TABLE OF CONTENTS Installing ESX is actually quite easy. Different installation methods exist (the trickiest being the scripted method), but overall ESX Server installation is straightforward. The pre-installation and post-installation requirements take the most time, however. In this chapter, we ll walk through the GUI-based installation method for loading ESX 2.5 as well as the tasks you need to perform before you install ESX and afterward. We ll also cover what you need to do if you run into problems during or after your installation.
There are three main ways to install ESX Server. Well be discussing the graphical-based installation method in detail, but there are also the command-line and scripted methods for installing ESX Server. For more information on these methods, see the VMware ESX Server 2.5 Installation Guide at http://www.vmware.com/pdf/esx/esx25_install.pdf.
You should also review and become familiar with the Discussion Forum for setting up ESX Server at http://www.vmware.com/community/forum.jspa?forumID=21.
Before you install ESX Server, there are some tasks you need to complete in order to ensure a successful installation. However, if you want to install, blow away, and reinstall ESX Server a few times to get used to the install method or to test certain components of your install method and document your procedures, that s fine, too. We d highly recommend getting comfortable with the installation of ESX Server. Also, once you re ready for the production build, ensure that the method and options of your installation are well documented.
Before placing the...
