Windows 8 Hyper-V

Windows 8 Hyper-V

Hyper-V, is included in Windows 8 Professional. Once created, a VM, can install any OS you want, including Windows 3.1 through Windows 8, Linux, BSD, and others. These instructions show how to get Windows xp 32-bit running as a virtual computer.

There are a host of articles written on using Hyper-V Server 2008. To save time these are used with illustrated screen shot differences to fill in the gaps, so that the complete story is shown.

Install Windows 8 Hyper-V

I found these instructions after I had done my installation. 

 I didn't  install the entire package initially. Make sure that the tick is in the main box and all the components are selected. My box had a smaller square in it. 

STOP just before you reach the the Virtual Switch Manager.

Extract Windows xp

The following article describes how to get a virtual hard disk with Windows xp already on it. The advantage of using this method is that it

• saves using the Windows CD disk
• It includes Service Pack 3
• and all the updates.

Even if you have a CD with a key, use this method and use your own key.

When it is extracted, copy it to C:\Users\Public\Documents\Hyper-V\Virtual hard disks directory. Then rename the file VirtualXP.VHD.

Import Virtual Machine

Select this option and follow the instructions given by the Wizard. Select the folder and filename where the copy of the extracted Windows xp file is as above.

Virtual Switch Manager

The author states:-

"One other super important piece of advice is to remember to create virtual switches at this point. It makes guest VM setup much easier on Windows 8 Hyper-V." I wish I had known this.

Here are my screen shots with the two virtual switches configured and selected. One connects to the Hardware Ethernet port (for Internet connection) and the other one is used to connect to the Host Computer Port (to transfer files).

Important Note:

• Give the switches meaningful names now, so that they can be connected to the correct network adapter.
• There are 'hidden' sections which are selected by expanding the tree on the left-hand side.

Hardware Ethernet port (for Internet connection)

Host Computer Port

Settings for Client on Server

These are the options available. Have a look at each section and see if they make sense.

• Add Hardware - We will use this in the next section, stand by . . .
• BIOS - change -  tick Num Lock I use Num Lock and when this was un-ticked, when I used the virtual machine it cancelled it.
• Memory - Left as Default. My readings are:- 
  Startup RAM: 512MB. Tick Enable Dynamic Memory. Minimum RAM: 512MB Maximum RAM: 1048576 Memory buffer: 20. Memory weight mid way. 
• Processor - no change
• IDE Controller 0 - no change
• IDE Controller 1 - no change
• SCSI Controller- no change
• Network Adapter - There is one already there. We will be adding another network adapter and then set them both up.
• COM 1 - no change
• COM 2 - no change
• Diskette Drive - no change

Network cards - Adding, Connecting and Configuring

The steps

• Connect and configure the existing Network Card #1
• Add another Network card #2
• Connect and configure the additional Network Card #2

Connect and configure the existing Network Card #1

Select the Network card already there. Change the settings as follows:-

Add another Network card #2

Select Add Hardware, then Network Adapter.

Connect and configure the additional Network Card #2

Change their settings as follows:-

External Links

Install Hyper-V

http://www.servethehome.com/install-windows-8-hyper-v-3-minutes/

(return to main text)

Extract Windows xp

http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/vip/~3/JcICY7amrmE/how-to-run-windows-xp-for-free-in-windows-8

(return to main text - Extract Windows xp)

Hyper-V Virtual Switch Overview

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831452.aspx

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831823.aspx

(return to main text - Virtual Switch Manager)

What's New in Hyper-V Virtual Switch

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj679878.aspx

(return to main text - Virtual Switch Manager)

Activate Windows xp

run %systemroot%\system32\msoobe.exe /a

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307890/en-us