To install VMware ESXi to any computer is simple, all that's needed is a login to my.vmware.com and some hardware to install it on. For that reason folks new to VMware may have environments running incorrectly. It becomes obvious when system components aren't functioning or performing an update or upgrade of ESXi turns into a complete rebuild. The reason is VMware doesn't include drivers beyond the bare essentials in their ISO's. I wish the bare-bones wasn't so easy to download or the non-custom installer would notify the end-user to check for a custom installed before proceeding. Many times the non-custom installer works good enough so the install works, but system components or monitoring are unavailable and those aren't obvious unless you go looking for them.
The key is using custom ISO's:
- First, check the VMware Compatibility Guide
- Log in to My.VMware.com
- Then choose downloads or a free trial... or whatever you are eligible for.
- Click the link to download VMware vSphere.
- Select the version that you want from the drop-down.
- Now, go to the Custom ISOs tab.
- If your vendor is not listed, check an older version. If the newest version is particularly recent they may not have built a custom ISO yet. Might check directly with your hardware manufacturer too.
Using a custom ISO built by your hardware manufacturer will save yourself post-install headaches now and when it's time to update.
I have seen that ISO customizers exist for the custom builds or PC-based installs. I know of instances that they were successful in doing so, but personally prefer to let the hardware manufacturer do the leg work.
