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Could I install a ESXI server without having a domain controller present?

Could I install a ESXI server without having a domain controller present?  In my lab (B) setup, I would like to install a ESXI 5.0 server, I do not have a DC in this network lab.  However what I would like to do is, (if I can) install a domain controller after the ESXi server has been installed and then install my DC as my first virtual machine with DNS and DHCP roles.  Is this possible?  Thanks!
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bill_lynch
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Yes its possible.  ESXi installs with a local root account (like in the Linux OS).  No Active Directory is required.  
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Hi, yes it is possible. You don't need DC to be able to install virtualization server. However, ESXi is based on Linux, after that you can create guest OS (windows server) and make it DC with DNS and DHCP without any problem

Regards,
Krzysztof
There is no need to have ANY Microsoft Windows on your LAN, we have clients that are ALL Novell or Unix.
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ASKER

What I am trying to do is create a Windows 2008 virtual network 100% virtualized. I have attached a visio diagram of what I am trying to do. Could someone please tell me if it is possible and am I on the right track.  Could you help me with what i am missing in my drawing.  Here is what I would like to do:

1- ESXi 5 (4TB DataStor)
2- vCenter 5 (vSphere client installed)
3- Windows 2008 DC, DNS, DHCP
4- Backup Windows 2008 Server (Replicated)
5- Exchange Server
6- SQL Server
7- File Server

I will also install VMware View 5 on a VM will this be a problem for my network?  Thanks for everybody's imput on this one.  I am starting to figure this stuff out I just need to see it work.
vNET.jpg
Yes, all doable on a single Host Server providing you have the resources, CPU, Memory and Storage.
You may need two additional servers, VMware View Connection Server, VMware View Transfer Server, and optional Security Server.
Can I virtualize those servers or do they have to be physical?
They can all be virtual, weve been running all virtual servers in our offices since 1998!
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)
Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)
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Wow... that's great, thanks for the tip also.  I am very new at this but I am learning so much from guys. It is my plan after I put this together to go get my cert (VCP) and at that point I can return the favor to the rest of the community.  Thanks!