Welcome to the forum, and let's double check your procedures to make sure you got it right. I'm assuming you install ESX 3.5 on desktop using VMware workstation 6.5? But neither ways bare metal or workstation, it would be same.
1. Install ESX 3.5 successfully and configured with correct hostname, TCP/IP and root password.
2. Use web browser point to newly installed ESX 3.5 host and download VI Client.
3. Install VI client on XP machine and launch it and test it with the host.
4. Install vCenter server on another server using existing database or using SQL Express edition.
5. Once installed, connect to vCenter server using VI client and then add your "ESX host"
6. Start configure your Networkings and vSwitches and port groups for (SC, VMotion, VM network)
7. Start create virtual machine using .iso mount or using CD media of your choice.
8. Finish install Windows machine like physical installation.
Please double check these basic steps that would help. Refer to
www.xtravirt.com guide how to deploy ESX 3.5 from A-Z.
If you found this information useful, please consider awarding points for "Correct" or "Helpful". Thanks!!!
Regards,
Stefan Nguyen
VMware vExpert 2009
iGeek Systems Inc.
VMware, Citrix, Microsoft Consultant
