VMware Server Install - Do I need the OS Disks?

radderfire · 20 Nov 2007 at 15:29

To install a new Virtual Machine in WMware Server, do I have to have the OS install disks myself, e.g. Win XP Pro disks, or can the VMware Server software do this all by itself?

Thanks

Radderfire

Rebelius · 20 Nov 2007 at 15:42

need the discs

Andre · 20 Nov 2007 at 15:42

You need a licence and discs for whatever OS you wish to install (true for all virtual machine software.)
The Windows OS (and any other licensed OS) will try and validate as if it was installed on a real machine.

sidethink · 20 Nov 2007 at 15:44

It is exactly the same as installing onto a physical server.

If you normally use disks and sit there for an hour installing everything, then you will end up doing that on VMware too.

If you are sophisticated enough to have a scripted answer file or enterprise level provisioning then you don't.

Bottom line, VMware is fantastic but it doesn't automate anything for you.