The Microsoft VHD format is the common virtualization file format for Virtual PC, Virtual Server 2005 and Hyper-V that provides a uniform product support system, and provides more seamless manageability, security, reliability, and cost-efficiency for customers.
The virtual machines available for download are running Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition Evaluation. One is the default full installation, and the other has been configured as a default Core installation. For more information on the difference between full and core installation please see the Windows Server 2008 Editions Overview pages.
The VHD releases are available in English only and are for evaluation and testing purposes. Evaluating Windows Server 2008 software does not require product activation or entering a product key. Any edition of Windows Server 2008 may be installed without activation and evaluated for an initial 60 days. There are two platform downloads available: one supporting Hyper-V running on Windows Server 2008 64bit, and one available for Virtual Server 2005 running on supporting platforms (Windows XP/Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003/Windows Server 2008).
