HowTo Server 2008
HowTo: Install the WSv Role in Windows Server 2008 RC0
Install the Windows Server virtualization (WSv) role in Windows Server 2008 RC (Release Candidate) 0.
If you want to give WSv(aka. Viridian) a whirl, you must have specific hardware capabilities. Your processor must be 64-bit, have XD/NX (eXecute Disable/No Execute) turned on, and support Intel VT or AMD-V. Further, the BIOS must support these features. It is recommended that even if your hardware does have these capabilities, you upgrade to the latest version of the BIOS.
Once activated the new role will reboot the machine in hypervisor mode, putting Windows operating system in the so called Parent Partition, as Viridian architecture implies.
WSv is a “role” in Windows Server 2008. Roles are installed through “Server Manager”, available directly on the start menu on a default installation. By all means, take a browse through Server Manager. It won’t take long to realize that WSv is not present. That is because you need to install a couple of updates to Windows Server 2008 before the role is present.
- Navigate to the <systemdrive>\windows\wsv directory
- Double-click Windows6.0-KB939854-x64.msu and complete the installation
- Double-click Windows6.0-KB939853-x64.msu, read and accept the EULA and complete the installation
Without documenting a detailed walkthrough in the process of adding roles using Server Manager, hopefully everything is reasonably self-evident.
After a restart, the role configuration will complete and WSv is installed and ready to use. You will find the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) for Windows Server virtualization on the Administrative tools menu available on the Start button.
