Windows 2000 Professional or Server (RTM or later versions) can be installed in a virtual machine using the corresponding Windows 2000 distribution CD. Before installing the operating system, be sure that you have already created a new virtual machine and configured it using the VMware Workstation Configuration Wizard (or Configuration Editor).

Note: Some Microsoft Windows 2000 OEM disks included with new computers are customized for those computers and include device drivers and other utilities specific to the hardware system. Even if you can install this Windows 2000 operating system on your actual computer, you may not be able to install it in a Workstation virtual machine. You may need to purchase a new copy of Windows to install in a virtual machine.

Windows 2000 Installation Steps

1. Before starting the installation, use the Workstation Configuration Editor to verify the virtual machine's devices are set up as you expect. For example, if you would like networking software to be installed during the Windows 2000 installation, be sure the virtual machine's Ethernet adapter is configured and enabled.

2. Insert the Windows 2000 CD in the CD-ROM drive.

3. Power on the virtual machine to start installing Windows 2000.

4. If you enabled the virtual machine's Ethernet adapter, an AMD PCNET Family Ethernet Adapter will be detected and set up automatically.

VMware Tools

Be sure to install VMware Tools in your guest operating system. After you install VMware Tools, you need to change your Windows 2000 screen area to be greater than 640x480 pixels; otherwise, Windows 2000 uses the standard VGA driver, and your performance will suffer.

Enabling Sound After Installing Windows 2000

If sound was disabled during the Windows 2000 installation, it can be enabled after the operating system has been installed. To set up the virtual machine to play sound, check this tech note.

Enabling Networking After Installing Windows 2000

If networking was disabled during the Windows 2000 installation, it can be enabled after the operating system has been installed. To set up networking for a virtual machine, follow the instructions below.

1. Shut down Windows 2000 and power off the virtual machine.

2. From the Workstation window, select Configuration Editor from the Settings menu and open the Ethernet Adapters panel.

3. Select a network connection type for the virtual machine and click the Install/Add button.

4. Save the updated configuration and power on the virtual machine.

5. When Windows 2000 boots, it will automatically detect a new network adapter and load drivers for an AMD PCNET Family PCI Ethernet Adapter.

6. You should be able to access the network after logging on to Windows 2000 guest operating system.

Optimizing Performance

Workstation (for Linux) users:
To get optimal, full-screen performance, be sure that the host is configured with an appropriate X server.

If the movement of the mouse in your Windows 2000 guest operating system appears jerky or unnatural, you should turn off the mouse pointer shadow. Choose Start > Settings > Control Panel > Mouse. The Mouse Properties dialog appears. Click the Pointers tab. Clear the Enable pointer shadow check box and click OK. Your mouse should move more normally in your virtual machine now.