How to setup a base Virtual Machine for use in VMware Workstation

This post discusses setting up a base Virtual Machine to allow creating multiple machines in a timely manner. 

Create Base Image

1.  Create a new virtual machine for 2008 R2.  I normally use the following base specs

• 1 – 2 processors
• 1 Gig of Ram
• 60 gig System Drive (Dynamically Expanding)

2.  Launch the VM and install Server 2008 R2

3.  Update the VM with all of the latest patches.  I normally install .net 3.5 SP1 (enable) and .net 4.0 at this point

4.  Sys Prep the machine so when cloned – it will launch with a new SID so it can be joined to a domain without the need for major changes

• Launch C:\Windows\System32\sysprep\sysprep.exe
• Set to the settings below and click ok

5.  The machine is now shutdown.  Take a snapshot and label “sysprep”.

You are now ready to clone this machine to another machine

Clone Machine

1.  Right click on the VM Tab and select Clone

2.  Choose the snapshot created above

3.  Select your location (I like to use a sub folder inside the base VM folder for ease of use when migrating to a different machine / disk / etc). 

4.  Once the clone is complete – modify the hardware settings as needed (Number of processors, memory, etc)

5.  Launch the machine and rename the Computer name to a desired name