Some of you may have noticed that when you install Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 to a Microsoft Virtual Server virtual machine that operations like hard disk formatting and copying files takes forever. In fact, it may take 2 – 3 times longer than installing to a regular computer. However, once you get the virtual machine up and running with the virtual machine additions, all is fine and dandy. So what gives?
Chances are, you set up the virtual machine with the SCSI adapter for the hard drive interface and this is the probable cause of your problem. The resolution, thankfully, is simple. Mount the following floppy disk image to the virtual machine before starting Windows setup:
c:\program files\microsoft virtual server\virtual machine additions\scsi shunt driver.vfd
Note: I am assuming Virtual Server is installed in its default folder.
When you start to install Windows it will prompt you to “Press F6 to specify additional drivers” (you have to be quick, that prompt goes by kinda fast). Upon pressing F6, follow the instructions to install the scsi driver (remember, after mounting the floppy image, it will be in your A drive). Once done, proceed on through the installation as normal but you should notice improved performance.
JamesNT
