How to Install VMware vSphere Hypervisor ESXi 6.7 on VMware Workstation 15

Summary

In this informative video, the host guides viewers through the process of installing and configuring VMware ESXi 6.7, a type 1 hypervisor, on a VMware Workstation. The tutorial covers network setup, downloading the ESXi ISO from my.vmware.com, configuring virtual hardware, and setting up a static IP on a custom network. The host also demonstrates uploading ISO images to the ESXi datastore for easy access during VM installations, providing a comprehensive introduction to ESXi for beginners.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video is a tutorial on installing and configuring ESXi 6.7, a type 1 hypervisor by VMware.
• 🛠 ESXi 6.7 is installed on a physical server and can host multiple VMs, reducing the need for multiple physical servers for different services.
• 🌐 The network setup uses a subnet of 192.168.200.x with vmnet2 for the lab environment.
• 💾 The ESXi installation process is relatively quick, taking about 5 to 10 minutes.
• 🔑 A root account is created during installation with a critical password that should be remembered or written down.
• 🔄 After installation, the media (ISO) is removed from the virtual CD-ROM to proceed with the setup.
• 🖥️ The video demonstrates changing network settings, including assigning a static IP address to the ESXi host.
• 🌐 The ESXi host can be accessed via a web interface using its IP address for further configuration.
• 📁 The video mentions creating an ISO folder in the data store for easy access to operating system images when setting up VMs.
• 📚 ESXi comes with a 60-day evaluation period, and a product key can be used for full installation.
• 🔄 The process demonstrated in VMware Workstation can be applied to physical or blade servers for ESXi installation.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is installing and configuring ESXi 6.7 on VMware Workstation.

What is ESXi 6.7?

ESXi 6.7 is a type 1 hypervisor by VMware, which is a bare-metal install that you would typically install on a physical server in a data center.

Why would someone use ESXi 6.7?

ESXi 6.7 is used to create a virtualization environment where you can run multiple virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical server, optimizing resource utilization and reducing the need for multiple physical servers.

How can you obtain the ESXi 6.7 ISO for installation?

You can obtain the ESXi 6.7 ISO for installation by logging into your VMware account at my.vmware.com and downloading it from there.

What is the network setup used in the video?

The network setup used in the video is a subnet of 192.168.200.x with vmnet2 as the network interface, using 210 as the last octet for the ESXi host.

What is the purpose of the network adapter configuration in the video?

The purpose of the network adapter configuration is to set up a static IP address on the ESXi host within the specified subnet, allowing it to communicate within the network and be accessible for management.

What is the default storage setup for the new ESXi virtual machine in the video?

The default storage setup in the video is a single 60 GB virtual disk created as a single file (not split into multiple files) for the ESXi host.

How long does the ESXi installation process typically take?

The ESXi installation process is relatively quick, usually taking about five to ten minutes.

What is the initial step after the ESXi installation is complete?

The initial step after the ESXi installation is to remove the installation media by disconnecting the CD-ROM/DVD-ROM from the virtual machine settings.

What is the role of the root account in ESXi?

The root account in ESXi is the administrative account used for logging into the ESXi host for management and configuration purposes.

How does the video demonstrate the uploading of ISO images to the ESXi data store?

The video demonstrates uploading ISO images to the ESXi data store by creating a new directory named 'iso' and then uploading the ISO files of different operating systems for later use in VM installations.

What is the significance of having an ISO folder in the ESXi data store?

Having an ISO folder in the ESXi data store simplifies the process of installing new VMs, as it allows for easy access to the ISO images required for the installation of different operating systems.

What is the mention of a 60-day evaluation period for ESXi?

The mention of a 60-day evaluation period indicates that ESXi offers a trial period during which users can test the functionality of the hypervisor before deciding to purchase a license.

How does the video script suggest showing appreciation to the audience?

The video script suggests showing appreciation by thanking the audience for watching, and wishing them a Happy Thanksgiving, as the video was released on Thanksgiving Day.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introduction to ESXi 6.7 Installation

The video begins with a greeting and an introduction to the task at hand: installing and configuring ESXi 6.7 on VMware Workstation. ESXi is described as a type 1 hypervisor, suitable for a bare-metal installation on a server. The presenter emphasizes the benefits of using ESXi as a central point for managing multiple virtual machines (VMs), which can reduce the need for multiple physical servers. The setup for the network is briefly mentioned, with a subnet of 192.168.200.x and the use of vmnet2. The video promises a step-by-step guide through the installation process.

05:01

🔧 Setting Up the Virtual Environment for ESXi

This paragraph details the process of setting up the virtual machine (VM) for ESXi 6.7 within VMware Workstation. The presenter outlines the network configuration, specifying the use of the subnet 192.168.200.x with 210 as the last octet. The network adapter is initially set to NAT, with plans to change it later. The VM's hardware specifications are discussed, including the allocation of four processors and 16 gigabytes of RAM. The presenter guides viewers through the creation of a 60-gigabyte virtual disk and the initial boot process of the VM, including the installation of ESXi from an ISO file downloaded from VMware's website.

10:02

🖥️ Customizing Network Settings for ESXi

The focus of this paragraph is on customizing the network settings for the newly installed ESXi host. The presenter explains the process of adding a second network adapter and configuring it to use a custom virtual network (vmnet2) with the subnet 192.168.200.x. The initial NAT network is disabled, and a static IP address is assigned to the host within the specified subnet. The presenter also discusses accessing the ESXi host using a web interface after configuring the network, including logging in with the root account and the password set during installation.

15:04

📚 Organizing ISO Images for Future VM Deployments

The final paragraph of the script covers the organization of ISO images within the ESXi data store for ease of access during future VM installations. The presenter demonstrates how to create a directory in the data store specifically for ISO images and uploads example images, including Elementary OS and Windows Server 2019. The process of uploading these images is shown, and the presenter explains that this setup will simplify the installation of operating systems on new VMs in subsequent videos.

Keywords

💡ESXi 6.7

ESXi 6.7 refers to a version of the VMware ESXi hypervisor, which is a type 1 hypervisor that provides a virtualization layer on which multiple virtual machines (VMs) can run. In the video, ESXi 6.7 is being installed and configured within VMware Workstation, demonstrating its role as a foundational component for virtual environments. The script mentions installing ESXi 6.7 U2, indicating a specific update version of the 6.7 release.

💡Type 1 Hypervisor

A type 1 hypervisor, also known as a bare-metal hypervisor, operates directly on the host's hardware to manage VMs. The script explains that VMware ESXi is a type 1 hypervisor, emphasizing its direct installation on physical servers, which contrasts with type 2 hypervisors that run on top of an existing operating system.

💡VMware Workstation

VMware Workstation is a virtualization software package for Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems that allows users to create and manage multiple VMs. The script describes using VMware Workstation to install ESXi 6.7, showcasing how it can simulate a server environment for testing and educational purposes.

💡Virtual Machine (VM)

A virtual machine is an emulation of a computer system. The script discusses adding VMs on top of the ESXi host, which allows for the creation of multiple isolated computing environments that can run different operating systems and applications, all managed by the ESXi hypervisor.

💡Data Center

A data center is a facility that houses a large number of servers, storage systems, and network devices. The script mentions installing ESXi on a physical server in a data center, illustrating the typical deployment environment for hypervisors where they manage multiple VMs to consolidate resources.

💡Network Setup

Network setup in the script refers to the configuration of the virtual network within VMware Workstation to connect the ESXi host to other VMs and the host machine. The use of subnet 192.168.200.x and vmnet2 is highlighted, which is essential for the ESXi host to communicate within the virtual lab environment.

💡NAT (Network Address Translation)

NAT is a method of remapping one IP address space into another by modifying network address information in the IP header of packets while they are in transit across a traffic routing device. The script initially uses NAT for the ESXi host but later changes the network adapter to use a custom virtual network for a specific IP address within the lab's subnet.

💡Data Store

In the context of VMware, a data store is a repository for the files that make up VMs, including virtual disks, ISO images, and other files. The script describes creating an ISO folder in the data store to upload and store various operating system images for future VM installations.

💡IP Address

An IP address is a numerical label assigned to devices connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication. The script specifies configuring a static IP address for the ESXi host within the 192.168.200.x subnet, which is crucial for network management and access.

💡vSphere Client

The vSphere Client is a web-based interface provided by VMware for managing ESXi hosts and VMs. The script mentions logging into the ESXi host using the vSphere Client, which is the primary method for administrators to interact with and manage their virtual infrastructure.

💡ISO Image

An ISO image is a disk image of an optical disk. In the context of the script, ISO images are used to create VMs with different operating systems. The process of uploading ISO images to the data store is described, which is necessary for the subsequent installation of VMs.

Highlights

Introduction to installing and configuring ESXi 6.7, a type 1 hypervisor by VMware.

Explanation of ESXi as a bare metal install on a physical server, allowing for efficient use of resources.

Guidance on setting up a network with a specific subnet for the lab environment.

Instructions on creating a new virtual machine in VMware Workstation for ESXi installation.

Details on obtaining the ESXi 6.7 U2 ISO from VMware's website.

Configuration of virtual machine resources such as processors, memory, and storage.

Process of starting the ESXi installation and the expected duration.

Step-by-step guide through the initial ESXi setup including drive selection and partitioning.

Setting up the root account password for ESXi, a critical credential for host access.

Demonstration of removing installation media and rebooting the virtual ESXi host.

Customization of network settings to match the lab's subnet and IP address requirements.

Accessing and configuring the ESXi host using its IP address post-installation.

Explanation of the 60-day evaluation period for ESXi and the process for obtaining a license key.

Creating an ISO folder in the data store for organizing and storing operating system images.

Uploading ISO images to the data store for easy access during VM creation.

Final remarks on the straightforward process of installing ESXi on physical or blade servers.

Closing thoughts with an invitation for feedback and suggestions for future video content.

Transcripts

hello youtube and hello world welcome

back to

infosec patch channel in today's video

what we're going to be doing

is installing and configuring esxi 6.7

if you guys aren't aware with 6.7 vmware

is

it's a type 1 hypervisor bare metal

install you would install this on a

server

on vmware workstation like we're going

to be doing today

that's pretty much what it is it's a

very awesome probably

the best hypervisor out there vmware is

massive

so without further ado let's get started

it's going to be a fun little video

[Music]

hello guys welcome back to my video as i

said when i was

intro introducing the video what we're

going to be doing is installing and

setting up

esxi 6.7 within um

vmware workstation so let's get started

so

for our network setup we're going to be

using the subnet of 192.168.200.x but in

our situation we're going to use

210 as our last octet and the network

we're going to be using is vmnet2

and then we're going to get into that in

a second so

again vmware hyper

a vmware esxi is a type 1

hypervisor that sits and installs on a

physical server

in your data center in your company

and then once you have esxi installed on

your

server what you can do is log into that

host and add vms on top of that

so you have one big giant server as your

hypervisor and then you can install

many depending on your capacity your

resources that you have that resides

in your computer or on your server and

it's an awesome thing so you don't have

to have 10 servers if you want to active

directory server dns server dhcp

sql exchange you know

qualis or maybe a nested server for

vulnerability assessments or whatever

kind of

applications or business application

that you guys use

you don't have to have 10 physical

servers you're going to have maybe one

or two hosts that replicate

or in this case we only have one host

and have a couple vms that reside in

there

so let's get started i don't want to go

off on

a tangent i want to get configuring so

let's go

so let's go to our vmware

um this is going to be our labs so let's

go to home

we're going to do file we're going to

add a new

virtual machine okay we're going to do

custom

install hit next from the drop down from

the

hardware compatibility we're going to

drop this down and install

esxi 6.7 u2

okay so let's go to next our um

our iso this is my iso that i'm using

and in order to get the iso you should

go to your

my.vmware.com and log

in you can download it you can

it's a free download you can register

for free it's very simple

just go to actually i can show you guys

really quick

let's go to my.vmware.com

this is the url and you can just log

in search for it or you can just go to

google

like google's everyone's best friend

vmware download

esx set and then you can go to download

obviously you see this is where i

downloaded mine

and then this is the download right here

okay

so right here download download vmware

vsphere hypervisors

esxi 6.7 and i would download the first

download here the hypervisor iso

including with vmware tools okay

and that's what i got here so let's get

started

okay so i'm gonna name this 6.7

host one okay but i'm not putting it

here i'm going to actually put it in a

special location where i like

all my vms to be so let's

copy that let's paste that location this

is where i like to put my vms you can

put them wherever you like

for my for my processors so for me i'm

going to put

four processors and one chord that's

fine because

this is just a test environment and for

mine i'm going to put 16 gigabytes

for my for my ram because i have about

128 in here

so i have a quite a bit to spare okay

let's hit next we can just use nat for

now

because we're going to change that later

that's fine

recommended is fine create a new virtual

disk is fine i'll just create

60 gigs and i'll have this a single file

so it doesn't so what split

um split multi-disc uh

split virtual disk into multi-files so

it's pretty much like

you know while it grows while you

install files

it grows i just want to have the single

60 gig

drive right from the beginning okay so

let's hit next here

and we're gonna go that's fine that's

the vmdk

and let's power this bad boy on okay

it's gonna go down here let's throw this

in

vmware so this is the install file this

is the install process

and let's just give this a few minutes

to go through it

the install is fairly quick it's not a

very long

installation by any means it's probably

about

five to ten minutes and then we can

configure it

log into it set it up do all the things

so let's get started come on

all right this you should see this on

your screen if you're following along

so hopefully everyone having a wonderful

day today it's a beautiful thursday it's

thanksgiving

so i'm thankful for you guys for

watching this i'm thankful

to be alive today so we should all be

grateful for that right

so let's um let's just be thankful for

that

all right so this is going to take a few

minutes

okay so once this pops up you're going

to hit enter to continue

f11 to continue

this is going to scan the available

drive this should be the 60 gig drive

that we just set up

yep so that's the 60 gig drive that

we're going to be utilizing to install

our vms on this is going to be our data

store it's local

hit enter you as default is my

keyboard so that's fine for me next and

this is going to be the password

for the root account

this is when you log into the esxi host

iphone

f11 and when you install it and you log

into it

from the ip address when we'll do that

in a few minutes once this is done

in our case it's going to be 192.168.200

and it's going to prompt us to log into

the esxi host

once that prompts us to log in we're

going to put root and that password that

we just set up so that's a pretty

critical password to save

when you put it down when you write it

down and type it you should just write

it down

and definitely remember that okay

so

okay so now we're just going to remove

the media the way we remove the media is

we're going to go right click on our vm

if you're using vmware

on cd-rom dvd-rom and disconnect

okay now that's disconnected let's hit

enter

and the reboot process will start so

once this is

done rebooting we should get the

information about

the vm and we're going to

do a few things to modify the network

settings

like in my case let's go and check out

the network settings that i created for

this

specific lab so while that's booting we

can go into my network

virtual network editor let that load up

and i created vm host 2.

like i said in my video i mean in my

slide here

the network is vmnet2 and this is the

subnet for that and i can let

i can show you that here if i double

click here you can see

192.168.200.0 that is the network that

we're going to be utilizing

for this lab and it's definitely

reachable

uh if you're using vmware workstation uh

you can hit it you should be able to hit

it from your

host so we're going to get cracking and

installing that

just in a moment so let's wait for this

student to boot and we should be

on the way to go okay

all right perfect so it's giving a

192.168.119 address because it's

this specific uh vm right now is using

nat network address translation so if we

go

here we go to settings

we're going to see this in a second that

the network adapter is using it's nat

okay

so we're going to add an adapter

network adapter finish and if you

guessed it

what are we going to use for the second

adapter we're going to use

the custom virtual nik 2 because that's

the nic

that we're going to utilize on the

subnet of 192.168.200.

okay so let's hit ok that's going to

restart the services

and reboot restoring

and doing all its magic behind the

scenes okay so now what we're going to

do is

f2 to customize and we have to log in

because you don't want anyone just going

up to your host

and tinkering with it right all right

perfect so

with this now we're going to go ahead

and configure network management

and then network adapters

and why don't we see the other adapter

that's weird let's go back here

escape there escape here

escape

we should see two adapters let me make

sure

nothing got funky

yeah it's there unless it's just taking

a minute

you know what let's just reboot this bad

boy real quick

just to make sure this changes take

effect

okay all right that's fine

f11 we're just going to reboot it

because

we should see is two network two network

interfaces now

we should have the natted one which

we're going to disabled for now

and then we're going to we should have

vmnet2 which is going to be on the

network of 192.168.200.x but we're going

to assign 210

to the host okay so let's give that a

second

i'm not sure why it didn't populate but

it's technology

it has its mind of its own so let's give

it a second

okay so this is back so now let's go

ahead and hit f2

let's go back into here

and let's check the settings now so

let's go ahead and configure network

network adapters now we see the two

perfect toe

so vmnet2 i mean via yeah vmnet2

is going to be our vm nik one so we're

gonna disabled in that one

and enable this bad boy okay so hit okay

here

we're gonna configure ipv4 settings

we're going to use a static ip and we're

going to use 192. whoops

192.168.200.210.

24 bit mask is fine and we'll just

change this

to 200 okay

enter and we can change the dns

to 200

just because you want to have it all in

the same network and now hosters be

esxi one okay

enter let's escape that

to exit yes we want to apply these

changes

and give that a second and let's escape

to log out because never have this

logged in because you don't want someone

tinkering with it like

i said all right so now we have

the the address of 192.168.210.200.210.

sorry

still early we're on that okay so let's

just clear this

and what we're going to do is ping

192.168.200.210

and bada bing bada boom we're able to

ping it okay

so now what we can do is we can

open up

and go to 192.168.200.210.

and this you should get obviously we

don't have a certificate installed so

that's fine for now because this is the

lab

and this is the login okay so with this

we can hit root

because that's the username and this is

the fancy password that we created

during setup okay so we log in

and voila doesn't this look pretty all

right we don't have to do this now

okay so

initially when you install it and

download it you'll have a 60-day

evaluation

when you download it you should get a

key

to install with this product

i do have it but i'm not going to

install it right now

i just wanted to get you guys up and

running on esxi 6.7

okay so in this case i'll show you how

to do one thing before we go

so in our data store

at least the way i set up my esxi hosts

and

environments for all my isos if i want

windows server

2019 2016 2012

linux operating red hat any kind of

systems i want i normally create an iso

folder in my data store and upload all

my

all my images into my data store so when

i install a vm

i can just browse to my data store and

it's right there so let's get to it and

i'll show you how to do that

all right so let's um database browser

so let's create a new directory in here

and we'll name it iso okay

create in okay so in here we'll upload

an image that i have i think

in my downloads

elementary so for example elementary os

is a linux distro

we're going to install that in a pre in

a next um

video so this is pretty much

how you would do it and i'll upload one

more

i'll upload 2019 or 16 whatever i hit

first

on my windows servers okay

so let's go ahead and

that's fine let's do those two so we had

2019 server

and elementary os okay so let that

do its thing and we'll upload those

files once they're uploaded they should

come here

and then when we install the operating

system it'll be very easy to do that and

we'll get to that in a

in the next video okay

now it's complete so that is pretty much

the full process of uploading

images configuring esxi on a vmware

workstation environment but this goes

with if you have a physical server

or if you have blade servers however you

guys

want to install it it's the same process

just have that iso

load it up reboot your server boot it up

and install it

it's very straightforward so hopefully

this

been helpful and please

like subscribe show your friends and

family

these videos if you have any requests

anything that you would like to see in

the future

let me know and i'm more than happy to

get this done

i'm enjoying this journey because i

don't get to do these every day

so to me it's just fun exciting

i learn as i go and i'm loving this

journey and i thank you guys for

truly supporting me appreciate it thank

you so much and

today is thanksgiving so happy

thanksgiving to the world

you