WDS Deploying Windows Part 1: Install and Configure WDS
KB ID 0000735 Problem You want to deploy the Windows 8 Client Operating System, to a number of clients using WDS. In this part we will configure the WDS Server, then we will move onto taking an image of your reference Windows 8 machine. Finally we will cover taking that image, and deploying it out to many target systems. Solution Add the WDS Role 1. From Server Manager (ServerManager.exe) > Local Server. 2. Manage > Add Roles...
Windows 10 – Update the Windows Build
KB ID 0001026 Problem I’ve had the Windows 10 technical preview for a while now, but other that run it up in VMware workstation I’ve not done much with it. Today I wanted to check something, and found out my build was too old. I was just about to head over to MSDN and get the latest ISO when I thought, “I wonder if I can update it ‘in place'”. Note: This procedure is going to take a while. Solution 1....
Windows 10 – Install The VMware Virtual Infrastructure Client
KB ID 0001082 Problem Have you installed the VI client on Windows 10? My boss asked me this week, I replied no, but if it didn’t work then loads of people would soon be moaning. I remember sometime ago I had to use comparability mode to install it on Windows 8. I had the brainwave, “Why not ThinApp the client” it would work then, but the 5.5 client stubbornly refused to fire and the ThinApp package size was...
Windows 8 -“Windows cannot read the setting from the unattend answer file.”
KB ID 0000511 Problem Note: This is applicable to running the Windows 8 Developer Preview in VMware Workstation. When you attempt to power on the machine you see the following error: Install Windows Windows cannot read the <ProductKey> setting from the unattend answer file. Solution 1. Delete your broken virtual machine and create a new one, but this time select “I will install the operating system later” Note: Just...
Windows 8 (Server and Client) Black Screen (Post VMware Tools Install)
KB ID 0000587 Problem I’ve seen this on both the Windows 8 (Consumer Preview), and the Windows Server 8 (Beta), whilst running them in VMware Workstation 8. They install fine, but if you install the VMware tools all you get is a black screen. This is because the SVGA Driver than VMware Tools installs Windows 8 does NOT Like. Note: This does not hppen on ESXi 5. Solution I knew this was going to happen, so I took a snapshot...
How Do I Shut Down Windows 8?
KB ID 0000588 Problem Like Windows 7, Windows 8 is more than happy to gracefully shutdown if you press the power button on your PC/Laptop/Tablet. But now you don’t have a “Start Button” where’s the option to turn it off? You might find it simpler just to Create a Shutdown shortcut on the Start Menu. Solution How to Shut Down Windows 8 1. Press Windows Key+I > Power > Shut down. How to Shut Down Windows 8...
Running Windows Server 8 in VMware ESXi
KB ID 0000590 Problem The very fist time I tried this was on ESXi 4.1, if you try and install Windows 8 Server on that platform, you will see the following. Your computer ran into a problem and needs to restart. If you’d like to know more, you can search online later for this code: HAL_INITIALIZATION_FAILED It’s collecting error info and will restart in: x seconds Note: You will also see this in VMware player, and VMware...
Dual Booting Windows 8 with Windows 7
KB ID 0000653 Problem In the next couple of months Windows 8 will go RTM. For those of you with Technet, MSDNor Open Value subscriptions you can already get your hands on it. For anyone not wanting to take the ‘plunge’ and reinstall your OS, you can simply ‘Dual Boot’. Then you can get used to Windows 8 in your own good time. If you suddenly find you need Windows 7 simplify reboot and it will still be there....
Windows – Map a Drive to OneDrive
KB ID 0000659 Problem You could do this with Windows 7, but as you can log into Windows 8 with your Microsoft Live ID (formally Microsoft Passport), the process is a lot simpler. Solution 1. Whist logged into Windows 8 with your Microsoft Live ID, open your web browser and go to https://onedrive.live.com/about/en-gb/ Log in > Files > Create > Folder. 2. For simplicity I’ve just called the folder SkyDrive. 3. Open a...
How to Join Windows to a Domain
KB ID 0000661 Problem If you are struggling with the new Windows UI, then routine tasks like joining a domain can be hard to locate. Solution Before you start, I’m assuming there are no problems with your domain and the Windows 8 client can resolve the domain name with DNS. 1. Press Windows Key+X to bring up the advanced context menu > Control Panel > System and Security. Technical Ninja Tip: You can launch the run...