Friday, August 28, 2009

How to run ESX4 as VM on VMWare Server 2.0

I know that virtualize an hypervisor is so strange. But i needed to understood esx4 functionality. Here are steps to test it on virtual environment. Note that is only for demo or training purpose.

  • Launch VMWare Server Home Page
  • Create New Virtual Machine with following option
        • Name: ESX4
        • Guest Operating System : Linux operating system Other Linux (64-bit)
        • CPU Count: 1
        • Memory Size: 2048MB (minimum requirements)
        • Hard Disk: 100GB
        • Network Adapter: Bridged
        • CD/DVD Drive: Use a Physical Drive
        • Floppy Drive: Don’t Add a Floppy Drive
        • USB Controller: Don’t Add a USB Controller

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  • Select Advanced tab on Configure VM and add following parameters (for further information about these parameters look at Running Nested VMs by Jim Mattson)

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  • Select Console tab and start virtual machine
  • When prompting click the console screen to view the virtual machine
  • From Devices menu, select CD/DVD Drive and select disconnect on Server
  • From Devices menu, select CD/DVD Drive and select Connect to Disk Image File (.iso)…

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  • Select Yes when prompted and connect to the ESX installation ISO file.
  • Click on virtual machine and press enter to start installation process.

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  • Follow any on-screen instruction to complete installation.
  • Once installation is complete you are able to test your new VMWare ESX4.