Install Windows Server 2012 in VMware Workstation

This procedure describes how to install Windows Server 2012 in VMware Workstation. The following versions are used:

  • VMware Workstation Technology Preview 2012 e.x.p Build-646643
  • Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate Datacenter Build 8400

In VMware Workstation Technology Preview 2012 create a new VM with the following settings:

  • New Virtual Machine
  • Custom (advanced)
  • Workstation Tech Preview
  • Select “I will install the operating system later”
  • Select “Microsoft Windows” and select as version “Windows 8 x64”
  • Set the Name and Location
  • Minimal 1 processor, 1 core
  • 2048 MB memory
  • Select “Use network address translation (NAT)”
  • Select “LSI Logic SAS”
  • Create a new virtual disk
  • SCSI
  • 60 GB disk size
  • Leave default disk file
  • Finish
  • After the VM is created, edit virtual Machine settings and browse for  the Windows Server 2012 ISO in the the CD/DVD option

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  • Remove the VM from VMware Workstation by clicking on the X icon

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  • Edit the VMX file (i use Notepad++)  and add the following line  to the end to of the VMX file:
vmGenCounter.enable = FALSE
  • Add the VM back to VMware Workstation by clicking on the *.VMX file

  • During the installation choose the Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate (Server wit GUI)

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  • When the installation is ready you have a working Windows Server 2012 server

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  • Install VMware tools