Virtualizing the server running your business will allow you to back up the existing state of your server entirely, upgrade to new server hardware, and move your existing system exactly as it is -- this will keep your business running as smoothly as before you virtualized your server.
Follow the steps in Part 1, 2, and 3 of How to Virtualize a Server to set up a test environment for your physical Windows server as a virtualized server using VMware Converter (free) and VMware Infrastructure 3 (free 60-day evaluation). By virtualizing your server in a test environment, you'll have an opportunity to evaluate how it fits your needs before putting it on your business network.
To get started, you'll need:
One (or more) Windows server(s) running your business
A workstation or laptop to serve as the VMware management client (so you can access and manage your Windows server remotely once it's virtualized.
VMware Converter -- download now [registration required]
VMware ESX Server 3.5 -- download now [registration required]
VMware Infrastructure Client -- download now [registration required]
First, download VMware's ESX and burn a bootable CD for your server. Then, install ESX server (on the VMware compatible server, not the server running your business) to create an ESX server and then, boot the server with the CD installed.
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