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3 Replies Last post: Jun 26, 2009 12:14 AM by ZaWizZ

Script installation of ESX 3.5

Jun 25, 2009 4:23 PM

tlee00 7 posts since
Jan 8, 2009

Is it possible to script ESX 3.5 installation?

I know that people use kickstart or in some cases use third party tools. I found this link:

http://www.vmware.com/support/esx21/doc/esx21install_script_setup_install.html#1088371

The earlier version of ESX such as ESX 2.1 had a tool but I don't see it in ESX 3.5.

Does anyone know if VMware has any kind of tools or resources for script installation of ESX? I guess I can always look into toolkit but I don't have time to learn API.

Thanks in advance.

-tlee00

Reply Re: Script installation of ESX 3.5 Jun 25, 2009 9:14 PM

VMmatty 410 posts since
Oct 17, 2008

There is a virtual appliance called the ESX Deployment Appliance that you can use to make scripting ESX installs very easy. It provides a nice web interface for customizing the installation for those that aren't that familiar with Kickstart scripts. It also includes a PXE server and DHCP server to facilitate the installation.

I'd really recommend taking a look at it. I've used it to quickly create scripts for automated installs in the past and it works great.

http://www.vmware.com/appliances/directory/89313

Reply Re: Script installation of ESX 3.5 Jun 25, 2009 9:32 PM

@m!t 53 posts since
Apr 8, 2008 VMware

you can use the kick start file method (scripted installation ) for 3.5

Just check this guide:

http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vi3_35/esx_3/r35u2/vi3_35_25_u2_installation_guide.pdf

-@m!t

Reply Re: Script installation of ESX 3.5 Jun 26, 2009 12:14 AM

ZaWizZ 268 posts since
Jul 27, 2007

For unattend installation of ESX there are two appliances afaik.

Ultimate Deployment Appliance (UDA)
I use this one because I have freedom to change kickstart commandline. Check out the new 2.0 version.: http://www.ultimatedeployment.org/

ESX Deplyment Appliance (EDA)
This is also a great appliance created by Herco van Brug. This appliance is easy to start with. It has lots of script parts already in place.: http://vmware.com/appliances/directory/1216
For Support check out this thread: http://communities.vmware.com/thread/139465?start=0&tstart=0

For more info on the unattend process using UDA check out these two articles one of them has a great diagram which shows the flow of the different sections in the kickstart process. You can also download our unattend scripts from there.
http://searchvmware.techtarget.com/tip/0,289483,sid179_gci1351853_mem1,00.html
http://searchvmware.techtarget.com/tip/0,289483,sid179_gci1352005_mem1,00.html

-Arnim van Lieshout

Blogging: http://www.van-lieshout.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/avlieshout

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