You have all been great! What's in the box and final questions.

joemc3

I have asked many mundane questions and this won't be any different. I have read many articles but no one seems to ask the questions in my way.

I now have my server. I was able to get windows server 2012 R2 standard edition for free through my ninja network crew. I think I can get a free version of the newest Vcenter.

Anyways, I understand you can put an iso of W12R2 on a virtualized machine. My question is can I install W12R2 as the base for my machine and then ESXI? Should I install ESXi first then partition W12R2 on the server?

I'm not sure how this affects my operation.

Thank you all!

Asif Dasl

You will be fine for licensing, you can just use trials for Server 2012 (180 days) or vSphere (60 days) both of which can be reset.

I presume you only have 1 server here so if you are running the lab nested on Server 2012 then you can follow this post. But if you are running nested on ESXi then you need to install ESXi then manage ESXi from another computer. You don't say which one you are doing...

Check this guy's YouTube channel for videos on installing ESXi on VMware Workstation & Windows 7...

BTW - What was the specs of your server that you got??

joemc3

I am using 1 server and my main computer for workstation 10. What offers more functionality and ease of use? The nested lab nested on Server 2012 or nested on ESXi then you need to install ESXi then manage ESXi from another computer. Thank you DASL. My prior experience to computers is hitting the power button and then firing up some league of legends. My apologies for the complete lack of knowledge. I am a fast learner...if it helps I am Platinum 3.

Asif Dasl

If you had some Not-For-Resale licenses for vSphere I would say ESXi on ESXi - but you might have a lot of re-installing to do without NFR licenses.

But you've got a Server 2012 license so I would probably install Server 2012 on your server, then VMware Workstation and then follow the post I left you with and the YouTube Channel to guide you through the process.

You could also use the Server 2012 installation as your domain controller and use it as your iSCSI target for shared storage during vMotions as well.

You are going to need 1 domain controller, 1 vCenter Server (free linux appliance or installed on Server 2008/2012 trial) and 2 ESXi hosts. Shared storage for vMotions can be Starwind or just use iSCSI on the domain controller or vCenter server.

Plenty of ways to skin a cat as they say!