MCSE Lab setup - MS vs VMware virtualization??

The previous post got sidetracked (http://www.techexams.net/forums/mcsa-mcse-windows-2003-general/44933-setting-up-lab-mcsa.html), but I just wanted to continue the discussion of setting up a lab....

In the previous post,120nm4n stated that VMWare has an virtual appliance of Windows 2003R2, great!!

But it looks like there are tons of problems in getting it to run, see: VMware Communities: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition Virtual Appliance

AND, it looks like you have to use MS Virtual PC or MS Virtual Server

Has anyone got this to work with VMware alone?

My thoughts were to simply install VMware and run the 180d trial that comes with the MCSE Self Paced Books/CD's

(Sorry to post this here instead of Virtualization sub-forum - but this is where the original post originated)

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Comments

RobertKaucher

I have never had any issues getting the trials to run using any version of VMWare. I have used ESXi, Server and Workstation.

I would just set it up and install on a new VM. I usually copy my machines and run newSID. Faster than installing and updating 3 machines.

lespaulman74

Thanks Robert, will do!!

lanrysmith

I am also using VMware Virtualization and found many answers with searching of VMware Virtualization. You can also try this, if you have questions.

MrAgent

Im using hyper-v in an R2 installation. Working fine for me so far.

citinerd

Since you can get ESXi 4.1 for free, I would go with that. I built me one and love it.

MattMcNabb

RobertKaucher wrote: »

I have never had any issues getting the trials to run using any version of VMWare. I have used ESXi, Server and Workstation.

I would just set it up and install on a new VM. I usually copy my machines and run newSID. Faster than installing and updating 3 machines.

Seconded! I run ESXi and have several Server 2003 and Server 2008 machines with no issues. I have ISA 2006, Active Directory, Certificate Services and SQL Server 2005 all set up on a dual homed machine in a lab environment. I find this version of VMware to be extremely simple to use and its free!