Can we install a generic Linux kernel 4.4.7 Guest OS on ESXi 5.1 ?

[gpro71]

Hello,

Can we install a Gentoo Linux guest OS, kernel 4.4.7, on ESXi 5.1 or do we need a later version of ESXi ?

Many thanks !!!

[Texiwill]

Hello,

Well we know that 3.xx kernels work. However, since I do not use distributions that use the 4.xx kernel yet, I have not tried. I imagine that it will work. Could you try and give us a report back? What distribution are you using? Be aware that VMware Tools is probably not compatible so paravirtualized drivers cannot be used.   I have 6.0 U2 and could try to install Gentoo  into 6.0 for you if that may help (and I will report back). The issue is oddities between what the kernel does and what the underlying bits require. It should work in generic mode but will just not be supported with anything like vmxnet, etc.

Best regards,
Edward L. Haletky
VMware Communities User Moderator, VMware vExpert 2009-2016

Author of the books 'VMWare ESX and ESXi in the Enterprise: Planning Deployment Virtualization Servers', Copyright 2011 Pearson Education. 'VMware vSphere and Virtual Infrastructure Security: Securing the Virtual Environment', Copyright 2009 Pearson Education.

Virtualization and Cloud Security Analyst: The Virtualization Practice, LLC -- vSphere Upgrade Saga -- Virtualization Security Round Table Podcast

[Texiwill]

Hello,

I used a Generic Linux 64bit for settings and was able to boot the latest Gentoo with its 4.x kernel. I see no issues with this. While 'unsupported' it should still work on any version of the hypervisor. Just be sure to use E1000 and the proper SCSI device is all.

Best regards,
Edward L. Haletky
VMware Communities User Moderator, VMware vExpert 2009-2016

Author of the books 'VMWare ESX and ESXi in the Enterprise: Planning Deployment Virtualization Servers', Copyright 2011 Pearson Education. 'VMware vSphere and Virtual Infrastructure Security: Securing the Virtual Environment', Copyright 2009 Pearson Education.

Virtualization and Cloud Security Analyst: The Virtualization Practice, LLC -- vSphere Upgrade Saga -- Virtualization Security Round Table Podcast