I am curious what "methods" Windows providers out there use to deploy Windows Server to Virtual Machines using Virtual Server 2005 when the machine is "remote" at a datacenter.

Could you get away with using images, and regenating SIDs and serial numbers?

Well you get the data center to stick in the Windows CD and then make an iso of this. Use that ISO and the host OS license key to install the OS into the VPS.

Hello,

The above is the way to go and your provider, at the dc, may be able to provide the CD, given you have the proper license key(s). Once the CD is inserted (may not need the iso steps), you can request KVM over IP (or similar) and begin your config(s). Hope this helps.

Best wishes.

It is better to make an ISO anyway as then you can just load this up for the VPS's at anytime without needing the DC intervention. You can also extract the license key from the host OS with a program called grasshopper [or something like this]. Its perfectly legal to use this key on up to 4 VPS instances.

I'm with ultima. Create an iso of your OS cd and load it up on the server. Then mount the ISO in your VM and install away. Once you have a good base install, sysprep it and then store it aside to use later when you need more VM's. That way you won't be installing from CD/ISO every time.

Jess