BlueBox

Step 15 – Verifying all components

1. Install vSphere Client in vCenter VM
2. Open vSphere Client and make sure that you can login to vCenter Server.
   
   

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Step 14 – Installing vCenter Server

1. Attach vCenter Installation ISO to vCenter VM.
   
2. Start vCenter Server Installation
   
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Step 13 –Configuring ESXi Server Network Settings

1. Log in to ESXi Server DCUI by pressing F2.
   
2. Select “Configure Management Network” Option
   
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Step 8 – Creating Openfiler VM

1. Create a new VM for Openfiler. VMware Workstation does not automatically detect OS for Openfiler. Select Other Linux 2.6 kernel as I have x32 version of Openfiler. Select appropriate version according ISO image you have.
   
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Step 4 – Preparing DC

1. Create a new Virtual Machine, Select Windows 2003 Server x32 ISO. You will be asked for Key and Administrator Name, then enter thenaccordingly.
   
2. Name Virtual Machine such as DC. Then Next.
   
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Step 2 – Creating ESXi Server VMs.

1. You will need minimum of two ESXi Servers. ESXi Server which runs in VM is called “Nested ESXi”.
2. Create a New Virtual Machine with Custom Mode.
   
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I have been asked by my students how to setup the Lab Environment within VMware Workstation so many times. Although I have tried to explain as much as I can, I think it will be easier to understand if there is an instruction for how to setup. So finally I decided to write this instruction about it.

Tools you need

1. Laptop/Desktop with minimum of 8GB RAM (10GB or more is preferable)
2. VMware Workstation 9 ( Can be done with other editions but the instruction is based on 9)
3. Windows 2003 x64 ISO
4. Windows 2003 x32 ISO
5. vCenter Server 5 Windows Edition ISO
6. ESXi 5 ISO
7. Openfiler ISO

My Environment

Network Diagram

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