Q. How can I create a new virtual server in my cluster?

A. After you've configured your cluster, you must create virtual environments in which resources such as shares, printers, and applications can be stored. You can either create a virtual server manually, which involves creating a resource group and assigning the server an IP address and NetBIOS name or use the Microsoft-supplied wizard that simplifies the process. To use the wizard to configure a virtual cluster resource, perform these steps:

1. From the File menu in Cluster Administrator, select "Configure Application inside the Cluster Administrator MMC."
2. In the Welcome dialog box, click Next.
3. Select "Create a new virtual server" and click Next.
4. Select "Create a new resource group" and click Next.
5. Enter a name for the new resource group and, optionally, a description. Click Next.
6. Enter the NetBIOS name and IP address for the virtual server. Click Next.
7. At the advanced settings page, click Next.
8. Next, you're asked whether the cluster resource should be created. Accept the default of "Yes, create a cluster resource for my application now," and click Next.
9. A list of application resource types is displayed, which the Figure shows. Select the appropriate resource type--for example, File Share--and click Next.
10. Enter a name for the new resource type--for example, File Shares--and an optional description. Click Next.
11. Next, you're asked to enter additional information, depending on the resource type you selected. Enter these details and click Next.
12. Click Finish.

To bring the new virtual server online, right-click the instance under the Groups branch in Cluster Administrator and select "Bring online."