Doing IT Virtual

This post is content adapted from Chapter 11 of the Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 Resource Kit.

Stop Error on x64 Windows Operating System with AMD-V

If you are installing Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 on a computer with AMD-V, AMD’s hardware-assisted virtualization, which uses an x64 version of Windows Server 2003 or Windows XP as the host operating system, you will experience a stop error and restart of the host operating system. This occurs because the x64 versions of these Windows operating systems protect a critical system register that Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 attempts to modify during installation to enable hardware-assisted virtualization support.

Resolution

This issue is resolved by installing a hotfix prior to beginning the setup procedure for Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1. A link to download the hotfix can be found at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/924131.

Common Administration Website Issues

One of the problems often encountered after installation of Virtual Server 2005 R2 is denied access to the Administration Website. Most common issues are easily resolved by modifying Internet Explorer options or security settings.

Blank Screen Display

One of the common issues encountered when you launch the Administration Website using the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the Virtual Server host (for example, http://hostname.domain.com:1024) and enter your credentials at the prompt is that only a blank screen is displayed. The FQDN is the format used in the Virtual Server Administration Website Uniform Resource Locator (URL) shortcut created under Microsoft Virtual Server in the All Programs menu. When the FQDN of the Virtual Server host name is used, Internet Explorer interprets the destination as being outside of the local intranet and does not load the page.

Resolution

This problem can be easily resolved by adding the Virtual Server Administration Website URL to the Trusted Sites zone in the Internet Explorer configuration settings. Follow these steps to modify the Internet Explorer settings:

• Open Internet Explorer and on the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
• Click the Security tab, and then click the Sites button.
• In the Add This Website To The Zone text box, type (or cut and paste) the Virtual Server Administration Website URL and then click Add.
• If it is selected, deselect the Require Server Verification (https:) For All Sites In This Zone check box.
• Click Close, and then click OK.