getting started with ESXi

[bookouri]

Im trying to get started with ESXi. Ive installed it on a test machine and created my first vm on it, but I can not get the vm to boot to the cd/dvd drive to install the OS (fedora9 in this case) Ive used VM workstation and VM server products for a while and never had any trouble getting them to recognize and boot from the cd/dvd. The ESXi help file makes it look like its just as simple as with workstation but I cant seem to make it boot. There is an option to map to an .iso file on the ESXi "datastore" but I don't know any way to get to the host ESXi machine to physically store the .iso there.

Any suggestions about getting my ESXi VM to boot from cd/dvd ??

thanks

 

[TheLad]

You can upload files to the local datastores on your ESX server using the Virtual Centre Client. If you do into the Storage section and double-click the local storage, a box appears where you can upload (and download) files. If you upload your ISO there, you can mount it on your VMs

--------------------------------------
"Insert funny comment in here!"
--------------------------------------

 

[bookouri]

thanks, ill look again. I couldnt find anything like that my first go around...

 

[ArizonaGeek]

You can also use third party software like Veeam FastSCP or WinSCP to upload ISO files to your server. Both are freeware.

Cheers
Rob

The answer is always "PEBKAC!

 

[ronnyserrano]

You can also tell the VM to use client cd/dvd drive

To do this go to edit settings, select cd/dvd and on the right side pick device type/client device. Then when you fire up the client from your desk to manage the VM it will use your CDrom if you connect it. There is a button on the console when you start the vm that says (connect). It is a little slow, but works.

this usually works for me if I can't get to the physical box.

 

[paella33]

ArizonaGeek: does FastSCP and WinSCP work with ESXi?

 

[ArizonaGeek]

ArizonaGeek: does FastSCP and WinSCP work with ESXi?

It should support it though I've not tried it. Also remember by default, root doesn't have SSH or SCP rights so you either have to turn that on or login with another user and su- to root.

Cheers
Rob

The answer is always "PEBKAC!