Microsoft released a new server hardware virtualization product yesterday: Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008. I've already discussed this product in full detail a while ago, so today I'll show you how to install this free and optimized Hyper-V product in five easy steps:

Step 1

Choose a good box to use. The processor should be a recent x86-64 one, like an AMD64 Athlon64, an AMD64 Opteron, or an Intel Core Duo processor. The motherboard and BIOS should be equipped with Hardware-assisted Virtualization and Hardware-enforced DEP.

Consult with your hardware vendor for suitable boxes before purchasing a suitable box.

Tip!
If you have a box you think is suitable download and run SecurAble, a tool by Gibson Research Corporation. It will not only show whether your hardware meets the requirements, but also whether Hardware Assisted Virtualization and Hardware-enforced DEP are enabled in BIOS.

Step 2

Download the ISO file containing Microsoft Hyper-V Server here.
It's available in English, German, Japanese, French, Spanish, Chinese Hong-Kong, Chinese Simplified, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Chinese Traditional, Italian and Russian.

Burn the 929 MB Weighing ISO file to a DVD or look here for instructions on creating a bootable USB disk or using your TCP-IP network instead.

Step 3

Boot your Hyper-V capable server from the installation media.
Wait until Windows is finished is loading files.

Select your language.

Select your regional and keyboard settings. When done press Next.

Press Install Now.

Read through the End User License Agreement (EULA) and select the I accept the license terms option before pressing Next.

Select the Custom (advanced) option for installation (Upgrade is unavailable)

Partition the disk(s) the way you want to and press Next to commence installation.

Wait for the Installation wizard to copy files, expand files, install features and install updates. Your server will restart before finishing installation and will restart again.

Step 4

Logon to the freshly created Hyper-V server installation by pressing the Other User button and specifying Administrator as the username and a blank password. Type a new password afterwards and confirm it.

Step 5

After logon the Hyper-V Configuration Tool (hvconfig.cmd) automatically launches. Use it to:

• Change workgroup settings or domain membership settings *
• Change the computer name *
• Change network settings
• Add local Administrator accounts
• Change Windows Update settings
• Download and install Windows updates.
• Change Remote Desktop settings
• Change Regional and Language settings (through inet.cpl)
• Change Date and Time settings (through timedate.cpl)
• Log off, restart and shutdown the box
• Exit to the command prompt

* Changing these settings requires a restart

Concluding

Setting up Microsoft Hyper-V Server is a piece of cake and can be achieved in 13 minutes.

If Joep Piscaer can do it, I don't think Eric Horschman would find it too difficult, dry or crunchy…

Further reading

Download Hyper-V Server 2008 now!
Download Details: Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 Configuration Guide
Download Details: Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008
Hyper-V Server Released
Bare metal hypervisor is here, along with new training, services
Hyper-V Server 2008 RTM available for download today!
Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 available as a download Today!
Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 Released!
Hyper-V How To: Make Hyper-V Install on Core Easier with HVCONFIG
Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008
Here comes free Hyper-V Server 2008
Hyper-V Server 2008 officially out
Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V Getting Started Guide
Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008
Hyper-V Stand Alone out for Consumption
Hyper-V Server guide & more screenshots
Hyper-V Server 2008 now available for download
Microsoft releases Hyper-V 2008 Server.
Microsoft Releases Hyper-V Server 2008 As Free Standalone HyperVisor
Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 is now Available for Download
Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 Available for Download
Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 Released
Joep Piscaer – Virtual Lifestyle