Setting up Video Recording in Microsoft Test and Lab Manager – Vs 2010 Beta 2

I had to set up a new VHD image earlier this week. When it came time to configure the Video Recording capabilities of Microsoft Test and Lab Manager, the instructions online were OK, but a bit lacking. Here are some easy-to-understand (for me, anyway) instructions for enabling Video Recording inside Microsoft Test Runner 2010 Beta 2.

Note: this assumes you’re using Windows Server 2008 R2 x64 as your operating system.

 

The steps:

1. Enable the Desktop Experience feature using Server Manager in Windows 2008 R2.

2. Download and install Media Encoder (always use x32 regardless of your OS)

3. Install the Media Encoder hotfix

4. Enable Video Recording in Microsoft Test and Lab Manager

5. Enjoy

 

The details:

Enable the Desktop Experience feature

1. Open Server Manager and select Features, then click the Add Features link on the right side of the screen.
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2. Select the Desktop Experience checkbox, then “Next” your way through the wizard until you’re done.
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Download Media Encoder from: https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/encoder/default.mspx

Note: you MUST download and install the 32-bit version of the encoder, even if you have a 64-bit operating system. You MUST use the x32 version of the encoder, even if you have an x64 OS.

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Yep, you have to use the 32-bit version, even if your operating system is 64-bit.

Download the hotfix from: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/929182

Look in the RESOLUTION section. Download the file and install it. Note: to install the KB hotfix, you MUST use RUN AS administrator, otherwise the installation will fail.

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Note: If you don’t use “RUN AS Administrator” the hotfix installation will not install properly, even though the final dialog box says installation was successful. Even if you’re logged in as Administrator or your UserID is a member of Administrators group, you still need to install the software using “RUN AS Administrator.

Instructional links from MSDN.COM:

· How to install the software to record: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd997558(VS.100).aspx

· How to record a video: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd286596(VS.100).aspx

 

In the How to record a video” instructions on the MSDN site, the first step tells you to “Select the role to use to record the video” then leaves a lot to the imagination.

1. The real first step should tell you to open Microsoft Test and Lab Manager, and select the Lab Center.
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2. Then click on the Test Settings tab, then the Test Settings Manager link below that, and you’ll see the Roles that are defined for your environment, as shown below:
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3. Click Open, which opens. . .
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4. The Test Settings for the Role. Click on “Data and Diagnostics” then check the Video Recorder checkbox. 
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5. Configure the Video Recorder as needed then Save.
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6.  Click Finish, and you’re ready to record.
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