Running a Windows Server 2012 VM in Virtualbox

1. Locate a Windows Server 2012 iso
2. Launch Virtualbox
3. Create a New VM by selecting Machine > New

   Name: Microsoft Windows Server 2012
   Machine Folder: C:\VMs
   Type: Microsoft Windows
   Version: Windows 2012 (64-bit)
   Memory Size: 4096 MB
   Hard disk: Create a virtual hard disk now

4. Click Create
5. On the Create Virtual Hard Disk dialog

   Name the virtual disk image Microsoft Windows Server 2012.vdi
   File size: 50.00 GB
   Hard disk file type: VDI
   Storage on physical hard disk: Dynamically Allocated

6. Click Create
7. Select the VM and Click Settings
8. Select System > Processor
9. Give the VM at least 2 processors
10. Select Display
11. Slide the Video Memory to 128 MB
12. Select Storage
13. Click on the CD-ROM drive
14. Select the disc dropdown to the right > Choose a virtual optical disc file...
15. Browse to and select the Windows Server 2012 .iso file
16. Click OK
17. Make sure the Windows Server 2012 VM is selected and click Start > Normal
18. Click Next
19. Click Install Now
20. Select the desired edition > Click Next
21. Check the I accept box > Click Next
22. Click Custom (advanced) > Click Next
23. Wait for Windows to copy files, the VM will reboot
24. Enter a password > Re-type the password > Enter a password hint > Click Next
25. Select Input > Keyboard > Ctrl-Alt-Del
26. Input the administrator password and login
27. Welcome back to Server 2012

Optional Steps

1. Select Devices > Insert Guest Additions CD image...
2. If VirtualBox Guest Additions doesn't autorun, open My Computer > CD Drive > Double click VBoxWindowsAdditions-amd64.exe
3. Install Guest Additions accepting the defaults
4. Accept any driver popups from the Guest Additions installer by clicking the Yes button
5. After the installation completes select Reboot now > Click Finish