Introduction – How to Install VMware ESXi

VMware ESXi is a Type 1 hypervisor that enables you to partition a physical server into multiple virtual machines (VMs). It’s a foundational component of VMware’s vSphere suite and is widely used in enterprise environments for server virtualization. Installing ESXi on bare metal allows you to maximize hardware utilization and manage VMs efficiently.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing VMware ESXi on a physical server, including detailed instructions, troubleshooting tips, and essential commands you need to know.

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

System Requirements

Before installing ESXi, ensure that your hardware meets VMware’s compatibility requirements.

• Processor:
  • Minimum of two cores.
  • 64-bit x86 CPUs with support for hardware virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V).
• Memory (RAM):
  • Minimum: 4 GB.
  • Recommended: 8 GB or more, depending on the number and size of VMs.
• Storage:
  • At least 1 GB for ESXi installation.
  • Additional storage for VMs.
• Network:
  • At least one Gigabit Ethernet controller.
• BIOS/UEFI:
  • Supports booting from USB or CD/DVD.
• Hardware Compatibility:
  • Check the VMware Compatibility Guide to ensure your hardware is supported.

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

Preparing for Installation

Downloading VMware ESXi ISO

1. Create a VMware Account:
   • Visit the VMware Customer Connect page.
   • If you don’t have an account, click “Register” and fill out the required information.
2. Download ESXi ISO:
   • Go to the VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi) Download Center.
   • Select the version you wish to download (e.g., VMware vSphere Hypervisor 7.0).
   • Click “Manually Download” next to “VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi) ISO Image”.
   • Save the ISO file to your local machine.
3. License Key:
   • Note that you can use ESXi in evaluation mode for 60 days.
   • You can register for a free license key for limited functionality.

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

On Windows:

• Using Rufus:
  1. Download and install Rufus.
  2. Insert a USB drive (minimum 4 GB).
  3. Open Rufus.
  4. Under “Device”, select your USB drive.
  5. Click “SELECT” and choose the ESXi ISO file.
  6. Set “Partition scheme” to MBR (for BIOS) or GPT (for UEFI).
  7. Leave other settings at default and click “START”.
  8. Confirm any prompts and wait for the process to complete.

On Linux:

• Using dd Command:
  1. Insert the USB drive.
  2. Identify the USB device name using lsblk or fdisk -l.
  3. Unmount the USB drive if it’s auto-mounted.
  4. Run the dd command:

      sudo dd if=VMware-VMvisor-Installer-7.0U2a-17867351.x86_64.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=1M status=progress oflag=sync 
    

• Replace /dev/sdX with your USB drive’s device name.

Warning: Be cautious with the dd command to avoid overwriting the wrong disk.

On macOS:

• Using dd Command:
  1. Insert the USB drive.
  2. Open Terminal.
  3. Run diskutil list to find your USB drive’s identifier (e.g., /dev/disk2).
  4. Unmount the USB drive:bashCopy code

      diskutil unmountDisk /dev/diskN
    

• Replace N with your disk number.

• Run the dd command:

      sudo dd if=VMware-VMvisor-Installer-7.0U2a-17867351.x86_64.iso of=/dev/rdiskN bs=1m
    

• Replace /dev/rdiskN with your USB drive’s device name.

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

Configuring BIOS/UEFI Settings

1. Access BIOS/UEFI Setup:
   • Reboot your server and press the appropriate key to enter BIOS/UEFI setup (common keys are F2, F10, Del, Esc).
2. Enable Virtualization Technology:
   • Intel CPUs: Enable Intel VT-x and Intel VT-d.
   • AMD CPUs: Enable AMD-V.
3. Configure Boot Order:
   • Set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
4. Disable Secure Boot (if necessary):
   • Some systems may require Secure Boot to be disabled to boot non-Windows OS.
5. Enable Legacy Boot Mode (if necessary):
   • If your system doesn’t boot, try enabling Legacy BIOS boot mode.
6. Save and Exit:
   • Save changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup.

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

Installation Steps

Booting from the USB Drive

1. Insert the Bootable USB Drive:
   • Connect the USB drive to your server.
2. Power On the Server:
   • The server should boot from the USB drive automatically.
3. Select Boot Device (if necessary):
   • If it doesn’t boot from USB, press the boot menu key during startup (e.g., F12) and select the USB drive.

ESXi Installer Interface

1. Loading ESXi Installer:
   • The ESXi installer will start loading files. Wait for the “Welcome to the VMware ESXi Installation” screen.
2. Press Enter to Continue:
   • At the welcome screen, press Enter to proceed.

Accepting the License Agreement

1. Review the EULA:
   • Read the End User License Agreement.
2. Accept the EULA:
   • Press F11 to accept and continue.

Selecting the Installation Disk

1. Available Storage Devices:
   • The installer will scan and display available storage devices.
2. Select the Target Disk:
   • Use the arrow keys to select the disk where you want to install ESXi.
   • Note: Installing ESXi will overwrite the selected disk.
3. Confirm Selection:
   • Press Enter to confirm.

Setting the Keyboard Layout

1. Keyboard Selection:
   • Choose the appropriate keyboard layout.
2. Confirm Selection:
   • Press Enter to proceed.

Setting the Root Password

1. Enter Root Password:
   • Type a strong password for the root user.
2. Confirm Root Password:
   • Re-type the password to confirm.
3. Password Requirements:
   • Password must be at least 7 characters and include letters, numbers, and special characters.
4. Proceed:
   • Press Enter after confirming the password.

Starting the Installation

1. Review Installation Summary:
   • The installer will display a summary of your selections.
2. Begin Installation:
   • Press F11 to start the installation.
3. Installation Progress:
   • The installation process will begin and may take several minutes.
4. Installation Complete:
   • Once finished, you’ll see a confirmation message.
5. Remove the Installation Media:
   • Remove the USB drive.
6. Reboot the Server:
   • Press Enter to reboot.

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

Post-Installation Setup

Configuring Network Settings

1. ESXi Direct Console User Interface (DCUI):
   • After rebooting, the server will load ESXi and display the DCUI.
2. View IP Address:
   • The DCUI shows the management network IP address assigned via DHCP.
3. Access DCUI Management:
   • Press F2 to customize the system.
4. Authenticate:
   • Enter the root username and the password you set during installation.
5. Configure Management Network:
   • Select “Configure Management Network” and press Enter.
6. Network Adapters:
   • Choose the NICs you want to use for management.
7. Configure IPv4:
   • Select “IPv4 Configuration”.
   • Choose “Set static IPv4 address and network configuration”.
   • Enter:
     • IPv4 Address: e.g., 192.168.1.200
     • Subnet Mask: e.g., 255.255.255.0
     • Default Gateway: e.g., 192.168.1.1
8. Configure DNS:
   • Select “DNS Configuration”.
   • Enter:
     • Primary DNS Server: e.g., 8.8.8.8
     • Alternate DNS Server: e.g., 8.8.4.4
     • Hostname: e.g., esxi-host
9. Apply Changes:
   • Press Esc to exit the configuration menu.
   • Confirm when prompted to “Apply changes and restart management network”.

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

Accessing the ESXi Web Interface (vSphere Client)

1. From a Workstation:
   • Ensure your workstation is on the same network.
2. Open a Web Browser:
   • Navigate to the ESXi host’s IP address:

      https://192.168.1.200/
    

1. Security Warning:
   • Your browser may display a security warning due to a self-signed SSL certificate.
   • Proceed by adding an exception.
2. Login to ESXi Host Client:
   • Username: root
   • Password: The password set during installation.
3. Explore the Interface:
   • Familiarize yourself with the ESXi Host Client dashboard, settings, and options.

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

Troubleshooting Procedures

Common Installation Issues

Issue: ESXi Installer Fails to Start or Crashes

• Possible Causes:
  • Incompatible hardware.
  • Corrupted installation media.
  • Insufficient RAM.
• Solutions:
  • Check Hardware Compatibility:
    • Verify your hardware is listed in the VMware Compatibility Guide.
  • Recreate Installation Media:
    • Re-download the ISO and recreate the bootable USB drive.
  • Increase RAM:
    • Ensure the server has at least 4 GB of RAM.

Issue: No Storage Devices Detected

• Possible Causes:
  • Unsupported storage controllers.
  • Disk not properly connected.
• Solutions:
  • Check Storage Controller Compatibility:
    • Ensure your RAID or storage controller is supported by ESXi.
  • Load Additional Drivers:
    • For certain controllers, you may need to create a custom ESXi installation image with additional drivers using vSphere ESXi Image Builder.
  • Verify Disk Connections:
    • Ensure all cables are securely connected.

Issue: “Relocating modules and starting up the kernel” Hangs

• Possible Causes:
  • Hardware compatibility issues.
  • BIOS settings.
• Solutions:
  • Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware:
    • Check for updates from your hardware vendor.
  • Disable Unnecessary Hardware:
    • Turn off devices like serial ports, parallel ports, or secondary NICs in BIOS.

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

Network Configuration Problems

Issue: Cannot Access ESXi Web Interface

• Possible Causes:
  • Incorrect network configuration.
  • Firewall restrictions.
  • Network connectivity issues.
• Solutions:
  • Verify Network Settings:
    • Ensure the ESXi host has the correct IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.
  • Ping the ESXi Host:
    • From your workstation, try ping 192.168.1.200.
  • Check Physical Connections:
    • Ensure network cables are properly connected.
  • Firewall Settings:
    • Verify that your workstation’s firewall allows outbound HTTPS connections.
  • Restart Management Network:
    • From DCUI, select “Restart Management Network”.

Issue: ESXi Host Not Obtaining IP Address via DHCP

• Possible Causes:
  • No DHCP server available.
  • Network cable unplugged.
• Solutions:
  • Configure Static IP Address:
    • Manually set a static IP address in the “Configure Management Network” settings.
  • Check DHCP Server:
    • Ensure the DHCP server is operational.
  • Verify Network Hardware:
    • Check cables and switches.

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

Boot Issues

Issue: ESXi Host Doesn’t Boot After Installation

• Possible Causes:
  • Boot order misconfigured.
  • Corrupted installation.
• Solutions:
  • Check Boot Order:
    • Ensure the boot device is set to the disk where ESXi is installed.
  • Reinstall ESXi:
    • Try reinstalling in case of installation corruption.

Issue: Purple Screen of Death (PSOD)

• Possible Causes:
  • Hardware failure.
  • Driver issues.
• Solutions:
  • Read the Error Message:
    • PSOD displays diagnostic information.
  • Check Hardware:
    • Run hardware diagnostics.
  • Update Drivers/Firmware:
    • Ensure all hardware components have the latest firmware.

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

Useful Commands

Enabling ESXi Shell and SSH Access

1. From the DCUI:
   • Press F2 and authenticate.
   • Navigate to “Troubleshooting Options”.
   • Enable “ESXi Shell” and “SSH”.
2. From the ESXi Web Interface:
   • Click on “Host” > “Actions” > “Services”.
   • Start “Enable Secure Shell (SSH)” and “Enable ESXi Shell”.

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

How to Install VMware ESXi: Step-by-Step Guide with Detailed Procedures, Troubleshooting, and Useful Commands

ESXi Shell Commands

Basic Navigation

• List Directory Contents:

      codels
    

• Change Directory:

      cd /vmfs/volumes
    

• View Current Directory:

      pwd
    

Managing VMs

• List All VMs:

      vim-cmd vmsvc/getallvms
    

• Power On a VM:

      vim-cmd vmsvc/power.on [VMID]
    

• Power Off a VM:

      vim-cmd vmsvc/power.off [VMID]
    

• Reset a VM:

      vim-cmd vmsvc/power.reset [VMID]
    

• Get VM’s Power State:

      vim-cmd vmsvc/power.getstate [VMID]
    

Networking Commands

• List Network Interfaces:

      codeesxcli network nic list
    

• View Network Configuration:

      esxcli network ip interface ipv4 get
    

• Restart Management Network:

      services.sh restart
    

Managing Services

• List All Services:

      chkconfig --list
    

• Start a Service:

      /etc/init.d/[service] start
    

• Stop a Service:

      /etc/init.d/[service] stop
    

• Restart a Service:

      /etc/init.d/[service] restart 
    

• Replace [service] with the service name, e.g., hostd, vpxa.

System Monitoring

• Check System Logs:

      tail /var/log/syslog.log
    

• Check VMKernel Log:

      tail /var/log/vmkernel.log
    

• Monitor System Resources:

      esxtop
    

• Press q to exit esxtop.

File Management

• List Datastores:

      Copy Code

      cd /vmfs/volumes/[datastore_name]
    

      cp source destination
    

      mv source destination
    

      rm filename