Step-By-Step: Installing Windows Server 2012 RTM from thumb-drive creating a “New” bootable Virtual Hard Disk

Here are my latest notes for boot to .VHD without messing up your bare metal.

This process can be used for Windows Server 2012 or Windows 8.

Here’s what you need to have in your IT Toolbox for this exercise.

-          USB Drive (4GB or larger)

-          .ISO File of Windows Server 2012 RTM Eval 180-Days

-          The Windows 7 USB/DVD Download

Native VHD boot is supported only by Windows 7, and it is restricted to the following editions:

• Windows® 7 Enterprise
• Windows® 7 Ultimate
• Not Professional My understanding of this is that Native VHD Boot of the Windows 7 OS is only supported on Enterprise and Ultimate.  However, using BCDBOOT, I’ve seen other OS’s booted on a PC that originally had Windows 7 Home, Pro, Enterprise and Ultimate installed as its native OS. Thanks Keith.
  

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd799282(v=WS.10).aspx

Get your Windows Server 2012 RTM Eval and Windows 8 Eval .ISO downloads at: http://aka.ms/msproducts

Check your BIOS – Boot and do an F2 – or whatever your BIO enablement is (F10, ThinkVantage Blue Button or whatever to boot into your BIOS). 

Check the following:

o    Enable “Virtualization Technology [VT]” (Processor)

o    Enable “Data Execution Prevention [DEP]” (Security)

o    Enable “Second Level Address Translation [SLAT]”

o    Change boot sequence to allow media (USB Drive)

Get a USB Thumb Drive. 4GB – 8GB (Note: 4GB will work for .ISO boot as the files are 3.44GB.  The drive will be formatted!)

You can use the GUI (Graphical User Interface)   Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool that is in the parking lot of the This is a great tool at the Microsoft Store location at: http://images2.store.microsoft.com/prod/clustera/framework/w7udt/1.0/en-us/Windows7-USB-DVD-tool.exe

Or you can do the CUI (Character User Interface) later in the post.

It is all Step-By-Step.  Want to have it easy? 

Start the USB Boot Tool -

Choose the .ISO

Choose the Media – USB or DVD -  It’s that Easy

Insert USB Device

Create the USB Bootable Device

If you want to do the CUI for the USB Thumb Drive which ends with the same results, do the following:

Open up – Command Prompt

diskpart - enter

list disk enter. Find your USB drive letter.

(CAUTION: Be sure to select the CORRECT DISK before formatting)

select disk 1  (Replace disk 1 with your disk number)

clean

Sample below:

create partition primary

select partition 1

active

format fs=ntfs

(Format process may take a couple of minutes)

assign

exit

Sample below:

Copy the Windows files from the .ISO to your USB drive with Windows Server 2012 90-Evaluation downloaded from http://aka.ms/msproducts

Sample below:

Make sure your computer BIOS is set to boot to USB

Boot from USB (it will do this automatically if you build the USB to be bootable above!)

CAUTION!  If you want to keep you OS and dual boot, do not delete your primary on System Partition on Drive 0 and OS partition on Drive 1.

Create a new partition for your boot to VHD.

To to this, go through the Windows Server 2012 install until you see the partitions screen.

Hit SHIFT + F10 to open a command prompt window,  find the installation drive (dir c:, dir d:, dir e: and keep this drive) usually c:

DISKPART

create vdisk file=e:\BootDemo.vhd type=expandable maximum=40000

attach vdisk

Hit REFRESH to see the partition, to see a video go to my buddy’s Dan Stolt’s at http://aka.ms/Boot2VHD

Continue and the install will begin and start loading the files.

FYI - Note:   Windows Product Key is not required for this 180-Day Evaluation Edition. You can always add your Product Key in later with “Activate with a new key”.

This is what you will see on the desktop on first boot.

Take the defaults on the Language screen Click Next

Click Install now on the install screen

If Installing Windows Server 2012 Datacenter (Server with a GUI) x64 –

Note: Click the 4th line item for the GUI.

 The default install is now Server Core click Next

Read License Agreement, Click checkbox “I accept the license terms” then Click Next

The disk you are using should be listed. If not, you will need to Load driver. Select the disk you will be installing on. Select the 39.9 partition want to change drive options Click Next

It will then start copying files. This will take a while (could be 20 minutes or so depending on hardware performance)

It will reboot a couple times (automatically) after the first reboot it will no longer be running off of the USB (if you see the Install screen, take out the USB, cancel the Install and Reboot.

The install for the Boot to VHD routine will continue….

In the Password box enter a new password for this computer. It must meet complexity requirements. Re-enter the password in the second password box then click Finish

If you are using Windows Server 2012 Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete at the same time to get the login screen

Enter password and press <ENTER>

If you are using Windows Server 2012 - The Desktop will be displayed and Server Manager will be opened automatically.

If you are using Windows Server 2012 Press Windows Key on the keyboard will bring up the start screen (formerly known as Start Menu)

If you Right-Click on Computer you will see the new right-click menu is on the bottom of the screen instead of in a dropdown box. Select Properties

We can now change the computer name by clicking on Change Settings

If you are using Windows Server 2012 Type new computer name you would like to use and click OK

Click OK on the information box

Click OK to allow a restart

Then click Restart Now on the final dialog box.

When the computer restarts it will have the new name,

Note: You will see the dual boot to boot to .VHD which is usually your Volume 2, and the NATIVE operating system is usually Volume 1.

Deleting the Boot to the Virtual Hard Disk Scenario

To get your machine back to boot off of the NATIVE operating system (ie. Volume 1) Hit the Windows Key + C then go to SEARCH, or click the lower right-hand corner and go to SEARCH and type in MSCONFIG (under APPS).

In MSCONFIG, go to the BOOT tab and Delete the one you want to disguard but keep the Current OS as that will be your bare metal installation of Windows.

Click “Ok”.

To delete the .VHD and dual boot go to Desktop and Windows Explorer and delete the BootDemo.vhd file, Click Continue in the message box, then empty the Recycling Bin.

If you have issues- boot to the Native Operating System DVD and use the System Repair in Windows.

• 
  

Download, product downloads, Blain Barton, Windows Server 2012

Read more »

Posted in: OIT HelpDesk - Knowledgebase,Windows Server 2012

My department is scheduled to be migrated to Active Directory. Will my whole department be unable to use their computers at the same time?

No, the department will be functional on the day of migration. An Implementation Team from OIT will arrive in your department on the day of the migration. The team will work on individual computers until the process is complete. If there are four team members, then four computers are down at the same time until all computers have been migrated. The migration process is relatively quick.

Read more »

Posted in: Account Admin/Access Control,Active Directory,OIT HelpDesk - Knowledgebase

To locate the MAC Address of your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch, follow these steps:

1. Tap Settings.
   
   
   
2. Select General.
   
   
   
3. Select About.
   
   
   
4. The Mac address is listed as Wi-Fi Address.
   

Read more »

Posted in: IOS

How do I know which Windows bit count (32 or 64) I have?

XP Click Start, and then click Control Panel.


Then open System.
Then the System Properties opens.
For a 64-bit version operating system: Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version < Year> appears under System.
For a 32-bit version operating system: Windows XP Professional Version <Year> appears under System.
Note <Year> is a placeholder for a year.
Vista and 7

Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

Then open System.


The operating system information is displayed as follows:
The bit version is listed on the right of System type:

Read more »

Posted in: Hardware/OS,OIT HelpDesk - Knowledgebase

Why am I getting the message that I do not have admin rights when trying to install Forefront?

1. If you are not logged in with an account having administrator rights on the computer.

2. If you try to use either installer on Windows 2000. If you are using Windows 2000, then you will need to contact the Helpdesk.

3. If you are trying to install the 64-bit installer on a 32-bit Windows operating system (OS) and vice versa. You will need to download the 32-bit installer for a 32-bit Windows OS and the 64-bit installer for a 64-bit Windows OS. 
4. If the computer does not have the proper Windows Updates installed prior to installing Forefront.

Read more »

Posted in: Forefront

How can I download and install Forefront?

Go to OIT Software Distribution Internet Downloads then enter your NetID and your NetID password and select Log In.


Select Microsoft ForeFront Antivirus for Windows XP and Vista 32 bit or 64 bit depending on your bit version.


Click on Download selected item at the bottom of the page.


Then click on the link Click here to begin download


There may be some security windows that will open to verify that you wish to proceed, just choose Yes or OK. On the File Download window choose the Save option.

Then select the location on the computer that you wish to save it to. Then select Save.


After selecting Save, it will give a download progression window.

How do I install Forefront?

When the download is finished choose the Run option.



There may be verification or security windows that may pop up, just choose the Run and OK options. Then the install process should begin. Quick note, if there is a check in the box next to Close this dialog box when download completes, then it will automatically start the install process. If for some reason it closed and did not start to run automatically, then just go to the location where the file was saved to on the computer and open the file, it will also start the install process. The file should look like this


It will quickly extract the files. Then a box will open up like below, select OK.
It will begin the install process and a couple of boxes will appear


Click on OK and the installation is complete.

Read more »

Posted in: Forefront

What is Forefront?

What is Forefront?

Microsoft Forefront Client Security guards against threats, such as spyware, rootkits, viruses, worms, and Trojan horses.
There are two components to the Forefront Client Security solution:
The first component is the Antimalware Service, which provides real-time protection from threats, such as spyware, viruses, and rootkits.
The second component is the State Assessment Service, which helps determine if the system needs patches or is configured insecurely. It generates reports and alerts about the security status of the system.

Why the change from McAfee to Forefront?

The University has recently signed the Microsoft Campus Agreement, and Forefront has been included in this agreement.

Which Operating Systems are currently being supported for Forefront by the University?

Windows XP, Vista and 7, 32-bit and 64-bit systems are being supported. Also Windows 2000 is still being supported, but if you have Windows 2000 and need Forefront installed please call the Helpdesk for assistance, at (865) 974-9900.

How do I know which bit version of Windows I have?

Click Start, and then click Control Panel. Then double click to open System. The operating system is displayed as follows:
For XP
For a 64-bit version operating system: Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version < Year> appears under System. For a 32-bit version operating system: Windows XP Professional Version <Year> appears under System. Note <Year> is a placeholder for a year.
For Vista and 7
The bit version is listed on the right of System type:

Will Forefront work on an Apple?

At this time Microsoft has elected not to support Apple's Operating System (OS) with their Microsoft Forefront Client Security software. However, if Windows XP, Vista or 7 is installed via Boot Camp, then Forefront should work just like it is on a Windows PC.

Does the University offer any anti-virus support for Apple OS X?

The University is currently supporting Clam X for Apple OS X.

Is Clam X managed by the University?

No, Clam X is open source software.

Where can I get Clam X?

This program can be downloaded from the website http://www.clamxav.com.

What should be done before Forefront is installed?

You will need to be logged into the computer with administrator (admin) privileges. If you do not have admin rights to the computer then you will need to contact the person who does have admin rights before beginning this process. The computer will need to have the most current Windows Updates. For Windows XP, must have Service Pack (SP) 3, and post SP3 updates are recommended. For Vista, SP1 and post updates are recommended. Also Mcafee VirusScan Enterprise and McAfee Agent will need to be uninstalled, or any other anti-virus program that is already installed.

Who can use it?

Right now the license allows Faculty/Staff to download and run Forefront on any University owned computer. Faculty and Staff can also download and run it on their personally owned computers.

Can students use it?

The license only covers Faculty/Staff.

What options are there for students?

The University is currently supporting Microsoft Security Essentials for students.

What are the options during the network registration (netreg) process?

There will be no antivirus installed during the netreg process. However, after registering the computer upon restart, it will go to the anti-virus site, where you will choose your primary affiliation, student or faculty/staff. There you log in to download Forefront or McAfee, depending on your primary affiliation.

How will I know what my primary affiliation is?

If you are not sure of your primary affiliation, you can check it by logging into the UT Directory at http://directory.utk.edu.  After logging in, click Show Details and look for the Primary affiliation field.  Your affiliation will be listed in that field. 

Where can I download Forefront?

Forefront is available for download at the OIT Software Distribution Internet Downloads website. Log in with your NetID and password, and select Forefront from the list. Download or save the file onto the computer.

How do I install Forefront?

To begin the install process, double click or open the Forefront installer. A box will open up like below, select OK.

It will begin the install process and a couple of boxes will appear


Click on OK and the installation is complete.

How do I update Forefront?

Forefront definitions are updated using Microsoft Updates. The Forefront installer will update the way the computer will get updates from Microsoft, it will change it from Windows Updates to Microsoft Updates if it had not already been set to do Microsoft Updates previous to installing Forefront.

What is the difference between Windows Updates and Microsoft Updates?

Windows Updates will check for updates for your operating system, to ensure it is patched with the latest updates from Microsoft. All Windows computers need Windows Updates current to prevent known vulnerabilities from being executed and taken advantage of on your computers from hackers.
Microsoft Updates encompass Windows Updates, but in addition it will also check for updates for Microsoft Office and all other Microsoft software, including Forefront.

How will I know if Forefront is out of date or needs updating?

It will have an icon with a yellow square with a white circle in it and a black exclamation point inside it. By taking the mouse over it, it will show what the problem or area of concern is, including it being out of date.

Also when you open Forefront, the bottom half will give you the date the last definitions were installed. Note: After initially installing Forefront, you may have to give it up to 30 minutes or so to get the initial update from Microsoft for Forefront. If after 30 minutes from installing, that Forefront is not up to date, then restart the computer. If it has still not been updated then update it.

How do I update it?

It can be updated the same way Windows Updates are installed. Just select Start > All Programs > Windows Updates. Note: to select Windows Updates or Microsoft Updates in Windows XP will now both take Internet Explorer to Microsoft Updates.

Will it update automatically?

Yes, it can update automatically if you have Automatic Updates turned on to download and install updates automatically.

How do I know if I have Automatic Updates configured to install automatically?

XP

Go to the Control Panel and open Automatic Updates and if the top option is selected, Automatic (recommended) then it should be set to update automatically.

Vista and 7

Open Windows Updates and on the left there will be an option that says Change settings and if the top item is selected Install updates automatically (recommended), then Forefront will update automatically. Also the Update service should have use Microsoft Update checked.

Will the University push out updates for Forefront?

The University will not have an on campus server for Forefront. Therefore, any and all updates will be coming from Microsoft directly.

How will I know if it is up to date?

There will be a green check box icon on the bottom right of the system tray to inform that it is up to date and working fine.

How do I run scans?

There are 3 scan options, quick, custom and full.
A quick scan checks the places on your computer's hard disk that malware is most likely to infect and scans all currently running programs. To run a quick scan simply open Forefront, and at the top select Scan and it will start the quick scan immediately.

In addition, by clicking on the drop down on the right of Scan, there is an option for Quick Scan as well.

A Full Scan will check all files on your hard disk and all currently running programs. To run a Full Scan simply click on the drop down and select Full Scan and it will begin the Full scan immediately.

The custom scan allows to scan specific areas of your computer only. You can select certain drives, folders and sub folders to be scanned. However, if malware is detected, Client Security will then run a quick scan so the detected items can be removed from the other areas of your computer, if needed. To run the custom scan click on the drop down and select Custom Scan

Then select Scan selected drives and folders and then click on Select

Then select the drive you which to scan and if you want to scan only specific folders, then click on the + symbol on the left of the drive and it will show all the folders that are present in that drive. Then from there, by clicking on the + on the folder inside that drive will show the sub folders, if there are any present.

If there are no folders inside the folder selected then the + will disappear when you click on the +. For instance there are no folders inside the Work folder, therefore the + has disappeared when it was clicked on.

Notice how some of the boxes are grayed out. They are drives that the computer recognizes that are on it, but there is no media in the drives. Where the A drive is the floppy drive but there is no floppy disk present. Likewise the D and E optical drives also do not have anything in them. When the computer detects that the drives have media the boxes will go white and it will display the title of the drive. For instance the D drive now has a disk in it titled Mac Drivers.


Note: if you select a drive and uncheck any of the subfolders the main box will go from white to gray to alert that not all the sub folders are checked.

Once the folders and drives have been selected for the custom scan, it goes back to the Select scan options window and click on Scan Now and it will start the custom scan.

During the scans, it will look something like this

Where the type of scan will be in ( ), if it is full, custom or quick.

How long will a full scan take?

That will depend on how large the total capacity of the hard drive and how much space is being used on the hard drive.

Read more »

Posted in: Forefront