Like many of you I downloaded the Windows 8 Release Preview as well as Visual Studio 2012 RC today.
I knew I’d want to use it in some Virtual Machines as well as Boot to VHD.
So how did I do it and save some time?
- Download the ISO from Microsoft.
- Create a new Hyper-V VM.
When choosing the VHD size, I start small—I can always make it bigger. For Windows 8, Visual Studio 2012 RC, and Office 2010, I make it 32 GB fixed since I know I’ll need that much plus a bit of buffer.
NOTE: If you’re going to use Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 (instead of Windows Server 2012 RC) to host your Window 8 VM, you’ll want to make sure you have this hot fix installed before you try and boot your Windows 8 VM as a guest. - Install Windows 8. When I get a chance to create the first account, I only create a local account like Installer since I know I’m going to use sysprep. I wait until I’m using a “real” version before I add my Live ID.
- I like to enable the local Administrator account and set a password.
- I then run Windows Update and then shutdown.
- Export a copy.
Windows 8
- Install Visual Studio 2012 RC.
.
Visual Studio 2012
- Install Office 2010 Pro with SP1.
- Windows Update and then shutdown.
- Export a copy.
- Now start it back up and log into the virtual machine.
- Log on as the local Administrator.
- Start a command prompt (elevated if you’re not using the local Administrator).
- Change directories to C:\Windows\System32\Sysprep.
- Type sysprep and press return.
Windows 8 Sysprep
- Pick OOB, generalize and then click OK.
- Wait for it to Shutdown.
- Backup the VHD.
- Now copy to a real machine that I want to use it on with Boot to VHD.
- Go to Windows 7 for example and mount the VHD .
- Use System Configuration to make sure I don’t have an existing Windows 8 entry. If I do rename with BCDEDIT.
- Start an Administrative command prompt.
- Change to C:\Windows\System32 and type bcdboot V:\Windows where V: is the driver letter assigned to the mounted VHD.
- Reboot and let Windows 8 do through the OOB experience.
- Log in with my Live ID, add missing drivers.
- Visit the Windows 8 store.
Enjoy!