Test Lab: Base Configuration – Hydration Kit released.

I’ve released my first Codeplex project today. It’s available at http://testlabhydrationkit.codeplex.com

Hydration Kit – Test Lab: Base Configuration for Windows Server 2008 R2

The code is Microsoft Deployment Toolkit standalone media (Hydration Kit) that will configure each of the servers in the Test Lab Guide: Base Configuration. The tool will build your fully functional Test Lab in minutes. Getting this core out of the way allows you to focus on your actual project that you may find in the Test Lab Guide Wiki.

I found myself rebuilding my virtual host which meant rebuilding my lab so I decided to use MDT to automate the process. After I got it working, I decided to put a front end on it and share with the on-line community.

Due to Microsofts redistribution policy, you have to assemble the kit yourself. But my scripts will take care of that for you. The Kit will use 3 scripts to create a deployment media ISO image. You use this image to build your servers in your test lab.

Here’s a quick walkthrough. Once the ISO is inserted into a server, you will get the autorun prompt.

The first screen is the server selection screen. Click next.

Each server has it’s own unique configuration wizard pane. This will allow you to use your own custom naming standards and IP address scopes etc. The defaults will build the standard Contoso domain as detailed in the TLG guides. Accept the defaults and click next.

You will see a confirmation pane allowing you to review the configuration settings before deployment. Click Begin.

The Hydration process will begin, rebooting as needed.

When finished you will be presented with a final summary page.

You’re then able to repeat the process for the next server.

That’s all there is to it. The Kit is available from the codeplex project: http://testlabhydrationkit.codeplex.com

Let me know if you find this useful. Please post any issues/bugs here rather than below on this page and I will address them. Enjoy.