vmware 4.1 create a new server from a template within the data store
Hi all,
I have copied a server template from a datastore on the production system into a datastore on a stand alone ESXi server (a non clustered host). For the life of me I can't figure out how to deploy a new machine based on the machine that I copied to the template? I'm expecting to see deploy from template but can't see it. I do see deploy from OVF template but when I try this it just takes me down the route of deploying a VM and I can't see the option to chose the folder that I just copied to the datastore - what am I doing wrong?
I have copied a server template from a datastore on the production system into a datastore on a stand alone ESXi server (a non clustered host). For the life of me I can't figure out how to deploy a new machine based on the machine that I copied to the template? I'm expecting to see deploy from template but can't see it. I do see deploy from OVF template but when I try this it just takes me down the route of deploying a VM and I can't see the option to chose the folder that I just copied to the datastore - what am I doing wrong?
ASKER
That makes sense thank you. Can I just ask, if you were looking to make a template for 2008 and 2012 would you build and patch them and then run sysprep on them?
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ASKER
Oh right, I was patching a server and then sys prepepping and then using the sysprepped image for the new machine, so if you are spinning up a new machine do you make a copy of your master , say by copying all the files in the data store for the machine and then use this copy to turn on and then run sysprep on it?
Yes, the Master always remains the Master - it's the Golden Master. (it's never deployed) but copied/cloned.
It's better for quality control, because you have Baseline to deploy from.
We also have several templates, e.g. just Windows 2012, and then various other versions with different pre-reqs for SQL, IIS, Oracle Servers. (no apps installed, just pre-reqs hotfixes, .NET versions etc)
Golden Masters always remain as Master Images, we deploy, and then Sysprep!
It's better for quality control, because you have Baseline to deploy from.
We also have several templates, e.g. just Windows 2012, and then various other versions with different pre-reqs for SQL, IIS, Oracle Servers. (no apps installed, just pre-reqs hotfixes, .NET versions etc)
Golden Masters always remain as Master Images, we deploy, and then Sysprep!
ASKER
Thanks Andrew. I've learnt a tremendous amour about VMware and in particular ESXi and is in good part down to you an your articles. Keep the articles coming and if ever you decide to produce a pay for ebook I'll be lining up to buy a copy.
ASKER
First class as always. Not only the answer but an explanation too.
Jason
Many Thanks for the kind words!
Andy
Many Thanks for the kind words!
Andy
Standalone ESXi hosts do not have this function.
To use it...(copy and clone as per my EE Article!)
HOW TO: Clone or Copy a virtual machine in VMware vSphere Hypervisor ESX/ESXi 4.x or ESXi 5.0
Just rename the template file from *.vmtx to *.vmx, and Register the *.vmx filename with the Inventory.
Right Click the *.vmx, and Select Register with Inventory.