Virtualizing Windows 2003 Server

[porbar]

We have an old Windows 2003 Server that we would like to virtualize and then permanently remove from the current network. Then we want to access the virtualized server on Windows 7 desktops just for looking up old information, not for changing anything. What is the best approach to accomplishing this as cheaply as possible?

What would we install on the Windows 7 desktops in order to view the VM?

Thank you.

[vmroyale]

The easiest approach would be to just use RDP from the Win 7 boxes.

[porbar]

We prefer not to maintain the hardware any longer. It is out of warranty and parts would be too expensive.

[a_p_]

Do you already have any virtualization platform in place (e.g. ESXi, VMware Workstation, ...)? How many users need access to the VM?

You could basically use VMware Converter to create a virtual machine out of the physical system and either keep it up and running without network connections on e.g. an ESXi host, and then access it using its console.

André

[porbar]

Ok- we thought we could use the VMware Converter. But we do not want to keep it up and running. It just has some data on it in a proprietary program that we may have to view at some point in the future.. Would the Windows 7 desktops be able to open it using MS Virtual PC? Or would they have to have VM Workstation installed on them? It's just 2-3 desktops that we want a copy of the VM on.

[a_p_]

You don't necessarily need VMware Workstation in this case. VMware Player would also do.

André

[suhaimim]

Hi there, if you just wanted to get/view data/files/folders (but not W2K3 environment) offline, try backup your C: or any partition drives by backup software.  You may refer back using the backup software .... but I am not sure whether this is helpful or not ...

[WoodyZ]

It's just 2-3 desktops that we want a copy of the VM on.

Do you have 3 separate Licenses for the Windows Server 2003?  If not you may not legally P2V it to three different Hosts!