While there is a Windows 2008 Core Configurator with a GUI interface, in Windows 2008 R2 Microsoft added a new command-line tool named SCONFIG.EXE.

With this command tool configuration of the Core Server is simplified. It allows you to do all the initial configuration tasks, text menu based. For example, you can :

• Configure Networking – static vs. DHCP and for multiple NICs
• Configure Remote – Enable management via Server Manager and PowerShell, including properly configuring the firewall
• Configure Windows Update
• Enable Remote Desktop
• Join a domain
• Rename a computer

Still want to know the normal Windows 2008 Core commands or use the GUI?

If you don’t want to know the Windows 2008 Core commands, then you would be pleased with the Core Configurator. This GUI tool can be used for :

• Add & Remove Drivers
• DCPromo Tool
• Display Settings
• Firewall Settings
• ISCSI Settings
• Networking Features
• Product Licencing
• Screensaver Settings
• Server Roles and Features
• Share Creation and Deletion
• User and Group Permissions
• Windows Updates (Including WSUS)
  …more…

Download the tool CoreConfig from codeplex. (link)

Also, make sure you check out the sconfig.exe.

Here are a some common commands for configuration issues regarding Windows 2008 Core :

• Enable Terminal Server:
  cscript C:\Windows\System32\Scregedit.wsf /ar 0To view this setting:
  cscript C:\Windows\System32\Scregedit.wsf /ar /v
  Read more »