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Jason

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ESXi 5.1 Install

Hi,
I have a Dell PowerEdge R520 that is currently running 4 virtual machines.  It has an application, DC, Exchange, and file server vms.  It has failed disks and a bad setup to begin with so I just want to back it up, put in new drives, configure a new array, and clone the vms back onto the new setup.  Does anybody have the appropriate link to download Dell's custom ESXi iso for Dell?  It is currently ESXi 5.1 with the VMware vSphere 5 Essentials, licensed for 2 physical CPUs.  How would I apply that license when I reinstall?  Also, while I'm at it, I want to add more storage.  It looks like this server has a PERC H710 Mini array controller on it.  Are there any Dell disk enclosures you've had success with or recommend?  Right now I'd just had a couple TB but would expand at a later date.  

Thanks!
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Avatar of Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)
Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)
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Jason

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Thanks again, Andrew!
I actually did already download that same iso, burned to CD and then installed it on a thumb drive that is inserted into a dell Optiplex 390 because I first wanted to "practice" your method of you described here but the computer now just boots up VMware Hypervisor Recovery briefly, switches to Loading VMware Hypervisor, loads stuff for 20 minutes or so and then automatically reboots, I think after /s.v00.  Is it just because this desktop PC is not compatible with this type of install?  I'm also just using a toshiba 8GB thumb drive we had laying around while we wait for the Dell thumb drives we ordered to arrive.
Is this the issue booting from a CDROM ?

You can test in VMware Player or VMware Workstation, which hardware is compatible with VMware ESXi

That is a possibility, VMware vSphere ESXi, is designed only for servers, on the HCL.

As long as you use a good quality USB flash drive, it should be fine, unless faulty.
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ASKER

It is booting from the Toshiba thumb drive when it reboots.
So the installation has completed, on the USB flash drive.

Possible corrupt USB flash drive, non compatible host.

Although usually the installation will not complete, on a non compatible host.
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ASKER

Yeah, I'm thinking I can't test this on a desktop.  Compatibility sheet shows servers only.  
As for the Dell Perc H710 mini, it doesn't look like that controller has any external ports on it so that thing won't work for the array enclosure.
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ASKER

I'm not sitting in front of it but that's what I found on the net.
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ASKER

...and yes, the installation actually did complete even though it doesn't look compatible.
You can always try ESXi installation for test in VMware Player or VMware Workstation.

VMware Player 7.0 Free Download [FREE]
http://www.vmware.com/go/downloadplayer/

VMware Workstation11.0 (60 day trial, $199) [EVALUATION]
www.vmware.com/go/downloadworkstation
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ASKER

Would you recommend putting ESXi 6.0 on the new build or what kind of licensing issues will I run into exporting from 5.1 and importing to 6.0?
If you are currently on 5.1, I would stick with 5.1.

If this was a new installation, and your first time with vSphere, I would recommend 6.0.

It requires a different license to 5.x, but if you have Support and Subscription, you should have upgrade licenses.