Windows Server 2022 Essentials

geep87

Is it possible to install Windows Server 2022 Essentials as VM on XCP-NG?
I have a DELL server and a DELL ROK DVD, but installing on XCP-NG doesn't recognize the DELL server and I can't proceed with the installation.

olivierlambert

Yes
I don't understand what you mean about the Dell ROK DVD.

Darkbeldin

@geep87 Installing 2022 on XCP is not a problem, in your case most probably the issue is with the ISO you are using that is dell server specific imho.

Andrew

@olivierlambert @geep87 Dell ROK is Reseller Option Kit. It's media that's licenced locked to only be installed on that Dell machine.

The installer needs to see the hardware BIOS under XCP/Xen. Dell lists an install process but it seems to be incomplete for Xen.

Try selecting Copy host BIOS strings to VM under the Advanced section during the install.

olivierlambert

Maybe @fohdeesha is aware about those things

fohdeesha

@olivierlambert never done it myself, but this is indeed exactly what the feature "Copy host BIOS strings to VM" was intended for as @Andrew mentioned. Hopefully the BIOS strings this feature copies are enough for the ROK installer to recognize the "authorized" dell hardware

lalitma

Yes, you can install Windows Server 2022 Essentials as a VM on XCP-ng, but the issue is likely due to using a DELL ROK DVD. ROK media checks for DELL hardware during setup and won’t work properly in a virtual environment like XCP-ng. Instead, download the standard Microsoft ISO for Server 2022 Essentials and install that. If your DELL key doesn’t work or you need a new one, you can get a genuine key from Noxkeys.com for around $20 worked perfectly for me. Activation was smooth after that.