Before I use server 2008 R2 on a machine I wanted to test it out in a virtual environment. In the past I have used Virtual PC 2007 (32bit) to test 2003 but this time it would not work. Virtual PC did not recognize the .img ISO for server 2008 R2. I tried to look at tech support on how to complete this but, I was not able to figure it out. I would appreciate it if anyone gave me some information on how to use the 2008 R2 .img in Virtual PC or any other virtual software.

Hi there, As far as i know, Virtual PC 2007 only runs 32-bit Operating Systems. As Windows Server 2008 R2 is 64bit operating system, and it doesn't support to be run on Virtual Pc 2007. If you want to test it in virtualization envrionment, i suggest you may consider using Hyper-v technology which embed in Windows Server 2008 R2 to install a 2008 R2 VM for testing purpose. Hope it helps. Scorprio.TechNet Software Assurance Managed Newsgroup MCTS: Windows Vista | Exchange Server 2007 MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician | Server & Enterprise Admin

Hi, Virtual PC doesn’t support 64 bit guest operating system. The following post discussed the similar issue, you can refer to: Windows Virtual PC Support 64 bits guest O.S http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/w7itprovirt/thread/577ca89f-22da-4896-bc63-e724c38950a7 By the way, if you want to run a 64 bit guest operating system, you should have a 64 bit of host machine. In addition, as Scorpio mentioned, you can try to use Hyper-V. Best Regards, Vincent Hu

Since installing Windows Server 2008 (R2) for Hyper-V in order to start evaluating Windows Server 2008 R2 sounds silly, I recommend installing the latest version of VMware Workstation or VMware Player on a client Windows version (like Windows Vista or Windows 7). In addition, the VMware products don't need to be installed on a 64bit Operating System to be able to offer 64bit guests. You can install these products on 32bit Operating Systems as well.

Mr. Berkouwer, I have VMware Player version 3.1.3 on my computer. When I tried to use it, at first a dialog box opens requesting information such as the key code. After I input the information another dialog box opens and says I can not use Server 2008 R2 on a 32 bit system. I am going to do some more research. Maybe go through VMware's forum. I appreciate your reply.