asked on

virtual server

We will be testing Microsoft CRM system befere deploying. I need to put a image of all off my existing servers on a virtual server for testing., all server are Windows server 2003 AD, Exchange, terminal, SQL 2000 and member server 2003.
What is the best way to handle this task? I have a computer that i will install server 2003 for this project.

wadephillips

Depending on the scope of your project, vmware server will probably be a good fit. If it is just for testing you can install their server product on a windows 2003 server box and use the conveter to P2V. All for the nice price of Free.

http://www.vmware.com/download/server/

http://www.vmware.com/download/converter/

Madison Perkins

create a backup.

Burn the backup file to a dvd (or create an ISO and mount it as a virtual CD
on your machine. ) copy the backup file to a removable disk and mount it ect ect

Copy the bkf file to the system dirve of the virtual machine. If you try
and restore from a DVD you will recieve a corrupt file warning

Preform your system state restore to a virtual machine that does not have
the virtual machine additions installed.

Then follow the steps outlined in the AD restore to dissimilar hardware KB.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=263532

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Madison Perkins

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wadephillips

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jeffsteffy

ASKER

Thanks . I'll try the VMWARE

jeffsteffy

ASKER

the conveter to P2V what is this for?

wadephillips

converter will allow you to take a physical box and turn it into a fully functioning virtual machine. In a sense it is a copy of the physical box. IT is good to do testing on a box in a virtual sandbox. Keep in mind that you can't have two servers named the same and same ip etc on the network at once.

Make sense. Let me know if you need more help.

take care