Windows 8 – Jack's server blog

Remote Server Administration tools for Windows 8 & Server 2012

Microsoft has released the new version of their Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 8 includes Server Manager, Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-ins, consoles, Windows PowerShell cmdlets and providers, and command-line tools for managing roles and features that run on Windows Server 2012. In limited cases, the tools can be used to manage roles and features that are running on Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows Server 2008. Some of the tools work for managing roles and features on Windows Server 2003.

You can download the tools here.

Windows 8 user experience guidelines

Windows 8 design principles

Metro style design has a set of five guiding principles to help you make the best choices whendesigning your app. These principles are the foundation for building great Metro style apps.Consider these principles as you plan your app, always ensure your design and developmentchoices live up to these principles.

Download the complete PDF file here.

Windows 8 download from Technet

Late last night in the Netherlands Microsoft released the download of Windows 8 for TechNet subscribers. I’ve downloaded the versions that where available to me. Only thing I noticed is that Microsoft keeps limiting the number of keys you can request for testing.

I build and rebuild my labs on a fairly regular basis. Problem is that my labs are more then 180 days online so you get those annoying messages that your software isn’t licensed and what not more. I know Microsoft is scared of users installing these versions on regular machines for daily use but restricting it to 3 keys is just plain stupid. In the past you could request up to 14 keys per version and now your stuck with 3. Come on Microsoft, I hope you come to your senses and make more keys available to use testers and early adapters of your software for testing various software.

Now that I’m done with my complaint I’m going to check out Win 8 in combination with Citrix Receiver and other software soon. Keep an eye out for more posts to come.

Update for Windows 7 & Windows Server 2008 R2 KMS hosts to support Windows 8 & Windows Server 2012

This update extends the Key Management Service (KMS) for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 to allow enterprise licensing of Windows 8 and of Windows Server 2012.
KMS provides support for the following KMS client activations:

Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 (SP2)
Windows 8
Windows Server 2012
Windows 7 and Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
Windows Vista and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2)

Key Management Service (KMS) uses a KMS host key to activate KMS on a KMS host, and to establish a local activation service in your environment. This update extends support for KMS to provide activation for Windows 8 and for Windows Server 2012.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing the problem described in this article. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.
If the hotfix is available for download, there is a “Hotfix download available” section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.
NoteIf additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, go to the following Microsoft website: Continue reading “Update for Windows 7 & Windows Server 2008 R2 KMS hosts to support Windows 8 & Windows Server 2012”

Windows 8 and Server 2012 RTM

Both Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 are release to manufacturer as of August 1st 2012. That means the final code is complete and Microsoft is delivering it to hardware and software vendor partners.

Server 2012:

Get out your calendars and free up some time on September 4. That’s when Windows Server 2012 will be generally available for evaluation and purchase by all customers around the world.

Windows 8:

Windows 8 will be released on October 26th to the public by either upgrading for $39.99 or on a new PC or device. And if you buy an eligible Windows 7 PC today, you will be able to purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99 (U.S.) through the Windows Upgrade Offer.

However, Microsoft has a number of programs that provides various audiences early access to the Windows 8 RTM code to help prepare for Windows 8 as it enters the marketplace this fall:

August 15th: Developers will be able to download the final version of Windows 8 via your MSDN subscriptions.
August 15th: IT professionals testing Windows 8 in organizations will be able to access the final version of Windows 8 through your TechNet subscriptions.
August 16th: Customers with existing Microsoft Software Assurance for Windows will be able to download Windows 8 Enterprise edition through the Volume License Service Center (VLSC), allowing you to test, pilot and begin adopting Windows 8 Enterprise within your organization.
August 16th: Microsoft Partner Network members will have access to Windows 8.
August 20th: Microsoft Action Pack Providers (MAPS) receive access to Windows 8.
September 1st: Volume License customers without Software Assurance will be able to purchase Windows 8 through Microsoft Volume License Resellers.

Please note: if a program you are in is not mentioned, please be patient as dates for Windows 8 RTM code availability for other programs will be communicated when the information becomes available.

Windows 8 and Server 2012 general availability dates released

The Windows Product group announced Release to Manufacturing (RTM) and General Availability of Windows 8 the 1st week of August and Late October respectively.

Check out the post:

Windows 8

http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/07/09/upcoming-windows-milestones-shared-with-partners-at-wpc.aspx

Windows Server 2012

http://blogs.technet.com/b/windowsserver/archive/2012/07/09/windows-server-2012-final-release-timing.aspx

Windows 8 and Server 2012 release candidate downloads

Microsoft has released the release candidates for Windows 8 (32 and 64 bits) and the server 2012 today.

You can download Windows 8 from here and Server 2012 from here.

Enjoy the download and I’ll post my first findings in a couple of days time.

Update June 1st 2012:

You can find the first ebook on Windows Server 2012 here.

Windows Server “8” Beta Hyper-V Component Architecture Poster

Microsoft has released today a new architecture poster for Windows 8 server regarding to the Hyper-V part of this new Windows server release. You can download the poster from this location.

win8 architecture poster

Enjoy this poster and print it out and hang it on your wall or use it as a desktop wallpaper (if your screen is big enough Winking smile ).

Install AD on Windows 8 server

Hi guys,

Unfortunately Microsoft has decided that they scratched the “DCPROMO” command from Windows Server 8 tin install and configure Active Directory.

You now need to install and configure AD through the “Server Manager”. I’ve made an installation guide how to install and configure Active Directory on a Windows 8 Server.

1. DCPROMO “error” message. When you type in “DCPROMO” and try and run it you get this message:

Continue reading “Install AD on Windows 8 server”