Virtualbox: Windows Server 2022 Deployment

1. Overcoming the "No Images Available" Error

During the initial setup, the Windows installer returned a critical error: no images are available. Research revealed that this was caused by entering a Product Key during the VirtualBox Unattended Install configuration.

Resolution: The VM was recreated with the Unattended Install features disabled. As shown below, the OS activated itself later, likely pulling the key from the initial cached attempt.

Project Milestone: Active Directory & Network Configuration

1. Static IP and Secondary NIC Integration

ADDS requires a Static IP. To maintain internet access, a second NIC was added. One handles the external DHCP connection, while the second is assigned a static IP for internal traffic.

2. Promoting the Domain Controller (AD Forest)

The server was promoted to a Domain Controller for AD.SQUIRRELWORKS.DEV.

Project Milestone: Essential Roles (DNS, DHCP, & Routing)

1. Remote Access and NAT Routing

2. DHCP Server & Scope Configuration

Project Milestone: Client Integration

1. Domain Bind and Topology Verification

A Windows Client was successfully joined to the AD.SQUIRRELWORKS.DEV domain after receiving DHCP settings from the DC.

Final Network Topology