Hardware: Mac Mini Server mid-2010
Host OS: Mac OS X Server 10.6.4
VMWare Fusion 3.1.1
Guest: Mac OS X Server install image
I'm running into a brick wall trying to install Mac OS X Server as a guest OS in a Mac OS X Server host, which I understand is supposed to be possible and allowed. ie: I'm not trying to get around anything here except stuff just not working right. 
Freshly installed Mac OX X Server machine, Freshly installed VMWare Fusion. This machine is destined for a colo centre soon. While I don't need a virtual OSX server immediately, I need to know now if I can install it from an image later, so trying to do it now for a test. It has to be from an image for two reasons: 1: When I want to do it for real, the machine will be in its colo centre and physically inaccessible; 2: In any case the machine doesn't have an optical drive so that method is out of the question anyway.
First problem was making an install image that booted at all and didn't just stop at the Ø symbol. I finally did this by using Disk Utility on another Mac to make a new .cdr image based on the optical device the install disk was in, rather than the "Mac OS X Server Install Disc" volume. It now boots in vmware to the OSX installer Choose a Language screen, I choose it, then it gives me:
Mac OS X can't be installed on this computer.
If you want to restore your system from a Time Machine backup, click "Restore from Backup". And the buttons "Restore from Backup" and "Restart".
What doesn't it like? Why won't it install?
I have one guess: The install DVD is the grey install disc that came with the Mac Mini. Could it be that this disk can only be run against real Mac Mini Server hardware, and not the virtual hardware presented by VMWare?
Is there a workaround for this? Or do I need to wait for an update from VMWare that post-dates this hardware? Or is there no hope of a solution?
The install DVD is the grey install disc that came with the Mac Mini. Could it be that this disk can only be run against real Mac Mini Server hardware, and not the virtual hardware presented by VMWare?
Yes. Versions of OS X that come bundled with Mac hardware check that they're being installed on the hardware they ship with. Since virtual hardware does not resemble physical hardware, it is normal for such OEM media to fail to install.
Bah humbug.
Is there a workaround for this? Or do I need to wait for an update from VMWare that post-dates this hardware? Or is there no hope of a solution?
You need to get a retail copy of OS X Server.
Side note: I don't think the OS X Server allows one license to be shared by the host and guest, which sounds like what you were trying to do. Buying a retail copy would also resolve this issue.
Ah, that would put a dampener on things. No, I hadn't appreciated that was the case; I had thought the license covered virtual machines on the same physical server, though I admit that's merely an impression gleaned rather than from careful reading of the license.
Side side note: You don't have to run OS X Server on the host, only in the guest. If you're OK with that, and if your Server key is not tied to the media (I don't think it is) and the EULA doesn't forbid this, you might be able to buy and install OS X client on the host, borrow retail OS X Server media, and install your key in the guest.
Ugh no. I'll just make do with Server only on the host. It was my main plan anyway, with the ability to run it in vmware as well as a "nice to have" I might have found useful in the future. As it is there's probably going to be at least one or two linux VMs in there to be getting on with, for sandboxing stuff.
In fact, as presumably the only upgrade path to 10.7 Server when it comes out is from buying a retail copy, I could presumably install that in vmware and keep the current 10.6 install on the host, thereafter only used as a shell for running vmware... It would probably make the upgrade path smoother, frankly.
Ah, that would put a dampener on things. No, I hadn't appreciated that was the case; I had thought the license covered virtual machines on the same physical server, though I admit that's merely an impression gleaned rather than from careful reading of the license.
I think the general idea is that each normal virtual machine is a separate install, and so requires a separate license (unless otherwise specified; for example, Windows Server Enterprise covers the host and up to 4 guests). I'd make an exception for Boot Camp (and other raw disk) virtual machines, since they're tied to a partition and can't be moved like a normal virtual machine.
In fact, as presumably the only upgrade path to 10.7 Server when it comes out is from buying a retail copy, I could presumably install that in vmware and keep the current 10.6 install on the host, thereafter only used as a shell for running vmware... It would probably make the upgrade path smoother, frankly.
Yep, upgrades are easy when you don't have to actually upgrade The thing to be aware of in this case is that the host will eventually left behind in terms of software updates, so make sure it's locked down as possible.
