Implementation of the test environment, how to approach the question?

Question

Software testing

Hello!
Please share the methodology for building a test environment. A test environment is needed, for example, for: testing updates, testing the transition from Exchange 2010 to 2013, testing special software.
If you build a new test domain in a virtual environment, then it will turn out somehow wrong, then the transition to production is more difficult. Those. As I understand it, you need to somehow copy the existing infrastructure into an isolated environment so that it does not intersect with the "combat" one.
There is little information on this subject. For now, I’m thinking of doing this: create an Internal switch in Hyper-V, then copy the DC server, file server, etc., by importing and exporting, linking them to the created Internal switch during export. It seems that with this option, there should be isolation. Or I didn't take that approach?

Answer 1

I work in a virtual environment Hyper-V (prod).
I use it without options: I created a new one, tested it, the result.
Problems: whatever one may say, restoring a CD from a snapshot is a real thing, but a chore, so in essence - changing the scheme, for example by installing Exchange - is considered a must. or a new domain or a "spotted Exchange" domain. Therefore, with domain controllers - no options. If you want a clean CD - install a clean CD.
Exchange - too you will not roll back on click. A lot of all sorts of temporary bindings, etc.
But everything else. (other services and servers) - you can just snapshot. For example: you are testing antivirus or backup. created a car. before entering the domain - a snapshot with a mark. well, and so on. Then, you just roll back to the right moment.
Something like this. Regarding any future virtual server: I created the editions of the clean system that I needed. For example 2012 Standart (one VHD) 2012R2 (second VHD) and just periodically keep them up to date with updates. To copy to any place at any time. Rename and attach to the new Wirth. car for some purpose.
Somehow like this...

Answer 2

then something goes wrong

how, isn't it? more specifically?
p2v converters are googled; run, upload to the hypervisor, connect to a separate vswitch and run