How to install Windows Server 2012 as a Virtual Machine?

[Berryracer]

I am using Windows 7 Pro 64-bit.

What I want to do, for training purposes as I am learning MCSE 2012, is I want to install Windows Server 2012 Data Center GUI.

I have the DVD but I as not able to install it on the Microsoft provided Virtual PC app because it says that I am trying to install it on an x86 hardware.

I understand that the Microsoft Virtual Machine runs stuff in 32-bit mode

what are my other options to install it as a Virtual Machine?

The reason I cannot run it as my main OS that the Windows 8 drivers that I used previously on both Windows 8 and 7 do not work. It tells me it needs specific server drivers....

please help

 

[Linflas]

Have you checked out VMWare player?

 

[Berryracer]

I haven't

Ill try that now

thanks bro

 

[Nothinman]

Virtual PC is pretty much useless now. You either want a Windows system with the Hyper-V role, VMware (Player or Workstation, the latter costs significantly but kills the competition) or even VirtualBox.

 

[imagoon]

When you are looking at player, you may need to download the updated vmware tools for 2012 support. I would think they would have fixed that already but in case not, fyi.

 

[Berryracer]

thanks guys, I installed VMware Playe -5.0.1-894247 then it prompted me to install vmware tools automatically and I was able to install Windows Server 2012 Datacenter successfully

y'all rock

thanks a lot