I am wanting to install Windows Server 2012 R2 as a guest operating system on ESX 5.5 from a bootable USB drive?

[corrupter]

I have an ESX 5.5 server that I am wanting to create a VM and install Windows Server 2012 R2 from a USB thumbdrive.  I have the ISO downloaded and made the USB bootable and loaded to USB drive.  This is plugged into the host system.  This version of Windows Server can only be put on a dual layer DVD or a USB driver greater than 5GB, because of it's size.  I don't have a dual layer DVD on this system.

Does anyone know how to boot the OS install from the USB drive?

[cykVM]

Hi,

there is no point in installing from a USB thumb drive. Just upload the ISO file to the datastore of the host and boot the VM from that ISO. You have to edit the settings of the VM: Hardware -> CD/DVD drive 1 -> select "Datastore ISO File" in tghe right pane and press Browse button to select the Win 2k12 ISO you uploaded. Also be sure to select "Connect at power on" below "Device status", click OK.

Power on the VM and it should boot into the ISO / setup of Win 2k12.