Getting NanoServer (TP5) up with VirtualBox

One of Windows Server 2016’s features is a version called NanoServer – it’s a stripped down version of a Core Windows Server installation (no GUI), and might just be perfect for a Minecraft server.  Java will run in it, and since the server can be launched without a GUI, this could be very useful for a lightweight VM or laptop.  Plus, it’s good excuse to get used to this new feature of Server 2016, even if it’s just a Technical Preview.

I ran into an issue – even when adding OEMDrivers and manually adding the drivers from a Windows 10 load, I get no networks for the virtualized Intel 1000T nic in my VM.  Might just be a TP5 bug, as I see that it looked ok in others’ posts from TP4.

nanonics

So, I installed the full Server 2016 Standard with Desktop (TP5) into VirtualBox to see what NIC drivers it used.

Capture

Look at the driver from the nic after the install.

2016devices

That didn’t line up with anything, so I tried the 1000 MT Server driver… Bingo!

20161000mt

Now, I built a Nanoserver image – with the guest deployment type, using the 1000MT Server setting:

nanonics

Crickets!!!  OK, let’s try a “host” install with the -OEMDrivers flag:

nanonicworking

Bingo!   The oiption to deploy as guest locks out OEMDrivers, and is for Hyper-V VMs.  The host flag allows the OEMDriver pack, and of that pack with the Server 2016 release, only the Intel 1000/MT Server adapter is included.

 

Published by Michael

Hi - I'm a IT Consultant, happily married, and father of 3. My hobbies are building wood things, church activities, spending time with the family, driving and goofing off, not in any particular order.

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