Windows Server 2008 180 Day Install on blank new server

IMO you should stop right there, go and download vmware esxi4 and install that first, then you can install your lab ontop of it. The install is pretty easy, just register then download the iso, burn it install it and enter the license key.

ESXi is is free and you can install a number of virtual machines on top of it.

Once you have vmware installed you will simply be able to mount the iso image you have of server 2008 and install it right from the iso.

Hi there,

  OK I'll download the application and give it a try. The server is brand new and has just been taken out of the package, so it has no OS or GUI, it is blank.

Thanks,

Niall Kelly

No probs Niall

Aswell as going the vmware route (which IMO is an absolute must for a lab) you may also want to consider subscribing to the Microsoft Action pack or technet, for a few hundered $$ you will gain access to fully licensed software to help your your studies.


http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/subscriptions/default.aspx


Good luck with the MCITP

Also, Hyper-V Server core is free as well which allows you to run a limited edition of Windows 2008 server for virtual servers. I would consider installing this verison then install test verisons within the VMs since this verison will not expire or require activation at anytime.

Also, to extend the eval verison for to 240 days please see below.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948472

Core server info.

http://www.petri.co.il/understanding-windows-server-2008-core.htm

Niall,
You requested I look at this Question, but it appears that other Experts have already assisted you.  If you still need further assistance, let them know.  I will monitor this question and provide info should you request it.  The info given is good.
On a side note, the HP (as well as many other vendors) install CD looks for specific versions of the Windows OS.  It may be that the 180 day trial does not meet HP's versioning standards.  That would probably require a call to HP to work through.  Personally, I would load ESXi, as it is good to be familiar with it.  While 2008 Hyper-V R2 has come much closer to real time failover, it is not there yet.  On the other hand, if you are looking to really know Windows and not worrying about other technologies at the moment, go with the Core install intead.
As MojoTech reiterated what was already mentioned in https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/25296381/MSCE-2003.html, I think it bears repeating.  Get a TechNet subscription.  It will eliminate the pesky time limit on your software.  It will also give you access to all of MS business software to work with as much as you want.
Good luck in your learning process.
Justin

Hi all,

  OK I've just been 3 hours on live support to HP trying to discover why I can not get Windows Server 2008 or VMware ESXi to install on the new server.

Is there any software that is very reliable for creating bootable discs, my only guess is that Roxio or Toast is not creating the correct disc format. Still waiting on HP Tech Support to come back via e-mail with a valid reason why the server wont take either install on re-boot. It is PXE based would a Network Install be easier ?,

Niall Kelly

Hi again,

  If I sign up to TechNets single user basic subscription would I get the Product ID and Serial Code for Windows Server 2008, cause if I did I could use the Easy Set Up cd and insert the codes and install from there ?

Thanks,

Niall Kelly

Yes, you will get both product keys as well as downloadable ISO files and/or discs shipped to you, depending on what option(s) you pay for.  Word of warning.  If HPs easy Set Up uses a standard OS load, you cannot use TechNet keys with it.  They only work with Technet installs.  Dell OpenManage loader loads all the drivers and such and then requests a Windows disc.  If that is how HP operates, you should be able to run it and give it the technet disc.  Roxio and Toast can both create bootable CDs.  You just have to make sure the right files are on the image first.
Justin

Hi there,

  OK I've got the TechNet subscription. I've run the Easy Start CD to help prompt the Windows Server 2008 install, I used the serials from the TechNet site. I did notice that Windows Server 2008 R2 is not on the OS list when running from the Easy Start CD, should I try the Windows Server 2008 R2 iso disc image and just select Windows Server 2008 from the list via the Easy Start CD ?, or do I have to download Windows Server 2008 from the TechNet site and then give it to the server via the flash drive ?...can you install Windows Server 2008 and just upgrade to R2 ?, not really sure if R2 is a logical or physical difference to Windows Server, very new to this OS, I'm full of questions,

  I got no where with the HP tech support, I had to go back and undo all the BIOS changes they suggested cause the Easy Start CD would not work with the new configuarations.

Thanks,

Niall Kelly

You need to create a DVD from the ISO that you download from Technet. You should see a R2 download that can be put on a DVD.

Hi Darisg,

  For some reason when using the Easy Start CD, when you select the DVD radio button as the source location of the new OS, it only allows you to use flat files, the radio button for ISO disc image is gray out, however, if you select USB, the ISO disc image is available.

Thanks,

Niall Kelly

Hi there,

  While using the Easy Start CD, I get the red error message " Invalid Entry..." when I try to use either the USB or DVD disc with the ISO disc image on it.

Thanks,

Niall Kelly

You need to burn the ISO image to DVD so it will be a DVD not a DVD with the ISO file burned to it. Search your DVD burning software in the help area on burning a image.

Hi there,

  I have two types of DVD created, one with just the ISO disc image, and the other with the unpacked version, with the unpacked version I pointed the install to the setup.exe, the very same error message, I tested all the other file names on the unpacked disc, the same error message..

I think it is a setting on the HP within the BIOS that needs to change.

Thanks,

Niall Kelly

When you reboot the server with teh unpacked DVD can you boot to DVD?

Hi Dariusg,

  When I reboot the server using the unpacked DVD, it will not boot to DVD, I'm currently online with tech support in HP now trying to find a solution.

Thanks,

Niall Kelly

Sounds good.