Virtualising the Virtual Platform
It is possible, and in some situations preferable* to run virtual platforms in a virtual layer.
I use a combination of Virtual PC and VMware Server to host my virtual instances, but I find that running these applications slows down my machine during boot up and log on.
So, I experimented with running these platforms in an SVS layer. In the case of both Virtual PC and VMware server, Global Capture successfully virtualised the applications. I had my lean-and-mean base OS, and could activate the virtual platforms only when I actually required them.
In addition, both of these platforms provides automation tools.
In the case of Virtual PC, a simple line of code in the startup folder or OnPostActivate key automatically launches my SVS layer-based virtual machine.
"Virtual PC.exe" -pc "Windows XP SP2 Altiris SVS" -launch
* Here's my rationale for capturing Virtual PC and VMware into SVS layers:
- It's portable. I can pull down the layer from the network and immediately have my virtual platform. I can provide the layer to other members of my team, and they can also use the exact same images.
- I've bundled it such that machine start with the layer activation. So I can immediately have access to the content of the virtual machines.
- virtual pc and vmware install virtual network drivers that seem to interfere with my machine sometimes, getting slow logins etc. This way I can enable the layer and not suffer this issue
- My aim is to have a bare bones, lean and mean base OS. Easy to manage, fast and reliable. Anything that does not have to be in the base is in a layer.
- It's cool, fun and why not?
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Comments
How to use VMware Server under Altiris SVS?
Hello Adam,
After trying SVS I had the same idea you had, and I tried to virtualize VMware Server via SVS. As I tried to start VMware Server I was asked for connecting to a host via the network, but I wanted to use "localhost".
I saw that after activating the VMware Layer some VMware services would not start. Starting them manualy fails.
Can you provide a workaround for how to install VMware Server under SVS virtualisation?
Thank you in advance
Greetings from Germany
Peter S.
Not sure ...
I'm not experiencing the same issue as you, so this is just a quick brain dump.
Did you do a global capture?
Are you activating on the same machine, or a different machine?
Did you install on a clean base OS?
Had you previously installed/uninstalled the product?
Remember that this is stretching the capability of this current version, and I'm guessing this is not supported.
Re: not sure ....
Hello,
I tried to use VMware Server under SVS on two different real machines. Both had no clean OS :-( On one machine VMware Server has been installed and uninstalled before testing with SVS. Both show the same behavior. So I think VMware Server is not supported by SVS. Altiris Wiki "Best practices ..." tells me the same.
I tried to virtualize MS Virtual PC 2004. This application seems to work perfectly with SVS.
Best Regards
Peter S.
Need some guidance with Virtual PC and SVS
I am trying to follow what looks to be a clear indication of what needs to be done to get Virtual PC working under SVS but I still cannot get it. When you mention "startup folder", is that the one in START menu (while capturing or after Virtual PC has been captured) as a shortcut, or do you mean somewhere in the Edit Layer of the capture? Also, where is this "OnPostActive key"? I cannot find it.
Background: I successfully captured a good and working installation of Virtual PC 2004; however, once I try to re-activate I get the error: "The Virtual Machine driver req by Virtual PC is missing. Please Reinstall"
Can someone help me with this?
VirtualBox
I found VirtualBox (open source): www.virtualbox.org
Google English…
SVSLoad.com
I tried Innotek VirtualBox
I tried Innotek VirtualBox and my evaluation is very positive, and think that VirtualBox and VMWare Workstation have similar features , more than MS VirtualPC. Suggested for all users that need a freeware OS virtualization solutions
Regards
PM
Install the virtual machine driver manually...
OnPostActivate is a registry key. If you'd rather avoid the registry, you could try installing the virtual machine network services driver manually:
Activate your Virtual PC Layer
Open Network Connections
(Start Menu > Control Panel > Network Connections)
Right click the correct Network Adapter (Local Area Connection) and choose Properties from the drop menu.
Select Install > Service > Add > Virtual Machine Network Services > OK
The drawback to installing the driver manually is it might stick to the base system not the virtual layer. Which means it will still be there after deactivating the layer.
VMNetSrv is a shared component between Virtual Server 2005 and Virtual PC 2004 so if you're going to run both use the driver from 2005. Also, if you start with Virtual PC 2004 and upgrade to Beta 2007 you'll probably need to replace the older version of the driver then too.
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