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

Script installation of ESX 3.5 posted: Jun 25, 2009 4:23 PM

Click to view tlee00's profile Novice
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


Re: Script installation of ESX 3.5

1. Jun 25, 2009 9:14 PM in response to: tlee00
Click to view VMmatty's profile Expert
VMmatty
417 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

Re: Script installation of ESX 3.5

2. Jun 25, 2009 9:32 PM in response to: tlee00
Click to view @m!t's profile Enthusiast
@m!t
53 posts since
Apr 8, 2008
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

Re: Script installation of ESX 3.5

3. Jun 26, 2009 12:14 AM in response to: tlee00
Click to view ZaWizZ's profile Expert
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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