ajdratch
asked on
Can't Install OS
I'm new to VMware so I may be missing the obvious. I installed ESX Server version 3.5 Update 2 - the free version on a Dell 2900. I installed VMware Infrastructure Client and setup the virtual machine. I have the OS CD in the server CD however I can't get it to boot from the CD to start the server installation. When I restart the virtual machine, it immediately tries to boot from the network and then says Operating system not found. I click to connect the CD/DVD.
This CD does boot up when I restart the server so I know it is a good CD.
This CD does boot up when I restart the server so I know it is a good CD.
Paul Solovyovsky
Make sure that on the CD for the virtual machine it is listed as "connected" by default it's not. If you have additional issues go to the options on the virtual machine and check the boot into bios on next reboot option. This will take you to the BIOS of the VM. Go to boot order and choose the CD as first boot option
You can also create an ISO of the OS and upload it to the ESX datastore. You can do this using the datastore browser or if you want it faster you can use Veeam FastSCP. Once uploaded you can map the CD to the ISO and your installation will be much faster.
Paul
Paul
ASKER
When I restart the virtual machine, I click on Connect CD/DVD1 immediately. It says connected but it does not boot from CD
When I go to the virtual machine settings and select CD/DVD, on the right side host device drop down box only has "no devices available"
I changed the boot order in the bios but that did not help
I noticed that under events it says No Bootable Device is detected. It appears that VM does not see the CD drive at all. Do I need to do something to make the CD available to VMWare first?
When I go to the virtual machine settings and select CD/DVD, on the right side host device drop down box only has "no devices available"
I changed the boot order in the bios but that did not help
I noticed that under events it says No Bootable Device is detected. It appears that VM does not see the CD drive at all. Do I need to do something to make the CD available to VMWare first?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
I knew I had to be missing the obvious <g> I put the CD in the computer I am working on and it booted up. Before I close this, can you explain your last sentence
"Click on "host device" for the CD and make sure it's checked off as connected"
Is there a way to use the CD in the server?
"Click on "host device" for the CD and make sure it's checked off as connected"
Is there a way to use the CD in the server?
Yes:
In the virtual machine go the CD/DVD properties
To install the CD from the ESX Server (host) choose "host device" which is normally /dev/hda. Also ensure that under device status "connect at power on" is checked off as well so that the virtual machine picks up the CD during boot.
Hope this helps
In the virtual machine go the CD/DVD properties
To install the CD from the ESX Server (host) choose "host device" which is normally /dev/hda. Also ensure that under device status "connect at power on" is checked off as well so that the virtual machine picks up the CD during boot.
Hope this helps
ASKER
When I select "host Device" All I have is "no devices available"
Looks like ESX is not seeing your CD/DVD drive, not sure why but I would create an ISO of the CD and put in the datastore. You can than use the datstore iso file as the source. It will be 20-40% faster to create the guest OS from the iso file than from the CD.
ASKER
Thanks, this is what I needed to install the OS