🖥️ OS Installation Guide

Run the Installer

Locate the downloaded file (e.g., VirtualBox-7.x.x-Win.exe or VirtualBox-7.x.x-macOS.dmg) and double-click to run it.

Welcome Screen

Click Next when the setup wizard appears.

Choose Installation Location

Keep the default installation path (recommended) or choose a custom location. Click Next.

Custom Setup Options

Leave all options checked (recommended settings). Click Next.

• Create shortcuts on desktop
• Register file associations

Network Interface Warning

You'll see a warning about temporarily disconnecting from the network. Click Yes to proceed.

Ready to Install

Click Install to begin the installation process.

Complete Installation

Wait for the installation to complete. If prompted to install device software (network adapters), click Install.

Once finished, click Finish to launch VirtualBox.

Open VirtualBox

Launch VirtualBox from your applications or start menu.

Click "New" Button

In the VirtualBox main window, click the New button (or press Ctrl+N) to create a new virtual machine.

Name and Operating System

• Name: Enter a descriptive name (e.g., "Windows Server 2019 Lab")
• Machine Folder: Choose where to store VM files (default location is fine)
• Type: Select "Microsoft Windows"
• Version: Select "Windows Server 2019 Standard Evaluation (Desktop Experience) (10.0.17763.3650 / x64 / en-US)"

Click Next to continue.

Memory Size (RAM)

Allocate memory to your virtual machine:

• Minimum: 2048 MB (2 GB)
• Recommended: 4096 MB (4 GB) or more

Important: Don't allocate more than 50% of your total RAM. Keep the slider in the green zone.

Click Next.

Hard Disk

Select "Create a virtual hard disk now" and click Create.

Hard Disk File Type

Choose "VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)" - the default option. Click Next.

Storage on Physical Hard Disk

Select "Dynamically allocated" - This will save disk space by only using space as needed. Click Next.

File Location and Size

• Location: Keep the default or choose a location with enough free space
• Size: Set at least 32 GB (recommended: 40-60 GB)

Click Create to finish creating the VM.

Select Your VM

Click on your newly created VM in the left panel, then click Settings.

System Settings

Go to System → Processor:

• Increase CPU cores to 2 (if your computer has 4+ cores)
• Enable PAE/NX if available

Display Settings

Go to Display → Screen:

• Increase Video Memory to 128 MB
• Enable 3D Acceleration (optional)

Attach the ISO File

Go to Storage:

• Click on the Empty CD icon under "Controller: IDE"
• On the right side, click the small CD icon next to "Optical Drive"
• Select "Choose a disk file..."
• Browse and select your downloaded Windows Server 2019 ISO file

Network Settings

Go to Network → Adapter 1:

• Ensure "Enable Network Adapter" is checked
• Attached to: NAT or Bridged Adapter (as per your network setup)

Click OK to save all settings.

Start the Virtual Machine

Select your VM and click Start (green arrow). The VM will boot from the ISO file.

Windows Setup Screen

The Windows installation screen will appear:

• Language to install: English (or your preference)
• Time and currency format: Your country/region
• Keyboard or input method: Your keyboard layout

Click Next, then click Install now.

Product Key

If prompted for a product key, click "I don't have a product key" to continue with the evaluation version.

Select Operating System (CRITICAL STEP)

Choose the installation type:

• Recommended: "Windows Server 2019 Standard Evaluation (Desktop Experience)"

Important: Make sure to select the version WITH "Desktop Experience" - this gives you the familiar Windows graphical interface. Without it, you'll only have command-line access.

Click Next.

License Terms

Check "I accept the license terms" and click Next.

Installation Type

Select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)"

This is for a fresh installation on your virtual machine.

Where to Install Windows

You'll see the virtual hard disk you created earlier (e.g., "Drive 0 Unallocated Space").

Simply click Next - Windows will automatically partition and format the disk.

Installation Process (Automatic)

Windows will now begin installing. This process is fully automatic and will take 15-30 minutes depending on your computer's speed.

The installation will go through several stages:

• Copying Windows files
• Getting files ready for installation
• Installing features
• Installing updates
• Finishing up

The VM will automatically restart during this process - this is normal. Do not press any keys or interrupt.

Customize Settings Screen

After the installation completes and the system restarts, you'll see the "Customize settings" screen.

Set Administrator Password

You'll be prompted to set a password for the built-in Administrator account:

• Username: Administrator (automatically set, cannot be changed)
• Password: Create a strong password (mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols)
• Confirm Password: Re-enter the same password

IMPORTANT: Remember this password! You'll need it to log in.

Click Finish.

Access the Login Screen

You'll see the Windows lock screen with the date and time.

IMPORTANT: To log in to Windows Server, you need to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete.

Enter Your Password

After sending Ctrl+Alt+Delete, the login screen will appear showing:

• Username: Administrator
• Password field: Enter the password you created

Press Enter or click the arrow to log in.

Server Manager Opens Automatically

After logging in successfully, the Server Manager dashboard will open automatically. This is your main control panel for managing Windows Server.

🎉 Congratulations! You have successfully installed Windows Server 2019 on VirtualBox!

Issue: "VT-x is not available" Error

Solution:

• Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually press Del, F2, or F12 during startup)
• Find and enable "Intel VT-x" or "AMD-V" (may be under CPU settings, Advanced, or Virtualization)
• Save and exit BIOS

Issue: VM is Very Slow

Solutions:

• Increase RAM allocation (Settings → System → Base Memory)
• Increase CPU cores (Settings → System → Processor)
• Install Guest Additions
• Enable 3D acceleration (Settings → Display)
• Close other applications on your host computer

Issue: Can't Send Ctrl+Alt+Delete

Solution:

• Use VirtualBox menu: Input → Keyboard → Insert Ctrl+Alt+Delete
• Or use keyboard shortcut: Right Ctrl + Delete
• Never press actual Ctrl+Alt+Delete - it affects your host computer

Issue: Mouse Stuck in VM Window

Solution:

• Press the Host Key (usually Right Ctrl) to release the mouse
• Install Guest Additions for automatic mouse integration

Issue: Screen Resolution is Wrong

Solution:

• Install VirtualBox Guest Additions
• Enable auto-resize: View → Auto-resize Guest Display
• Or manually adjust in Windows: Settings → System → Display

Issue: Network Not Working

Solution:

• Check VM Settings → Network → Adapter 1 is enabled
• Try changing from NAT to Bridged Adapter (or vice versa)
• Make sure network cable is "connected" (checkbox in network settings)
• Restart the VM