Building a Server 2003 Lab with one computer

boatguy1982

Could someone help me with this. I have been trying to build a server 2003 lab but am completly lost. I have server 2003 installed on my computer as a 180 day trial. Can anyone help me from here. I cant connect to other computers on my lan because we all use dynamic IP addresses with an 8 hour release time so each time I program DHCP and DNS and come back the ip address has changed. Is there any virtual or simulation route?

Thanks, I know its an easy question for those of you who have been there but I am new to all this and am teaching myself.

Thanks,
Phil

Slowhand

You have to make sure your Windows 2003 box has a static IP address. I'd also recommend you set up that box as you DNS and DHCP server for the network you're on, if you're able. That way, you don't have to worry about the Server box losing track of the network nodes.

geekie

Is there any virtual or simulation route?

Yes indeed, both VMWare and MS Virtual Server are free products. They both require a fair amount of RAM for a two DC two member server scenario.

This link, although about setting up a two node cluster, gives a good intro in to creating a sysprepped 2003 server using a dynamically expanding virtual HDD. This will allow you to create VM's in minutes rather than hours!!

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/virtualserver/deploy/cvs2005.mspx