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aaron_sf
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

ESXi 6.0 newbie questions

I'm trying out the free version of ESXi 6 on my MacPro 6,1  .. so far so good, works great!

But the vSphere client that only runs on Windows is a bit of a pain - especially when it comes to mouse/cursor control of the VM via the Console .. it's just broken.

So I wanted to try the web interface... but i'm thoroughly confused as to where to find that and how to install it...

I'm coming to the conclusion (from reading snippets scattered all over the place) that the web interface is now bundled in something called vCenter? If this is so, well I tried downloading that but it said I wasn't allowed - I'm wondering if that's because i'm on the free ESXi license? Same goes for the appliance...

I've seen articles about a new embedded web interface that sits right on the esxi host - but this seems to be a work in progress....?

Q: What is the official web interface for users of the free ESXi 6 hypervisor? Where can I download it and how do I install it.

TIA

Mac Pro 8-core 4TB HDD 32GB RAM
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6 Replies
avanish321
Expert
Expert

Hi,

Yes, the web client is available only if you use vCenter and map your host to it.

Having said that, the symptoms suggest that VMware tools is not installed in the guest. Can you confirm / try reinstalling VMware Tools in the Virtual Machine?

Select VM > Guest > Install/Upgrade VMware Tools

Cheers! Avanish
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AdilArif
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Hi Aaron,

It is now possible to manage a single ESXi host using the web client. Kindly refer the below guide on how to get it done.

http://www.vladan.fr/esxi-free-web-client-interface/

Cheers, Adil Arif https://in.linkedin.com/pub/adil-arif/5b/a22/30 Blog: http://enterprisedaddy.com
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beth22
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

To install a copy of vCenter Server 6.0, just go to https://my.vmware.com and request for a trial on VMware vSphere or VMware vSphere with Operations Management https://my.vmware.com/group/vmware/evalcenter?p=vsom#tab_download

After that, you can download vCenter Server 6.0.

The installation of vCenter Server 6.0 is quite easy, please remember to check the requirements such as:

- ESXi host

- ESXi host hardware requirements

- vSphere Client-Integration Plugin 6.0

- A web browser with flash enabled

Cheers,

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aaron_sf
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

well the trial will eventually expire ... is there an official free web interface I can install without messing with vCenter?

I have tried the experimental embedded web interface that is currently available on fling but while it looks nice, it lacks basic functionality (like power ON) ..

Mac Pro 8-core 4TB HDD 32GB RAM
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aleex42
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Yes, you can use the earlier mentioned host UI (http://www.vladan.fr/esxi-free-web-client-interface/ )​ on a free ESXi, too.

With version 6.5, the UI is included in the normal installer. Before 6.5, you need to install the host UI yourself.

-- Alex (VMware VCAP-DCV, NetApp NCIE, LPIC 2)
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TomHowarth
Leadership
Leadership

if you update you vSphere to either 6.5U1 or U2 or 6.7 there is a built in version of the fling mentioned by another poster.  it will be more than adequate for a single host enviroment.

Tom Howarth VCP / VCAP / vExpert
VMware Communities User Moderator
Blog: http://www.planetvm.net
Contributing author on VMware vSphere and Virtual Infrastructure Security: Securing ESX and the Virtual Environment
Contributing author on VCP VMware Certified Professional on VSphere 4 Study Guide: Exam VCP-410
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