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dmyers333

5 Posts

173170

February 26th, 2016 20:00

v_workspace Windows 2012R2 Template

I have Windows 2012R2 with hyper-v installed.

I have installed the v_workspace in cloud mode for hyper-v following the video.

I am trying to create a Windows 2012R2 Template for use as the VDI master. Can someone point me to an article or video. I have watched the videos that are available under v_workspace, but they reference an earlier video that I cannot find.

Does any one have any clear-cut instructions?

Thanks in advance

acanderson11

3 Posts

March 2nd, 2016 08:00

Here are some step by step notes I have taken to create a template VM. Step A is not necessary for the group to work, but it is a best practice. 

I would suggest creating a very basic template and creating a group from that basic template. Once you feel comfortable that your group is working properly, try adding more features and software and re-provisioning the group using the updated template. 

  1. Create VDI Desktop Group
  1. Create Master Template **Snapshots are not supported for template VMs**
  1. Create VM on Hyper-V server and install desired OS
  1. Create VHD Via Powershell - New-VHD -Path 'D:\Hyper-V\Virtual Hard Disks\TemplateVM.vhdx' -Dynamic -SizeBytes 127GB -LogicalSectorSizeBytes 512 -PhysicalSectorSizeBytes 4096 -BlockSizeBytes 2MB
  2. Convert VHD via Powershell - Convert-VHD -Path 'D:\Hyper-V\Virtual Hard Disks\TemplateVM.vhdx' -DestinationPath 'D:\Hyper-V\Virtual Hard Disks\TemplateVM-1.vhdx' -BlockSizeBytes 2MB
  1. You will need to go to the Hyper-V settings and update the VM hard disk to the new one you just created.
  • Add needed Applications
  • Add Template VM to the Domain
  • Leave Network adapter DHCP
  • Enable RDP Disable NLA
  • Copy the Template Tools and PNtools folders to the Template VM
  1. Install PNtools
  2. Run as Administrator "InstantProvisioning64"
  3. Run Desktop Optimizer
  • ipconfig /release
  • Turn Off the Template VM

acanderson11

3 Posts

March 2nd, 2016 08:00

The forum didn't take my formatting... Step A refers to creating the VHD via Powershell. 

DELL-Joel W1

15 Posts

February 29th, 2016 11:00

A vWorkspace template is simply a virtual machine that has been specially prepared.

I can't speak for your environment, but some typical ways that a VM is prepared to be a template might include:

  • Joining a domain
  • Installing typical software
  • Making sure the OS has all desired updates
  • Installing the PNTools suite (this is found on your vWorkspace connection broker machine)

Once you have your VM in your desired state, shut it down.

From within the vWorkspace Management Console, you may then import the VM as a template when creating VMs in a computer group.

If you need more step-by-step instructions, please let me know.

dmyers333

5 Posts

February 29th, 2016 15:00

I am preparing a Windows Server 2012R2 template.

Do you know what roles/features are required? Remote access and such?

Is the following link still what you need to do for the current version?

en.community.dell.com/.../guide-to-optimising-vdi-and-rdsh-templates-on-hyper-v-with-vworkspace

Thanks in advance

Don

DELL-Paul Fi

101 Posts

March 1st, 2016 06:00

Sorry there was another question in your post:

Do you know what roles/features are required? Remote access and such? - This will depend on what type of template you are creating.  If you are creating a RD Session Host template then yes you will have to enable the MS Session Host role rather than PNTools plus you install the vWorkspace Terminal Server / Session Host role from the main vWorkspace installer.  PNTools is for Virtual Desktops using desktops OSs such as Windows 10.

My post about vhd block sizes is still valid despite it being a couple of years old.

DELL-Paul Fi

101 Posts

March 1st, 2016 06:00

Hi DMYERS333,

My post was concentrating on the block size optimisation and changes that came with vhdx.  As my colleague states once you have optimised your vhdx you will need to do the following:

  • Install OS
  • Joining a domain
  • Installing typical software
  • Making sure the OS has all desired updates
  • Install the Instant Provisioning Tools (or IP tools), found in the download/install media
  • Run the template optimizer, found in the download/install media
  • Install the PNTools suite (this is found on your vWorkspace connection broker machine or found in the download/install media)
  • Shutdown
  • Make sure you have no snapshots/checkpoints

Cheers

Paul

dmyers333

5 Posts

March 1st, 2016 11:00

dmyers333

5 Posts

March 2nd, 2016 08:00

Thanks so much for this.

I see that no sysprep was needed.

Don

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