So I’ve been reading the posts about installing Vista Beta 1 on VMware since my initial post and observations on the evening it was released. What puzzles me is the requirement everyone seems to throw around of having to partition and format with a Windows XP disk or running diskpart from a recovery console. Unless I’m in a bubble or happen to have “special bits” (read: not likely) this just isn’t necessary to install Vista Beta 1 on VMware v5 build 13124.
Here’s how to get it done using only the Vista installer.
- First, create yourself a new VM in VMware with a new “raw” virtual disk. Attach your Vista Beta 1 DVD and start ‘er up.
- Now, make your way through the installer until you are faced with the Hard Disk selection screen. You don’t have to click anything other than Next to make it here since the new “raw” disk file is empty and without partitions. The installer will guide you here automatically.
- Right underneath the disk graphic you’ll see a New button. Click this and select the max size (or whatever you like, I only tested with max) for the partition and click Ok.
- Now, you can click Format if you want then click next on the popup screen but it just won’t do anything. The thing to do now is REBOOT
- Since VMware BIOS defaults to Hard Disk before CD in boot order you will now either have to change the boot order or hit ESC for a boot menu. Select your CD drive and let the Vista install load.
- Now, as you click Next through the installer you’ll find yourself once again at the Hard Disk screen. Just click NEXT, not format or anything else, just NEXT.
The installer will now continue on and format and install Vista. All without Windows XP disks or recovery consoles. I’ve done this several times and it works every time. I just did it again while writing this post.
The question you may ask is: Is this really that different than pressing SHIFT-F12 during the Vista install and using DISKPART? No, I don't suppose but it is easier IMO to just use the installer than trying to use DISKPART from a recovery console. Be your own judge.
Now, installing it on VPC or Virtual Server is a whole different story, and not as easy. I’m a VMware guy myself and while I could talk about installing it on Virtual Server I’ll save that one for someone else.
If you don't get your question answered here or are having a specific problem please feel free to browse this site further or check out the Windows Vista Beta 1 forum courtesy of the South Central Indiana .NET Users Group.
If you’re just getting into Virtual Machines or want a compelling reason to go one way or another take a look at VMware’s new VMTN program. Their VMware Technology Network (VMTN) provides the subscriber with almost all of their virtual machine products like Workstation, ESX Server, GSX Server etc. on a limited “development” only license. Now, honestly I only use VMware for development. I know that some, or lots actually, use ESX or GSX server for virtualization of their servers and in that case this is not for you. If you develop on virtual machines and want to use them in a development / testing environment then you really need to check them out. I first heard of the program at TechEd and signed up the very next week.