Clone ESX vSphere installation

[mtar]

Hi all,

because I need to install several ESX4.1 vSphere servers, I would like to install, personalize and clone first installation in order to deploy on the other IBM servers and I would like to use acronis.

Of couse I will need to change IP and hostname settings but using new console-setup command will be very fast.

Testing this on a vsphere VM works fine:do you think it should work also on production and obviously without any possible future trouble ?

Thanks in advance.

[PaulusG]

I would recommend using ESXi instead of ESX.

vSphere 4.1 is the last version that comes with the Console.

Another advantage, ESXi installs in minutes, so there is little need for cloning. You can also choose for an scripted install. An overview of a few options can be found here

Paul Grevink

Twitter: @PaulGrevink

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[AndreTheGiant]

There are many info that must be changed, not only IP, name, ...

So do not clone an existing ESX to build a new one.

As suggested, use ESXi that require less time for the installation, or study how to using scripting and/or unattended installation.

If you have Enterprise Plus license you can also use host profiles feature.

Andre

[mtar]

Hi, thanks for your answers.

I will install ESXs one by one (I'll make 8 CDRW product CDs).

Unfortunately we have to install ESX "classic" version for above decision.

Thanks again. Regards.

[AndreTheGiant · Accepted solution]

You can use PXE boot and kickstart script to have a massive installation.

For the configuration use CLI command, so you can simple copy and past on your hosts.

Andre