Part 02 - Create a server template for cloning up Servers

Let's get started :D

VMware Workstation Settings

Create a folder on your SSD HDD named VMware. This folder will be the default location for your virtual machines.

VMware Workstation > Edit > Preference... > Workspace >

Default location for virtual machines: C:\VMware

VMware Workstation  > File > New Virtual Mashine... or Ctrl+N

Choose "Custom (advanced)" and press "Next >"

press "Next >"

Choose "I will install the operating system later." and press "Next >"

Version select "Windows Server 2012" and press "Next >"

Give the VM a name: W2012R2_Template

Under location i added a subfolder "trainingLAB". Cause i want to keep the labs VM's in the same folder.

Select firmware type : "BIOS" and press "Next >"

Gave my VM's Server template two processor with one core. Press "Next >"

2048 MB memory should be fine here. You can also go back and change if it not enough. Press "Next >"

Network for now use "NAT" we are gonna use it to update the image with patches from Windows Update. Press "Next >"

Default settings. Press "Next >"

Default settings. Press "Next >"

Choose: Create a new virtual disk. Press "Next >"

120 GB disk size and one big single file :D

Next >

Review your settings here. Press "Customize Hardware..."

Mount your ISO file. 

Download a copy here: evaluate-windows-server-2012 180 days

Remove check on "Automatically connect new USB devices"

Remove the "Printer".

Now we done press "Finish".

Give your VM's a short description. I created a folder in the left to keep the trainingLAB's VM's in under. Power up the new vm.

Choose you language and keyboard settings. Next.

Install now.

Type in key and Next.

https://technet.microsoft.com/da-dk/library/jj612867.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396

Server with a GUI. 

Accept the license terms. Next.

Choose: Custom Install Windows only (advanced).

Next.

Wait for windows install get done.

Type in a password that you can remember :D

Press CTRL+ALT+INSERT or the icon with the 3 boxes.

Type in your password.

No to find content on this network.

Choose "Local Server" and press on "Never" to start Windows Update.

Press "Check for updates"

Choose all updates and press "Install updates". Run this a couple of times to get all updates.

When update is done. Browser to "C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep". Run sysprep.exe as administrator.

Choose "Generalize" and "Shutdown".

VM > Snapshot > Take Snapshot..."

Give the snapshot a name and a description.

Snapshot done. Close.

Let's protect the template from getting deleted accidentally. Go to "Settings" > "Options" > "Advanced" > "Enable Template mode (to be used for cloning)".

And now you done. next up is creating our first clone.

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