ESXi 5 and scripted deployment options.
In this video from VMware you'll learn the basics about scripted deployment/upgrade options with ESXi 5. You'll see what's the options inside of kickstart script file (the ks.cfg) and the possible scenarios when it comes to the deployment process. Also, you'll learn the keyboard shortcuts (CRTL + O) to invoke the prompt during the installation process for specifying the path of the kickstart file.
The author of this video is Ashutosh Agharkar who works at VMware as a Senior Manager in the RD department.
So the steps when simply booting from USB stick:
– Place the ks.cfg file on the USB
– Boot from the USB and press CTRL+O immediately to get the prompt
– Specify the ks.cfg file location on the USB stick
You'll also learn the PXE boot process in detail – how it works.
A quick quote from the video:
Scripted installation is an efficient way to provision multiple ESXi host. This video explains how to use a kickstart file to install or upgrade ESXi. Both Shift-O invocation and PXE boot are supported.
Other resources to learn about the scripted installation options:
VMware KB Article – you'll learn the different options and also the what's different when performed in ESXi 4: Deploying ESXi 5.0 using the Scripted Install feature
PDF document – vSphere Installation and setup guide (Page 47)
Enjoy the video below:
Source: VMware TechPubs
Did you know that you can use LinuxLive USB Creator ( http://www.linuxliveusb.com ) to put ESXi setup on USB very easily ?
The ks.cfg will be automatically created and with ESXi 5.0 you will even be able to select between Interactive install or scripted install at start.
I’m using it almost every week to install ESXi from USB because it’s a lot faster and much more convenient than burning a CD.
Thanks for sharing… -:). I’m sure that’s valuable for everyone.
regards
Vladan