Hello VMware community
We plan to install new Hosts with ESXi 4.1 U1 and upgrade later our ESX 4.0 Hosts to ESXi 4.1 U1 as well.
At the moment we don't use ESXi. My Question is is partitioning still a question? I didn't found some related information on the web.
regards, Sven
If you are using version ESXi does not need partitioning. (Best pratices http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1022101)
If you choose the version of ESX that I suggest a look at best practices http://vmetc.com/2009/07/22/best-practices-for-vsphere-esx-4-service-console-partitions/
Hello Mauro
regarding next esx releases we plan to change to ESXi.
What's about log files? where does ESXi store the log? How big is this "partition"?
regards, Sven
Here is the common log file structure in ESX (Source)
* /var/log/vmware/hostd.log – ESX Service Log
* var/log/vmware/vpx/vpxa.log – vSphere Client Agent Logs
* /var/log/vmware/aam – VMware HA Logs
* /var/logvmkernel – VMKernel Messages
* /var/log/vmkwarning – VMKernel Warnings
* /var/log/messages – Service Console Log
Here is the common log file structure in ESXi
* /var/log/vmware/hostd.log – ESXi Service Log
* var/log/vmware/vpx/vpxa.log – vCenter Agent Logs
* /var/log/messages – Syslog Log (Combines vmkernel & hostd)
If you prefer, can export logs with VI CLIENT > File > Export > Export Diagnostic Data
If you use local hard drives for ESXi and datastores then you should create a 5GB virtual LUN using the array creation tools for your hardware. ESXI will take care of partitioning the 5GB virtual LUN (it may be called other things like virtual disk depending on the manufacturer). It will use 1GB for ESXi and create a 4GB scratch disk. Installing to a virtual LUN decreases the risk of overwriting a datastore should a reinstall be necessary.
If you have shared storage I would forgo using local disks and install ESXi to either USB or SD card if your hardware has support for it. Most new major server manufacturers have internal USB or SD card slots specifically for installing ESXi. Most can ship ESXi pre installed in those internal devices.
I agree here - install to USB / SD.
This leaves all disks untouched (other than swap) - so you can manage the location of this and you can remove / replace disks at your own leisure without any risk.
My preference is always USB / SD installation - as it give me the added bonus of being able to remove and duplicate a USB key before migration / upgrade of ESXi