How to get DCUI window in text mode

[iazART123]

I am installing EXSi in text mode. After succesful installation VMWare boots but I am not able to get to the DCUI menu. Is there a hidden key sequence that I need to use?

this what I get below. This server does not have network connection right now.

SYSLINUX 3.86  EBIOS Copyright (C) 1994-2010 H. Peter Anvin et al

<6>Loading /tboot.b00

<6>Loading /b.b00

<6>Loading /jumpstrt.gz

<6>Loading /useropts.gz

<6>Loading /features.gz

<6>Loading /k.b00

<6>Loading /chardevs.b00

<6>Loading /a.b00

<6>Loading /user.b00

<snipt>

<6>Loading /usbcore_.v00

<6>Loading /vmkata.v00

<6>Loading /vmkplexe.v00

<6>Loading /vmkusb.v00

<6>Loading /emulex_e.v00

<6>Loading /btldr.t00

<6>Loading /weaselin.t00

<6>Loading /btldr.t00

<6>Loading /weaselin.t00

<6>Loading /esx_dvfi.v00

<6>Loading /esx_ui.v00

<6>Loading /lsu_hp_h.v00

<6>Loading /lsu_lsi_.v00

<6>Loading /lsu_lsi_.v01

<6>Loading /lsu_lsi_.v02

<6>Loading /lsu_lsi_.v03

<6>Loading /native_m.v00

<6>Loading /rste.v00

<6>Loading /vmware_e.v00

<6>Loading /vsan.v00

<6>Loading /vsanheal.v00

<6>Loading /vsanmgmt.v00

<6>Loading /xorg.v00

[sandu]

DCUI should come up automatically at the end of boot on the physical machine console. You dont have to run any specific command.

To open dcui from ssh, you can simply run dcui from ssh client, but you will need network and SSH enabled for this.

Hope this helps.

Thanks

Sandeep

[iazART123]

This what I expected but I don't see teh DCUI. Last thing I see is "<6>Loading /xorg.v00". I am assuming that DCUI is redirected to VGA but this server does not have VGA. Installation was done with "kernelopt=runweasel text nofb com1_baud=115200 tty2Port=com1 gdbPort=none logPort=none". Is there anything I am missing in this line?

[sandu]

Yes, DCUI will come up on the physical server console. You can access it through ILO or any other respective remote console software in case you dont have direct console access.

Another method you can try is, install using a KS file and configure network and ssh using this KS file. After installation, you will be able to access the machine using Ssh or host client.

Hope it helps

Thanks,

Sandeep

[iazART123]

Thanks for you r continued support on this.

I am expecting to get DCUI after Loading stop but dont get anything. Also, cant break into a console via any keystroke. Wondering if I could add some option in boot.cfg or at EXSi boot line to force the DCUI to show up.

Have added this to our ks file

# enable & start remote ESXi Shell  (SSH)

vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh

vim-cmd hostsvc/start_ssh

Let me know if this is all I need.

Thanks

[sandu]

Hi,

If you have a DHCP server, then thats it. Otherwise, you will have to add networking details as well.

Post installation, you can SSH to the host and run "dcui".

Thank you,

Sandeep