Server Core in Windows Server 2008 (June 26, 2007)

Chat Topic: Server Core in Windows Server 2008
Date: June 26, 2007

Please note:Portions of this transcript have been edited for clarity

Experts: Eric Rezabeck, Andrew Mason, Rahul Prasad, Liang Zhao, David Lowe
Moderator: Don Spencer
Newsgroups: http://blogs.technet.com/server_core/default.aspx, http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=582&SiteID=17

Don_MSFT (Moderator):
Welcome to today’s chat. Our topic today is configuring the new Server Core installation option in Windows Server 2008.

Don_MSFT (Moderator):
We are pleased to welcome our experts for today. I will have them introduce themselves now.

Introductions

Eric [MSFT] (Expert):
Hi there, I'm Eric, and I run the reviews program for Windows Server at Microsoft. Welcome!

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Hi, I'm Andrew Mason and I'm the program manager for the Server Core installation option.

Rahul_MSFT (Expert):
My name is Rahul. I am a Software Development Engineer on the Windows Server 2008 Core team.

Katherine_MSFT (Expert):
I'm Katherine Casey and I assist the Windows Server team.

Don_MSFT (Moderator):
I'm your moderator, Don Spencer. I'm an editor in Windows Server UA.

Start of Chat

Rahul_MSFT (Expert):
Q: What is the story with memory: can it install with less than 512 MB, and will it be supported to run with less than 512 MB?
A: Server Core cannot be installed with less than 512 MB. It will not be supported to run with less than 512 MB.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Which guest operating systems will be supported running as virtual machines on Windows 2008? Are there any known limitations for non-Microsoft operating systems?
A: Pretty much the same list as Virtual Server 2005 R2. I haven't heard of any updates to the list as of yet.

Rahul_MSFT (Expert):
Q: Why does ocsetup give error messages in the GUI? Would you accept a DCR for OCSETUP to give error messages on the command line?
A: OCSETUP was not designed specifically for Server Core; therefore, it does use some GUI elements by design. You are welcome to file a bug on it, but the GUI elements of OCSETUP are unlikely to change.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Why is Wscript the default shell in SC?
A: We use the same defaults as Vista and Server installations for application compatibility reasons.

Rahul_MSFT (Expert):
Q: What is the story with memory: can it install with less than 512 MB, and will it be supported to run with less than 512 MB?
A: Following up on this, Windows Setup requires 512 MB minimum. You could lower the memory of the box after installation, but whether that scenario will be supported or not has not been determined.

Eric [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: What virtualization options will be available out of box in Windows Server 2008?
A: There will be a beta of Windows Server virtualization at the release of Windows Server 2008 RTM. Then there will be an RTM version of Windows Server virtualization within 180 days thereafter.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: What is the story with knowing which patches will need to be installed on a server core system (i.e., how do I avoid the need to patch a SC box when the patch does not apply)?
A: How this is exposed in the patch bulletins is still TBD. However, each patch contains applicability rules, so that each patch is examined when pushed to a box to see if it applies. Therefore, if you are using something to push patches out, even if you push a patch to a Server Core installation that doesn't apply, it will be ignored.

Eric [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Which guest operating systems will be supported running as virtual machines on Windows Server 2008? Are there any known limitations for non-Microsoft operating systems?
A: Windows operating systems of course will be supported. We are adding more and more operating systems such as Linux, for example RedHat and Novell.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Are there any plans to do something with SCRegEdit that will allow me to set video resolution without having to root around in the registry and then hack the registry?
A: Unfortunately, there is no way to script this since each video card stores this under a different GUID in the registry. There are third-party tools that can be used to change the resolution. You can also set the resolution via unattend file. When logged in via TS, you can control the resolution in the TS client.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: What technologies are used in this chat?
A: Not sure I understand the question. Are you asking about Server Core or the chat tool?

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Do you release that if you made Cscript the default script host, then you only have to type scregedit and ocsetup rather than c:\windows\system32\scregedit etc.
A: Yes, I tried to get this changed, but couldn't for application compatibility reasons. After you log on, you can change the setting at the command line.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Does the Core install support a clustered configuration? Can virtual machines run on top of a cluster?
A: Yes, clustering is an optional feature that can be installed on Server Core. Yes, you can run it on top of a cluster.

Rahul_MSFT (Expert):
Q: Media Services is an SC role that needs an external install first. Are then any others, and will this be the situation at RTM?
A: At the moment, Media Services is the only role that needs an external install first. For this role, this will be the case at RTM. A small caveat: the Virtualization role will be in beta at Server 2008 RTM, and 180 days after RTM, the RTM version of the Virtualization will come down as an update.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: What is the logic around OCSETUP being case sensitive - it's a real pain.
A: It is due to the underlying infrastructure that ocsetup uses to add/remove. This is something we hope to address in the future.

David Lowe [MS] (Expert):
Q: Does Windows Activation 2.0 change for Windows Server Core? Can Core act as a KMS Server for Windows Server 2008 and Vista clients?
A: Server Core installations can still be activated by a KMS as part of Windows Activation 2.0, but the Server Core installation cannot be a KMS itself.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: The monitor goes into power save. Can you help?
A: Under Server Core? You can set the power profiles using powercfg.

David Lowe [MS] (Expert):
Q: Let's try again: I activated the guest account on my Dell 4300, made the admin files private, and then attempted to switch to the user account. The screen went black, and now after booting, to the XP screen, goes black and the monitor goes into power save.
A: Sorry - this chat is about Server Core, the new minimal installation option for Windows Server 2008. Unfortunately, we don't have any experts here today that can help troubleshoot a Windows XP problem, so you should try the discussion forums at http://forums.microsoft.com/technet/.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Is Windows Deployment Services the recommended method for deploying virtual machines from an image?
A: It depends on what you mean. You can use WDS to install a virtual machine, just like installing any other box/vm. However, it cannot deploy vhds, you just use it to run the setup like any other system.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Btw, if you are looking for more information and details on Server Core, the Server Core blog is a useful resource: http://blogs.technet.com/server_core/default.aspx

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Is there a good Walkthrough Guide on Windows Core showing each step to do and the commands to do it anywhere for all the options and features in Server Core?
A: Yes there is: 1 – To read online or print from: http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver/longhorn/en/library/bab0f1a1-54aa-4cef-9164-139e8bcc44751033.mspx?mfr=true2 – To download in doc format at: http://download.microsoft.com/download/b/1/0/b106fc39-936c-4857-a6ea-3fb9d1f37063/Server%20Core%20Installation%20Option%20of%20Windows%20Server%20Longhorn%20Step-By-Step%20Guide.doc

Eric [MSFT] (Expert):
Fun Fact of the Day #1: At Beta 3 (April 25, 2007) the following was added: New “/cli” switch for scregedit.wsf - new syntax cheat sheet for most command line tasks.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: What technologies are used in this chat?
A: Saw your comment. Server Core is a new, minimal installation option for Windows Server 2008. It is GUI shell-less, the shell is command prompt, and runs a subset of the supported server roles. The benefits are around reduced management and maintenance.

Eric [MSFT] (Expert):
Fun Fact of the Day #2: At Beta 3 (post Beta 2) the following was added: Oclist.exe command – track which roles and features are installed.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Thank you for question 17, answer looks good.
A: You're welcome, hope that answered it.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Sorry, I meant thanks for question 18 answer.
A: Ah, okay, that was from the blog, so it is a useful resource.

David Lowe [MS] (Expert):
Q: Are there any new WMI classes in SC for SC support?
A: There are new WMI classes in Windows Server 2008 that are available in both full installations and Server Core installations, but there are no WMI classes that are specific only to Server Core. You can use Windows PowerShell to run scripts on another computer that calls the WMI interfaces on the Server Core computer.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Do you have a date for when the serving of SC with patches (do they apply or not apply) will get sorted out as it’s been TBD for a long while now?
A: We are trying to work that out. With all the roles, the issue is keeping the applies to list meaningful enough, but not a laundry list of if this or this or this or that, then it applies, but not if xyz. So unfortunately, we don't have a date yet.

David Lowe [MS] (Expert):
Q: Do you have any plans to add any more features to ScRegEdit before RTM?
A: No - we were pretty much feature complete at Beta 3. The last thing we squeezed in was IIS on Server Core.

David Lowe [MS] (Expert):
Q: Ha ha! You lost, you mentioned PowerShell first, I did wonder when that chestnut would come up
A: We have nothing to hide when it comes to Windows PowerShell.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Ha ha! You lost, you mentioned PowerShell first, I did wonder when that chestnut would come up
A: It can be used to remotely manage Server Core installations if you stick with WMI commands. The IIS PowerShell cmdlets are completely WMI based, so they can be used to remotely manage IIS on Server Core.

Eric [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: How many of you have BRANCH OFFICES?

Eric [MSFT] (Expert):
Excellent. Server Core has great improvements for the BRANCH OFFICE users. Take the trifecta of powers if you will: 1. Server Core; 2. RODC (Read-Only Domain Controller); 3. BitLocker. When these three powers combine, they transform into more than meets the eye.

Eric [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I have many branch offices (>100).
A: Sweet - Server Core has some great features to help you out (see above).

Eric [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I am a Branch Office administrator.
A: Tell me what you think when you try out the 3 technologies for Branch Office (1. Server Core; 2. RODC; 3. BitLocker).

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Will Viridian be available as BETA on Server Core when Longhorn goes GA?
A: Yes, it will be.

David Lowe [MS] (Expert):
Q: We keep talking about Server Core. Do you have a better name than "full server" for not a Server Core box?
A: We were thinking about calling it "Not Server Core." Seriously, though, we toyed around with other terms, but "full" made sense because you have access to the full set of roles, features, and utilities.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: How confident can I be that SC will run on my old hardware (with 512 MB of memory, of course)? Is there any way I can tell in advance of just installing it?
A: It will run on anything in the Windows Server 2008 hardware compatibility list. Outside of that, you pretty much need to try. I have heard of people running it on old P3 boxes.

David Lowe [MS] (Expert):
Q: Will Viridian be available as BETA on Server Core when Longhorn goes GA?
A: Yes, we will release a Beta of Windows Server virtualization at the same time as Windows Server 2008 RTM. This will run on both full and Server Core installations.

Rahul_MSFT (Expert):
Q: What are the plans for a full .NET Framework on Server Core? Is there a potential for a slimmed .NET Framework if the full framework is seen as too much work?
A: The full .NET Framework has dependencies on all of Windows, so there is no possibility for the complete framework to be part of Server Core. However, we are looking into a 'core' version of the .NET Framework for a future release and are working with the .NET team for this.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: “It will run on anything in the Windows Server 2008 hardware compatibility list”: That is a poor answer. Hardware vendors will not go back and test all the old hardware on SC, but the old hardware is a great play for SC. It would be nice to have a test tool.
A: It is a great play for that. Several customers I'm working with are planning to use it for their hardware as it trickles down. New servers are for their high-end database boxes, mail servers, etc., and what would have been retired becomes a Server Core DC or other role. Generally, I've found that it runs on Windows Server 2003 supported hardware.

Liang [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: There has been a lot of discussions regarding WINS in LH Core or not, and now it’s added to the Beta 3 and I guess it will be in RC1 as well?
A: Yes. It will stay in the build.

David Lowe [MS] (Expert):
Q: Does that mean with virtualization on Server Core we can get the GUI on the virtual machine to remote to Server Core ?
A: If you have Windows Server virtualization on a Server Core installation, you will not have a GUI to manage the virtual machines. You will need to run the WSv management console on another, full installation of Windows Server 2008 to have a graphical management tool.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: No, I meant full server virtualized on server core?
A: Yes, Server Core can be the parent/host and any supported OS can run as the guest.

David Lowe [MS] (Expert):
Q: (You don’t have to answer this question.) When will we see a version of Server Core that the WSV enlightenments will install on (or is the problem when will we see a WSV enlightenment that will install on server core?)
A: The term "enlightenments" refers to our use of synthetic device drivers in virtual machines. When you see the Beta of WSv with the RTM of Windows Server 2008, you will also see those enlightenments.

Liang [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Why couldn't you guys give the same cli utilities on full server as you did on Server Core for installing the roles? On Server Core, you have OClist and OCsetup whereas on full server you have Servermanagercmd.
A: Servermanagercmd is implemented in managed code. Server core doesn't have managed code support at this moment. So, we use OCsetup and OClist to do the work. OCsetup actually exists in full server also; you just have to figure out the name of the OCs to install it.

Eric [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: SC and RODC are very interesting in terms of reducing management tasks. DPM would be nice too. BitLocker *might* be important for our mobile force, but it's mostly outside of my scope due to outside forces.
A: Awesome. BitLocker is ideal for a server in cases such as when you cannot guarantee the physical security of a server -- such as a server sitting in a Branch Office where anyone can walk into your office, pretend they are refilling your water jug, and walk out the door with your server, which might be your old school DC -- now they potentially have the keys to your kingdom.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: What is the estimated time to have .NET Framework core available?
A: The full .NET Framework will never be supported on Server Core, it requires too much of the functionality that we removed from Server Core. We are working towards a minimal version of the .NET Framework for a future release that will be a subset to support PowerShell and hopefully ASP.NET. Too soon to state any official dates yet.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: What new functionality does the QoS (Qwave) bring to Longhorn Core?
A: It has the same new functionality as in Server. The main reason that we added this is to support the Media Services role where you may want to control the bandwidth available while streaming.

David Lowe [MS] (Expert):
Q: Why couldn't you guys give the same cli utilities on full server as you did on Server Core for installing the roles? On Server Core, you have OClist and OCsetup whereas on full server you have Servermanagercmd.
A: On a full installation, you can use ServerManagerCmd.exe to mimic the basic role and feature add/remove capability of Server Manager, but you can also use it with the -query and -whatif switches to retrieve information. OCSetup is actually available with the full installation option as well, and (don't tell anyone we told you this) if you really want to run OCList on a full installation, just copy the executable over from a Server Core installation. Be warned that the output will be very, very long, though...

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
There is also a TechNet forum for Server Core if you have questions after the chat ends: http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=582&SiteID=17.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Is there any extra step we need to do to create an MSI package that support Longhorn Core?
A: No, Windows Installer and msiexec are included. Ideally, you would run your msi with /quiet or an unattend file. As long as the MSI screens are pretty basic, the MSI dialogs will display.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: I need help with removing .NET Framework 2.0 manually so that I can reinstall my ACT! Program.
A: Sorry, can't help you here. You'll need to ask someone in .NET support.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Thanks, how do I get to .NET support?
A:http://www.microsoft.com/support should have a way to get to them.

Rahul_MSFT (Expert):
Q: What Microsoft or third-party applications should we expect to see on Server Core in the coming year? For example, will things like SQL Server, Exchange, MOM, etc. ever run on Server Core?
A: Server Core is not intended to be an application platform. It will ship with a set of fixed function roles that can be installed (AD, DNS DHCP, File, Print, Virtualization, IIS, Media Services, LDS). Exchange Server, SQL Server, etc. are unlikely to be roles on Server Core because of dependencies they have on components of Windows Server that are not part of Core.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Which versions of SQL will be supported on Server Core?
A: SQL server is not supported on Server Core, at least for Windows Server 2008. SQL Server currently has dependencies that are not in Server Core.

Liang [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: What types of GUI are supported in Longhorn Core?
A: Basic GUIs should run on Core as long as it doesn't directly or indirectly depend on IE. File open/close dialog doesn't work on Core as it actually uses IE components to display the folders. You can specify in the parameters to the API to use old-style file dialogs, though. That would work.

Andrew [MSFT] (Expert):
Q: Is there a Windows separate 2008 core Management pack to the full server going to be delivered or will it be a base 2008 management pack with full on top??
A: There will be a base management pack that applies to both.