How to Install a Guest OS on VMware ESXi

In this post I will try to capture all the steps required to install a Guest Operating System on a VMware ESXi Server. This method should also work on the VMware ESX Server. I am assuming a few things here:

• You already have VMware ESXi installed on a capable Server (If you don't have a server you can buy it from eBay)
• You have installed a VMware Vsphere Client on your client Machine.
• You own a legal Copy of a Windows 2003 Enterprise Server (.ISO File)
• You have enough disk space on your server

Creating a New Virtual Machine

1. Open your VMware Vsphere Client to access your VMware ESXi Server. Right click on the ESXi Server and click New Virtual Machine.

   

2. Proceed with creating a Typical Virtual Machine since it will install all the common settings.

   

3. Now choose a name for the new Virtual Machine. In my case this is the CUCM Subscriber Server so I named it SUB.

   

4. Select the DataStore where you want this new Virtual Machine to be installed.

   

5. Select the Guest Operating System you are going to install on your new Virtual Machine.

   

6. Select the amount of storage for your new Virtual Machine. I selected the minimum of 8gb but also selected thin provisioning so if more space is needed it will be available.

   

7. Now you can review all the settings before the final OK. If you are satisfied with the settings, click FINISH.

   

8. Verify that your new Virtual Machine was successfully installed by looking in the left column for your Vsphere Client.

   

Locating & Installing the Guest Operating System

1. Select the newly created Virtual Machine (SUB) and then click Edit Virtual Machine Settings.

   

2. In the Virtual Machine properties, you will select the CD/DVD Drive. I had an ISO file stored on the ESXi's local datastore so I just clicked on the Datastore ISO file and browsed to my ISO file's location. Make sure to check the Connect at power on box otherwise it will never boot from the ISO file.

   

3. Now is the time to power on the newly created Virtual Machine. Since we made sure that installation media was connected at power on, you will see the Windows Setup Screen. Press ENTER to continue.

   

4. Follow the normal Windows Installation procedures.
5. After the installation is finished, windows will restart. Here our new Windows Virtual Machine is ready to be used! Make sure you install all the VMware Tools for better performance Please leave comments if you think this was helpful.