Introduction:
VMware ESXi is a powerful and widely used hypervisor that allows users to virtualize their hardware and run multiple virtual machines on a single physical server. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of installing VMware ESXi 6.7 on bare metal using a USB stick and ISO image.
Prerequisites:
- A server with compatible hardware for VMware ESXi 6.7.
- A USB stick with at least 4GB of storage capacity.
- VMware ESXi 6.7 ISO image, which can be downloaded from the official VMware website. (Click the drop-down in the top-left to select your version.)
- A computer to create a bootable USB stick.
Step 1: Download VMware ESXi 6.7 ISO Image:
Visit the official VMware website and download the ESXi 6.7 ISO image. Ensure that you have a valid VMware account for access to the download.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Stick:
- Insert the USB stick into your computer.
- Download and install a tool like Rufus (for Windows) or UNetbootin (for Linux) to create a bootable USB stick.
- Open the tool and select the USB stick as the target.
- Choose the VMware ESXi 6.7 ISO image as the source.
- Click on the “Start” or “Create” button to initiate the process. This will write the ESXi image to the USB stick and make it bootable.
Step 3: Configure BIOS/UEFI Settings:
- Insert the bootable USB stick into the server where you want to install VMware ESXi.
- Power on the server and access the BIOS or UEFI settings. This process may vary depending on your hardware.
- Ensure that the boot order is set to prioritize the USB drive.
Step 4: Start the ESXi Installation:
- Save the BIOS/UEFI changes and exit.
- The server should now boot from the USB stick, loading the VMware ESXi installer.
- Once the installer is loaded, follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the installation.
- Accept the license agreement and select the target disk for the ESXi installation.
Step 5: Configure Networking:
- From the ESXi server, set a static IP address or use DHCP for networking.
- Configure DNS settings and set a hostname for the ESXi host.
Step 6: Set a Root Password:
Create a strong root password for the ESXi host.
Step 7: Complete the Installation:
- Confirm the installation settings and begin the installation process.
- Once the installation is complete, remove the USB stick and reboot the server.
Step 8: Access the ESXi Web Interface:
- Open a web browser and enter the IP address of the ESXi host.
- Log in using the root credentials.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed VMware ESXi 6.7 on bare metal using a USB stick and ISO image. You can now start creating virtual machines and leveraging the powerful features of VMware ESXi for your virtualization needs.