Overview of free Server Core configuration tools
Since the launch of Windows Server 2008 a lot of configuration tools have been released to help administrators get the most out of Server Core installations of Windows Server 2008 and Hyper-V Server 2008 installations.
This blog post features free configuration tools and initiatives to develop this kind of tools for Server Core installations of Windows Server 2008. You will find both graphical and command line tools to help you configure (some of the) settings in Server Core installations of Windows Server 2008 and Hyper-V Server 2008.
Server Core installations of Windows Server 2008 and Hyper-V Server 2008 lack large portions of the Graphical User Interface (GUI). Most administrators have come to love the GUI over the past years, so configuration of these installation is deemed difficult.
While the Server Core Step-by-step Guide offers tremendous help (and provides help that stays around in the long run) and Microsoft certification exams require scripting knowledge for years, administrators have jumped on configuration tools to:
- Change the hostname
- Join a domain or workgroup
- Provide access to the 2 remaining Control panel applets
- Configure networking settings
- Configure firewall settings
Let's look at the tools that are available now, have been publicly available in the past and will be available in the near future:
CoreConfigurator
The first tool to appear to help administrators was CoreConfigurator. (back in March 2008)
This graphical tool was designed and coded by Guy Teverovski, a former Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) and now a Microsoft employee.
This tool was very popular and several versions of the tool were downloaded roughly 35,000 times since Guy released version 1.0.
Version 1.1.5 was the latest version and is arguably the most advanced tool to configure Server Core installations up to date.
Unfortunately Guy was forced to abandon development of his tool due to Intellectual Property issues with his former employer. The tool was pulled from its download location on the Israeli Microsoft Blog website.
I've attached version 1.1.5 to this blogpost.
You can download it here.
| Pros |
Cons |
| Graphical Tool |
Needs to be installed before use |
| Most complete (at the moment) |
No longer available |
CoreConfig
Over on CodePlex Andrew Auret and Tony Ison formed the CoreConfigTeam to join forces on writing CoreConfig, a tool to (you guessed it) configure Server Core installations more easily.
The tool is under heavy construction and big steps are being made to achieve the rather ambitious project goals: CoreConfig aims not just to provide the services other tools provide, but to leapfrog the competition with features like Add/Remove Drivers and Add/Remove Shares.
The fact this tool is available in two easy formats (CAB and ISO) to me shows the team has a good strategy. The Cab file can be used for easy installation from USB media, while the ISO can be used in virtual environments and to burn physical media.
Both formats offer file checking when used. They ensure the files are OK when you use them.
The current release is version 17029 and is released under the Microsoft Public License.
You can download it here.
| Pros |
Cons |
| Source Code available |
Needs to be installed before use |
| Available in many formats (ISO) |
Not a Point & Click interface |
Core Configuration Console
Joachim Nässlander introduced a new tool a few days ago, called Core Configuration Console, or CCC for short. You might already know Joachim Nässlander from nullsession.com and the Microsoft TechNet Forums. He became a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) July 1, 2008
The most appealing aspect of the Core Configuration Console is the fact it is a single batch file: It makes optimum use of the standard tricks up a Server Core's sleeve. Menu Option 6 makes the Core Configuration Console available at launch and functions as its installation mechanism. It may not be as fancy as Guy Teverovski's CoreConfigurator, but is sure gets the job done!
Joachim has been using and tweaking this tool in the last few months. He also showed it at the Windows Server 7 TAP Summit, held in Redmond last week. Joachim is adding functionality to this tool rapidly.
At this moment Core Configuration Console is at version 0.91.
You can download it in ZIP format here and in ISO format here. Instructions here.
| Pros |
Cons |
| Lightweight Tool |
Command Line tool |
| Actively maintained |
|
HVConfig
The latest available tool is Microsofts own HVConfig tool. This tool was released a week ago together with Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 and is primarily targeted at making Hyper-V Server 2008 easier to use and a more viable alternative to VMWare's ESXi. HVConfig is supported on Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008.
HVConfig is a command line tool, like Joachim's Core Configuration Console (CCC). This may or may not be a showstopper, depending on your view on the command line.
Last week I've shown how to get the files from a Hyper-V Server 2008 installation. I've copied the files from a Hyper-V Server 2008 installation to a compressed folder (zip) for your convenience.
You can download the three files making up the functionality of HVConfig here.
Instructions here.
| Pros |
Cons |
| Microsoft written tool |
One version available |
| Supported on Microsoft forums |
Command Line tool |
Concluding
This post contains links to four configuration help tools for Server Core installations of Windows Server 2008 and Hyper-V Server 2008.
All four tools have their pros and cons. I have pretty high standards when it comes to tools on my servers. I see these tools evolving into beautiful, well thought through and functional tools.
Now only if we could see some roadmaps...
Related posts
Making HVConfig work on a normal Server Core installation
About Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008
My beef with CoreConfigurator
RIP CoreConfigurator (as we know it)
Further reading
Server Core Installation Option of Windows Server 2008 Step-By-Step Guide
CoreConfigurator - MS Israel Community
Windows Server Core - CoreConfigurator to the rescue ...
Download Free Windows 2008 Server Core Configurator
CoreConfigurator clarifications
Easily Install Active Directory on Windows 2008 Server Core with CoreConfigurator
Manage WS2008 server core with CoreConfigurator
Download CoreConfigurator for Server Core
CoreConfigurator - A GUI for Windows Server 2008 Core edition ...
Codeplex: Windows 2008 Server Core Configurator (CoreConfig)
CodePlex Windows 2008 Server Core Configurator Download
(Another) GUI-based Server Core Configurator
Windows 2008 Server Core Configurator
Server Core Configuration tool - now available
Need a little Windows Server 2008 Server Core help?
Core Configuration Console
Core Configuration Console 0.91
Core Configuration Console (CCC) - CLI tool for Win Server 2008 Server Core setup
FREE: Core Configuration Console (CCC) - basic Server Core setup
Windows Server 7 TAP Summit
Windows Server 2008 Core Config
Windows Server 2008 Core Configurator