. Click Next.
4. On the Configure Options page, select Typical configuration for a first server, and then click Next.
5. On the Active Directory Domain Name page, enter a domain name, and then click Next.
6. On the NetBIOS page, click Next.
7. On the Summary of Selections page, click Next.  At the prompt, click OK.
8. On the Server Configuration Progress page, click Next.
9. On the This Server is Now Configured page, click Finish.
   
10. View the Configure Your Server log: C:\Windows\Debug\Configure Your Server.log.
11. On the Manage Your Server page, click Add or remove role.
12. Click Next.
13. Select DHCP, and then click Next.
    
14. Enable the checkbox, and then click Next.  This removes DHCP.

Summary

This posting collates and archives notes on creating a template for Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise.

References

• Microsoft TechNet: Windows Server 2003
• Microsoft TechNet: Installing Windows Server 2003 R2
• Microsoft TechNet: Modifying Enhanced Security Configuration Settings
• Microsoft TechNet: Windows Server 2003 Service Packs
• James Kovacs' Weblog: How to Sysprep Windows
• Velocity Reviews: sysprep incompatibility
• Rony's Blog: SYSPrep windows 2003 R2
• Microsoft TechNet: How to Install Active Directory on Windows Server 2003
• Microsoft TechNet: Start or stop a DHCP server
• Microsoft TechNet: Remove or uninstall DHCP
• Download Center:
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition VHD

Notes

• There is an incompatibility between this tool and the current operating system.  Unable to continue: verify that the Server service is running.