> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ajmal-anwar.gitbook.io/zyberspace-by-ajmal/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ajmal-anwar.gitbook.io/zyberspace-by-ajmal/zyberlab/01-lab-setup/windows-client-vm.md).

# Create the Windows Client VM for CLIENT01

This virtual machine will be the first Windows workstation in ZyberLab.

Later, `CLIENT01` will join the Active Directory domain and will be used for user, Group Policy, authentication, logging, and security-monitoring exercises.

## Objective

Create a Windows client VM named `CLIENT01`, complete the installation, and take a clean snapshot.

## Suggested VM Settings

| Setting | Suggested Value                    |
| ------- | ---------------------------------- |
| VM name | `CLIENT01`                         |
| CPU     | 2 vCPU                             |
| Memory  | 4–6 GB                             |
| Disk    | 60 GB                              |
| Network | NAT for the initial beginner setup |

Use a Windows edition that supports joining an Active Directory domain when you reach that lab.

## Create the VM

1. Open VMware Workstation.
2. Select **Create a New Virtual Machine**.
3. Choose the standard or typical configuration.
4. Select the Windows installation ISO.
5. Choose the matching Windows version.
6. Name the virtual machine:

```
CLIENT01
```

7. Choose the VM storage location.
8. Configure approximately 60 GB of virtual disk space.
9. Review the hardware settings.
10. Set memory to approximately 4–6 GB.
11. Confirm the network adapter is using NAT for now.
12. Finish creating the VM.

## Install Windows

1. Start `CLIENT01`.
2. Boot from the Windows installation ISO.
3. Complete the normal Windows installation.
4. Create a local lab account during setup if required.
5. Complete the first sign-in.
6. Install VMware Tools if they are not already installed.
7. Apply normal Windows updates if appropriate.

Use accounts and passwords created specifically for the lab. Do not reuse production or personal credentials.

## Rename the Computer

If the computer is not already named correctly:

1. Open **Settings**.
2. Go to **System → About**.
3. Select the option to rename the PC.
4. Enter:

```
CLIENT01
```

5. Restart the computer.

## Confirm Network Information

Open Command Prompt and run:

```
ipconfig
```

Record the IPv4 address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS information.

## Test Basic Connectivity

Once `DC01` is also running, note the IPv4 address of both systems.

From `CLIENT01`, try:

```
ping <DC01-IP>
```

From `DC01`, try:

```
ping <CLIENT01-IP>
```

If ping does not reply, do not immediately assume the network is broken. Windows Firewall can block ICMP echo requests. The networking page explains how to verify connectivity using several methods.

## Create a Snapshot

When the clean installation is working correctly, create a VMware snapshot named:

```
CLIENT01 - Clean Install
```

## Verification

The lab is complete when:

* the VM is named `CLIENT01`
* Windows starts normally
* you can sign in
* the network adapter is connected
* the VM has an IP address
* VMware Tools is working
* the clean snapshot exists

## Security Relevance

Most security activity in an enterprise environment ultimately involves endpoints, users, identities, applications, or network connections. `CLIENT01` gives us a controlled workstation where those behaviors can be generated and observed safely.