If you’re looking to install VMware ESXi on a new server, you may be wondering how to do it without a CD or DVD drive. Luckily, it’s possible to install ESXi from a USB drive, and in this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to do so.
Why Install ESXi from USB?
There are a few reasons why you may want to install ESXi from a USB drive instead of using a CD or DVD:
- Many modern servers do not come with a CD or DVD drive, making it impossible to install ESXi from a disc.
- USB drives are more portable and easier to use than CDs or DVDs.
- Installing ESXi from a USB drive is faster than using a disc.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the installation process, here’s what you’ll need to install ESXi from a USB drive:
- A USB drive with at least 8GB of storage space
- A computer with internet access
- The ESXi ISO file, which you can download from the VMware website
Creating a Bootable USB Drive
The first step to installing ESXi from a USB drive is to create a bootable USB drive. This will allow your server to boot from the USB drive and start the installation process.
Step 1: Format the USB Drive
The first thing you’ll need to do is format your USB drive. This will erase all data on the drive, so make sure you have backed up any important files before proceeding.
To format the USB drive, follow these steps:
- Insert the USB drive into your computer.
- Open File Explorer and right-click on the USB drive.
- Select “Format” from the drop-down menu.
- In the Format window, make sure the “File system” is set to “FAT32”.
- Click “Start” to begin formatting the drive.
Step 2: Download and Install Rufus
Next, you’ll need to download and install Rufus, a free tool that allows you to create bootable USB drives. You can download Rufus from their website.
Once Rufus is installed, follow these steps to create a bootable USB drive:
- Open Rufus.
- In the “Device” dropdown menu, select your USB drive.
- Click the “Select” button next to “Boot selection” and navigate to the ESXi ISO file you downloaded.
- Leave all other settings at their default values.
- Click “Start” to begin creating the bootable USB drive.
Step 3: Copy the ESXi ISO File to the USB Drive
Once Rufus has finished creating the bootable USB drive, you’ll need to copy the ESXi ISO file to the USB drive. To do this, follow these steps:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the USB drive.
- Copy the ESXi ISO file to the USB drive.
Installing ESXi from the USB Drive
Now that you have a bootable USB drive with the ESXi ISO file on it, you’re ready to install ESXi on your server.
Step 1: Boot from the USB Drive
Insert the USB drive into your server and boot from it. The exact steps to do this will vary depending on your server’s manufacturer, so consult your server’s manual for instructions.
Step 2: Begin the Installation Process
Once your server has booted from the USB drive, you’ll see the ESXi installer screen. Press “Enter” to begin the installation process.
Step 3: Accept the License Agreement
Next, you’ll need to accept the license agreement. Press “F11” to accept the agreement and continue.
Step 4: Select the Installation Destination
The next step is to select the installation destination. This is where ESXi will be installed. If you have multiple drives in your server, make sure you select the correct one.
Step 5: Configure the Keyboard Layout
Next, you’ll need to configure the keyboard layout. Use the arrow keys to select your desired layout and press “Enter” to continue.
Step 6: Enter the Root Password
The next step is to enter a root password. This will be the password you use to log in to your ESXi server. Make sure you choose a strong password and keep it in a safe place.
Step 7: Begin the Installation
Once you have configured all the necessary settings, press “F11” to begin the installation process. This may take a few minutes, so be patient.
Step 8: Reboot the Server
Once the installation is complete, you’ll be prompted to reboot your server. Press “Enter” to reboot.
Configuring ESXi
Once your server has rebooted, you’ll need to configure ESXi before you can start using it.
Step 1: Configure the Network Settings
The first thing you’ll need to do is configure the network settings. Use the arrow keys to select “Configure Management Network” and press “Enter”.
Next, select “IP Configuration” and press “Enter”. Here, you can configure the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway for your ESXi server.
Step 2: Configure DNS Settings
Next, you’ll need to configure the DNS settings for your ESXi server. Use the arrow keys to select “Configure DNS” and press “Enter”. Here, you can enter the IP address of your DNS server.
Step 3: Configure Time Settings
The next step is to configure the time settings for your ESXi server. Use the arrow keys to select “Configure Time” and press “Enter”. Here, you can set the time zone and configure NTP settings if desired.
Step 4: Configure the Hostname
Finally, you’ll need to configure the hostname for your ESXi server. Use the arrow keys to select “Configure Management Network” and press “Enter”. Here, you can enter the hostname for your server.
Conclusion
Installing ESXi from a USB drive is a simple and efficient way to get your server up and running. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily install ESXi from a USB drive and start using it to run your virtual machines.
