Network selection during Windows 8.x deployment in MDT and ConfigMgr

When deploying Windows 8.x with MDT or ConfigMgr, deployment may stop at the network selection screen. When press Connect in the selection screen, deployment will continue. Within this blogpost I show you how to skip network selection.

 
Within MDT:
The CustomSettings.ini (which can be found on Properties, Rules on the Deployment Share) needs to be changed as follows:
 
<OOBE>
   <HideEULAPage>true</HideEULAPage>
   <NetworkLocation>Work</NetworkLocation>
   <ProtectYourPC>1</ProtectYourPC>
   <HideLocalAccountScreen>true</HideLocalAccountScreen> 
 <HideOnlineAccountScreens>true</HideOnlineAccountScreens> 
 <HideWirelessSetupInOOBE>true</HideWirelessSetupInOOBE>
</OOBE>
 
Within ConfigMgr:
The unattend file (additional file which can be used in the Apply Operating System step) needs to be changed as follows:
 
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<unattend xmlns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:unattend">    <settings pass="oobeSystem">
        <component name="Microsoft-Windows-Shell-Setup" processorArchitecture="amd64" publicKeyToken="31bf3856ad364e35" language="neutral" versionScope="nonSxS" xmlns:wcm="http://schemas.microsoft.com/WMIConfig/2002/State" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
            <OOBE>
                <HideEULAPage>true</HideEULAPage>
                <HideWirelessSetupInOOBE>true</HideWirelessSetupInOOBE>
                <NetworkLocation>Work</NetworkLocation>
                <HideOnlineAccountScreens>true</HideOnlineAccountScreens>
                <HideOEMRegistrationScreen>true</HideOEMRegistrationScreen>
                <HideLocalAccountScreen>true</HideLocalAccountScreen>
            </OOBE>
            <RegisteredOwner>Microsoft</RegisteredOwner>
        </component>
    </settings>
    <cpi:offlineImage cpi:source="" xmlns:cpi="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:cpi" />
</unattend>

For x86 systems, change "amd64" in "x86" to get the job done.
 
Source locations:
Windows 8.1 deployment in MDT 2013
Windows 8.1 prompting for network (some lines missing)
When using the script from TechNet, the red lines are missing. Therefore an error message is displayed during mini-setup (about /unattend) and deployment stops on that point. Now way you can pass a deployment error during mini-setup, so just use the unattend file mentioned here. Hope it helps!

Unlock GodMode in Windows 7 and 8

In Windows 7 & 8 (and before) it's possible to unlock GodMode. This is a hidden control option, which gives you access to ALL the options on your computer. GodMode is a folder that brings together a long list of customization settings allowing you to change ALL your settings from one place. Handy huh?

To activate it, just create a folder and rename it to a specific filename with a code. This folder can be created anywhere on disk or desktop. Just create a new one, and rename it to: 
"GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}"
and press enter.

After that the folder changes form to look like the Control Panel. This will work on Windows XP also. Enjoy it!

MCSE Desktop Infrastructure certification

Today I passed the Windows Server 2012 exam 70-417. This is an upgrade exam that is a composite of three standalone exams: 70-410, 70-411, and 70-412. Because I did a lot of exams last months, I place a complete overview in this blogpost. Here we go!
 
- 70-687 Configuring Windows 8 (70-689 wasn't available yet)
- 70-415 Implementing a Desktop Infrastructure
- 70-416 Implementing Desktop Application Environments
- 70-688 Managing and Maintaining Windows 8
- 70-417 Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012

With above exams I'm MCSA Windows 8, MCSA Windows Server 2012 and MCSE Desktop Infrastructure certified now! 

 

The MCSE Desktop Infrastructure certification validates your skills in desktop virtualization, remote desktop services and application virtualization. Show that you can deploy and manage desktops and devices that provide access from anywhere, while maintaining security and compliance.
 
More about new Microsoft exams can be found here: Overview of new Microsoft 2012 exams. Hope it helps!

BSOD in VMware 4.1 when booting with WinPE 4.0 images

Last month I did a new ConfigMgr 2012 SP1 installation. When using ConfigMgr boot or capture images on VMware 4.1 a blue screen of death (BSOD) was showed. Because I created the boot images manually, I wasn't sure if it was the WinPE 4.0 boot images or VMware. It turned out it was VMware 4.1 after all. Just use the solution below to make it all functional again.

Shutdown the VM first and copy this BIOS file in it: http://communities.vmware.com/servlet/JiveServlet/download/2139717-98102/bios.440.rom

Then edit the VMware configuration (vmx) file and add the following lines in here:
bios440.filename = "bios.440.rom"
mce.enable = "TRUE"
cpuid.hypervisor.v0 = "FALSE"
vmGenCounter.enable = "FALSE"

That's all needed. WinPE 4.0 (which is Windows 8) will work in a older VMware environment from now on also!

Thanks to Roel Janssens (@roeljanssens) for helping me out!

Create and deploy a Windows 8 image in ConfigMgr 2012 SP1

Last years I created many Windows XP and Windows 7 reference images with software updates in it. With ConfigMgr 2012 it was also needed to create a reference image, but installing software updates was a lot easier. This because of a new feature: Offline Servicing, which installs software updates offline in the reference image. More about Offline Servicing can be found HERE. With ConfigMgr 2012 SP1 and Windows 8 support it will be easier again. How about that!?

In ConfigMgr 2012 SP1 the Build and Capture proces is updated to apply image in place of Setup.exe installation. It's possible now to use a Windows 7 or Windows 8 INSTALL.WIM from installation media directly in ConfigMgr. This because the D: issue (which was the reason for a reference image) is fixed. When using a Windows 7 or Windows 8 INSTALL.WIM it will be installed on the C: drive now. Just use Offline servicing and you have a up-to-date reference image! (software updates were another reason for building a reference image before SP1)

For Windows 7 there's an additional "Apply operating system action" needed. Just add "OSDPreserveDriveLetter=False" before the Apply OS step, which allows the task sequence to auto-correct the D: issue. Windows 8 will be installed on the C: drive by default, so now worries about that. Over time, Microsoft will deprecate Setup.exe installations for Windows operating systems.

When you want to install applications in the reference image (because of faster deployment) just deploy the INSTALL.WIM in a Build and Capture proces. Then add some applications and/or scripts and capture the image again. Nice to see that Imaging in ConfigMgr 2012 SP1 is better and easier again, but there's still much to learn on this topic!

BSOD in Windows 8 on bridge.sys driver

Today I had several times a BSOD in Windows 8. BSOD stands for "Blue Screen Of Death", and is the result of an error. My system (with Windows 8 RTM) is installed a month ago and I've installed the Hyper-V role in it. With Hyper-V on Windows 8 it's possible to install Virtual Machines without the need to install VMware Workstation or Oracle VirtualBox.

Last days there were some Windows updates installed and a reboot was needed. After this reboot I had multiple BSOD screens and no quick solution to fix it. Looking for the error message in Event Viewer
"DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL (bridge.sys)"
it seems that Hyper-V was failing on the driver. A quick workaround for this is to plugin a network cable and deactivate Wi-Fi.

 

 

A better way to fix this is change the Virtual Switch settings in Hyper-V Manager. Just look at the settings configured at your external connection, and untag "Allow management operating system to share this network adapter" in Connection type. After that my system is stable again and no unexpected reboots are longer present. Hope there is a Microsoft fix for this issue soon.

Update: I don't know if it matters, but configure the Hyper-V connection type on your fixed NIC adapter, not on your Wi-Fi adapter. For it seems some people still have issues otherwise.

Update 23-7-2013: For it seems the issue is still valid. I'm using Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) for a while now, so no need to configure a bridge. With ICS you can share internet from a fixed or Wi-Fi connection to the vEthernet connection. Much better that way, and no BSOD issues on the bridge.sys driver.

Overview of new Microsoft 2012 exams

Today I passed the System Center 2012 Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) exam. ConfigMgr 2012 is the only System Center product with a dedicated exam. The other System Center products are bundled in a Microsoft Private Cloud exam. Because of new Microsoft System Center 2012 exams, Windows Server 2012 exams, and Windows 8 exams, I place a complete overview in this blogpost. Here we go!

MCTS: System Center 2012
 
70-243 Administering and Deploying System Center 2012 Configuration Manager
As mentioned earlier this is just for ConfigMgr 2012. The other System Center 2012 products are bundled in the Microsoft Private Cloud exams.

MCSE: Microsoft Private Cloud
 
70-246 Monitoring and Operating a Private Cloud with System Center 2012
70-247 Configuring and Deploying a Private Cloud with System Center 2012 
All System Center 2012 products (except ConfigMgr 2012) are bundled in these exams. More information about both exams HERE
More information: Microsoft Learning
 
MCSA: Windows Server 2012
 
70-410 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012
70-411 Administering Windows Server 2012
70-412 Configuring Advanced Windows Server 2012 Services 
The MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification shows that you have the primary set of Windows Server skills that are relevant across multiple solution areas in a business environment.
More information: Microsoft Learning

MCSE: Server Infrastructure
 
70-413 Designing and Implementing a Server Infrastructure
70-414 Implementing an Advanced Server Infrastructure
The MCSE: Server Infrastructure certification validates your ability to build comprehensive server infrastructure solutions.
More information: Microsoft Learning
 
MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure
 
70-415 Implementing a Desktop Infrastucture
70-416 Implementing Desktop Application Environments
The MCSE: Desktop Infrastructure certification validates your skills in desktop virtualization, remote desktop services and application virtualization.
70-417 Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows Server 2012
If you have an MCSA: Windows Server 2008 certification, you may take Exam 417 to upgrade to the MCSA: Windows Server 2012.
More information: Microsoft Learning
 
MCSA: Windows 8
 
70-687 Configuring Windows 8
At the moment this is the only Windows 8 exam available.
70-688 Managing and Maintaining Windows 8
Update 18-1-2013: A new Windows 8 exam is available now!
70-689 Upgrading Your Skills to MCSA Windows 8
The MCSA: Windows 7 certification allows you to upgrade to the MCSA: Windows 8 certification, by taking a single upgrade exam.
Update 18-1-2013: The Windows 8 upgrade exam is available now!
 
That's it for now! I think there will be more exams to come about deployment with MDT 2012. This in combination with Windows 8 and Office 2013. With these exams there's lot to do next months! :)

How to Create a Windows To Go USB Drive

With Windows 8 coming within a few months it's good to have a look a new functionality. One way to install Windows 8 is on a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk). New in Windows 8 is the option to mount VHD files and boot from it! A guide to install Windows 8 on a VHD can be found HERE. Great that so many people viewed this blogpost to install it that way. In this blogpost I explain the new Windows To Go functionality.

Windows To Go is an enterprise feature of Windows 8 that enables users to boot Windows from a USB-connected external drive. Windows To Go drives can use the same image enterprises use for their desktops and laptops and can be managed the same way. Windows To Go is not intended to replace desktops, laptops or supplant other mobility offerings. Rather, it provides support for efficient use of resources for alternative workplace scenarios.

 You need the following for installation:

• 16 GB or larger USB 2.0 / 3.0 Drive
• Windows 8 Release Preview ISO (download HERE) 
• ImageX.exe stand-alone straight from Microsoft (download HERE)

That way you don't have to download a full copy of Windows Automated Installation Kit (AIK) for Windows 7 (1.7 GB) found HERE.

How to Create a Windows To Go USB Drive:

• Quick Format the USB device with NTFS, and create a partition on it
• Extract or mount the Windows 8 ISO and copy the Install.wim file (Sources folder) to a folder where ImageX.exe is also placed
• Have a look at the drive letter which is used for the USB device and type the following command: ImageX.exe /apply Install.wim 1 F:\ (where F: is the drive letter of your USB device)
• The result (after some time) must be "Successfully applied image"
• Once this is done the boot record on the USB device must be changed with the following command: Bcdboot.exe F:\Windows /s F: /f ALL (where F: is the drive letter of your USB device)
• The result must be "Boot files successfully created" now

After the command has completed you are ready to use your new Windows To Go USB device. Now it's time to reboot your system and start from the USB device. There will be some final configuration during first start. During the session the USB device must be plugged in.

What a great year with many new Microsoft releases and functionality!

Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 available soon

Yesterday Microsoft revealed on the Worldwide Partner Conference in Toronto that Windows 8 will be Release to Manufacturing (RTM) in the first week on August, with a release in late October to retail stores.

Today Microsoft revealed that Windows Server 2012 will be RTM at the same time (August 2012), with a release in September already.

That way both Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 will be RTM in August and available for download also. Just a few weeks later the products are final and ready on selling points.

Good news that Microsoft has so many new releases in one year!

Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 Beta Exams

This week I received a message from Microsoft that the first beta exams for the Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 portfolios are available now! Both exams can be registered through the Prometric website. Just have a look at the new (public) beta exams:

• 71-410 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012
• Find details in the 70-410 preparation guide

Successful completion of the 71-410 beta exam counts as credit toward the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2012 certification.

• 71-687 Configuring Windows
• Find details in the 70-687 preparation guide

Successful completion of the 71-687 beta exam counts as credit toward the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows 8 certification.

Good luck with both exams!

Windows 8 Release Preview available now

On 31-5-2012 the third build of Windows 8 and is showed to the world. After the Windows Consumer Preview and Windows Developer Preview earlier last year, there's now a Release Preview available for download. Windows 8 is build on Metro, the User Interface we know from Windows Phone 7 devices. That way it's usable on servers, desktops, laptops and tablets, with touch interface!

The Windows 8 Release Preview ISO images can be download HERE

It's Windows reimagined and reinvented from a solid core of Windows 7 speed and reliability. It's an all-new touch interface. It's a new Windows for new devices. And it's easy to try now—whether you're installing it for the first time, or moving from Windows 8 Consumer Preview.

On 31-5-2012 the third build of Windows Server 2012 (formerly known as Windows Server 8) has become available for download also. Windows Server 2012 Release Candidate Datacenter can be download HERE

The next release of Windows Server, Windows Server 2012, will offer businesses and hosting providers a scalable, dynamic, and multitenant-aware, cloud-optimized infrastructure. It securely connects across premises and helps IT Professionals to respond to business needs faster and more efficiently.

More blogposts available for Windows 8 also:

Disable the GUI in Windows Server 8 with PowerShell
Guide to install Windows 8 on a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk)

Guide to remove Windows 8 on a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk)

Windows 8 Consumer Preview available for download

On 29-2-2012 the second build of Windows 8 (server and client) is showed to the world. After the Windows Developer Preview earlier last year, there's now a Consumer Preview available for download. Windows 8 (server and client) is build on Metro, the User Interface we know from Windows Phone 7 devices. That way it's usable on servers, desktops, laptops and tablets, with touch interface!

The Windows 8 Consumer Preview ISO can be download HERE
The Windows Server "8" Beta ISO can be download HERE

How to install Windows 8 Consumer Preview from an ISO image

The easiest way to convert an ISO file to a DVD in Windows 7 is to use Windows Disc Image Burner. On a PC running Windows XP or Windows Vista, a third-party program is required to convert an ISO file into installable media—and DVD burning software often includes this capability. One option is the USB/DVD download tool provided by the Microsoft Store. You can also download Windows 8 Consumer Preview Setup, which includes tools that allow you to create a DVD or USB flash drive from an ISO file (Windows Vista or Windows 7 required).

More blogposts available for Windows 8 also:

Guide to install Windows 8 on a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk)

Guide to remove Windows 8 on a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk)

Disable the GUI in Windows Server 8 with PowerShell

Last month I installed Windows Server Developer Preview (Windows Server 8). This can be found here: Windows Server 8 installed

There is the choice between installing the Full Installation, Server Core or Features on Demand edition. By default when doing a Full Installation the GUI is installed. In this blogpost I wil explain how to remove the GUI with usage of PowerShell.

This is the default screen after doing a Full Installation

Start Windows PowerShell with the default button available

In PowerShell the following commands are needed to remove the GUI:

• Import-Module ServerManager
• Get-WindowsFeature
• Remove-WindowsFeature Server-Gui-Shell
• Shutdown /r /t 5

After reboot the default screen is changed, no background anymore..

When logon, Server Manager and a command window is started

In PowerShell it's possible to enable or disable Windows features again

Open the command window for that and use the following commands:

• PowerShell
• Import-Module ServerManager
• Get-WindowsFeature
• Add-WindowsFeature <Name> (or)
  Remove-WindowsFeature <Name>

The following command are needed to install the GUI again:

• Add-WindowsFeature Server-Gui-Shell
• Shutdown /r /t 5

If needed, Windows PowerShell Getting Started Guide:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa973757(v=vs.85).aspx

Thanks to @RandolphWinjaja for PowerShell support.

Windows Server Developer Preview installed (Windows Server 8)

On 14-9-2011 the first build of Windows Server Developer Preview is showed to the world. The Windows Server Developer Preview is a pre-beta version of Windows Server 8 for developers. Windows Server 8 is also build on Metro, the User Interface we know from Windows Phone 7. That way it's usable on servers and remote manageble on tablets, with touch interface!

In this blog I show you the installation & look and feel. I've created an virtual machine with 1 CPU, 2GB RAM and 20GB Disk. That's enough for having a smooth running virtual machine. The ISO can be mounted with a virtual CD/DVD-drive for installing Windows Server 8. I've used Oracle VirtualBox to install Windows Server 8 and capture screenshots.

The installation is approximately done in 10 a 15 minutes. During installation the following screens are seen:

Choose between Full Installation, Server Core or Features on Demand

The differences between these versions are:

Server Core: Windows Core, Windows PowerShell, DotNet Framework 4

Features on Demand: Same as Server Core + Server Manager, MS Management Consoles, A subset of Control Panel applets

Full Installation: Same as Features on Demand + All Control Panel Applets, Windows Help, Windows Explorer, Internet Explorer

This is the default screen after installing..

Same as Windows 8 actually

When logon, Server Manager is started automatically (as usual)

The new Server Manager in Metro style, cool!

More about that in a next blogpost

Metro dashboard with tiles and menu options, nice!

Windows PowerShell will not be missed..

If needed, Windows PowerShell Getting Started Guide: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa973757(v=vs.85).aspx

New Task Manager in Windows Server 8

Have a look at this blogpost for more about that: http://henkhoogendoorn.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-task-manager-functionality-in.html

The Ribbon interface is available here also..

Known functionality as Control Panel, Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer are still available. New installations adds new tiles on the Metro UI also. Next time I have a look at more functionality in Server Manager. Stay tuned for more!

Watch the introduction from Windows Server 8 on Build 2011: http://channel9.msdn.com/Events/BUILD/BUILD2011/SAC-973F

Download Windows Server 8 from the MSDN website: http://msdn.microsoft.com/nl-nl/windowsserver/
(Unlike Windows 8 only available for early adopters interested in testing the Operating System)

Guide to remove Windows 8 on a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk)

Last week I posted a setup for installing Windows 8 on a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk). Have a look for that here: Guide to install Windows 8 on a VHD. Now I received some questions how to make the Windows 8 setup undone, so Windows 7 will be the default Operating System again. In this blog I will give some solutions for this!

First it's possible to make Windows 7 the default Operating System again, without removing the Windows 8 installation. This is the easiest one to configure. Just boot from hard disk then, and while on the "Choose an Operating System" screen select "Change defaults or choose other options".

Then select "Choose the default operating system" to select Windows 7 as default OS again. It's also possible to change the default timer (from 30 seconds to 5 seconds) for faster boot there.

That way another boot menu will be used (from Windows 7 OS) which is must faster for booting Windows 7 AND Windows 8. I prefer this one because it's faster, not for the better menu.

Now another solution for totally remove Window8 from the boot menu. There are a few possibilities to make this possible:

• Use BCDEDIT and remove the Windows 8 boot entry
• Rebuild the boot menu from the Windows 7 DVD repair option
• Use BCDBOOT to repair boot files or create a new BCD store

It's of cource possible to remove the VHD file from hard disk. Then the boot menu will not be changed, and when selected "Windows 8" an error will follow:

Nothing to worry about, but not the better solution. It can be still part of a solution when using BCDEDIT, Windows 7 repair option or BCDBOOT. I will explain them all now.

With BCDEDIT many options comes available to add, delete, edit, and append entries in the boot configuration data (BCD) store. The BCD store contains boot configuration parameters and controls how the operating system is booted.

When not sure about BCDEDIT command first create a backup with: BCDEDIT /Export C:\BCDCOPY. Then delete the Windows 8 entry with the BCDEDIT /Delete command. For doing that the Identifier is needed. This can be found with the BCDEDIT command (without parameters):

The command for deleting Windows 8 here (in my case) is BCDEDIT /Delete {3b0c2878-9f48-11df-8e48-a2ba939022f2} /Cleanup. Let's have a try! I've deleted the Windows 8 entry and Windows 7 is booting immediately after reboot. Exactly what I want. No need to display the 30 seconds timer anymore, because there's only a single OS left.

When running BCDEDIT again my Windows 8 entry is gone, and Windows 7 will be the only OS left to boot. When I want to go back to Windows 8 again I choose: BCDEDIT /Import C:\BCDCOPY to have it all functional again.

The second solution is the Windows 7 repair option. Just start from a Windows DVD and choose "Repair your computer". Then select your OS (Windows 7) and choose "Startup Repair". The boot manager will then be repaired, and Windows 7 will be the default OS again. That way no rollback to Windows 8 is possible, because a clean boot manager is created.

 

If you click on “Startup Repair” then Windows will scan your system for common errors and will hopefully figure out that your boot manager is broken. A simple solution and maybe the most effective?

At last there is the BCDBOOT command. With BCDBOOT it's possible to copy critical boot files to the system partition and to create a new system BCD store.

 

I'm not that familiar with BCDBOOT, but for more information about this there is a TechNet post available: BCDboot Command-Line Options. It seems the most effective for creating a new BCD store or to add boot options to an existing BCD store.

For example, to create a BCD store on the default system partition with the optional locale parameter set to US English, you would use the following command: BCDBOOT C:\Windows /l en-us

Hope you have enough tools by now to remove Windows 8 from the boot menu and re-use Windows 7 as the only OS installed (if needed).

New Task Manager functionality in Windows 8

Windows 8 is a real hype this week on twitter all over the world. It's a totally different OS then Windows 7 and other Windows releases. The biggest difference is the Metro User Interface which introduces Tiles and new interfaces. One of the many differences (it's almost all new) in Windows 8 is the Task Manager. Not immediately the most striking application, but many times used when looking at performance issues.

Let's have a look at the Task Manager screens now. I show you all screens available in it:

Default Processes information (CPU, Memory, Disk, Network), Nice!

Nice graphic charts to see on the Performance screen.. (CPU, Memory and Disk are default in it with detailed information)

The App History tab shows all applications with total resource usage
(not much information for me here..)

Not much to see on the Startup screen at the moment..

This shows all resources in use per User session, very cool!

Details looks like Processes on the old Task Manager.. quite default

Services at last show all running and stopped.. well services 

As you can see this is a big step forward compared with the old Task Manager. Much more to see here, and nice detailed information!
Windows 8 totally rocks with the Metro User Interface and new look and feel. More blogposts about Windows 8 will follow later..

Guide to install Windows 8 on a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk)

Yesterday I posted a blog about installing Windows 8 on a virtual machine. Easy to do, but not exactly what I want. This because i think it's better to create a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) and use the full resources of your device. Today my second install of Windows 8 takes place, this time on a VHD. The following steps are needed to get it done.

1) Download the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool and install it on your Windows device. Download
2) Start the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool and follow the steps. Select the Windows 8 ISO and use a empty USB device (4GB min.)

Select the Windows 8 ISO file on the hard disk

Use an empty USB device for installing Windows 8

Select the empty USB device and start/begin copying

Copy job is done and the USB device is ready to use now!

3) Open Disk Management and create a VHD file with Action > Create VHD. I've selected a dynamically expanding 20GB Virtual Hard Disk.

It's also possible to use DISKPART for that, but I'm just a GUI user. The steps needed for this will be then:

• DISKPART
• CREATE VDISK FILE="D:\VHD\Win8.vhd" TYPE=Expandable MAXIMUM=20000
• SELECT VDISK FILE="D:\VHD\Win8.vhd"
• ATTACH VDISK
• CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY (optional)
• EXIT

Just create a VHD file on your hard disk with enough free space

4) Now it's time to start from the bootable USB device. Choose USB when booting in the BIOS boot order menu. Windows 8 installation is starting then from the USB device!
5) Choose for a Custom installation, dont select an existing partition but just press SHIFT-F10 for a command window. Now choose the following commands:

• DISKPART
• SELECT VDISK FILE="D:\VHD\Win8.vhd" (Use List Disk in Diskpart to see what's drive the VHD is on. It's different then usual, so see comments for that one)
• ATTACH VDISK
• EXIT

6) Select the Windows installation screen again and press Refresh. That way the new created VHD partition becomes available.
7) Just install Windows 8 on the selected VHD partition, and let the magic happen! It will takes some time..

During installation a few reboots are needed. After that Windows 8 will be started. Select your network connection (wired/wireless) and start working immediately. There are default Apps for Twitter and Facebook available, so there's enough to do and see ;)

After the next restart a boot menu becomes available. When choose Options here, there's the choice between Windows 7 (existing OS) and Windows Developer Preview (a.k.a. Windows 8).

Both Operating Systems can be used by now, no need to use a virtual machine (or something like that) anymore. Just experience the full OS on full screen with all hardware resources available! Mine is running on 1680x1050 and wireless connection. That way Windows 8 will let you experience the true functionality.

Update: This guide can also be used for Windows 8 Consumer Preview. Just remember to write down the product key needed.

Update 1-3-2012: When the 0x000000f error is showed on first boot, and no OS can be started at all, just try the following:

• Boot from USB to be able to select your Windows (7) OS
• Remove Windows 8 from boot order with BCDEDIT
• Disable BitLocker (!)
• Try again…

Thanks to @micmyh for support on this!

Update 1-6-2012: This guide can also be used for Windows 8 Release Preview. Just remember to write down the product key needed.