Trying to install vCenter on ESXi? Here’s how we do it.

Here at Bobcares, we have seen several such VMware ESXi related installations as part of our Server Management Services for web hosts and online service providers.

Today we’ll take a look at how to install Vcenter on ESXi

A few facts about vCenter Server

vCenter Server is an advanced server management solution that is mainly designed to provide a centralized platform for controlling your VMware vSphere environments. Also, it allows you to automate and deliver a virtual infrastructure across the hybrid cloud with confidence.

Moreover, you can install vCenter Server on a physical server or a virtual machine running Windows, so you don’t have to use the preconfigured Linux-based vCenter Server Appliance.

How we install Vcenter on ESXi

Before starting the installation, ensure you have a working DNS server and configure both A record and PTR record of your vCenter hostname to be used.

vCenter Instance Datastore creation

1. First of all we need a datastore on the ESXi host where we can store the vCenter instance. However, if you don’t have it then create one.

2. Here we are choosing the VMFS datastore type.

3. Give a name to the datastore and choose a disk to be used for datastore creation.

4. Now select partitioning format for the datastore.

5. Then confirm settings and click on Finish.

6. Agree to data erasing and create datastore.

7. Finally, confirm if the datastore created is available in the list of datastores.

Install vCenter 7 Server Appliance on ESXi Host

Now it’s time to install the vCenter 7 Server.

1. First, you need to download the vCenter ISO image from the URL given below:

https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/downloads/#all_products

2. After downloading the file, click on it to mount.

3. Now navigate to the vcsa-ui-installer directory and then win32 directory.

4. Click on the installer file to initiate the installation of vCenter 7.0 Server Appliance.

5. In the next window, choose the “Install” option. In case, if you are upgrading from an older version of vCenter then choose “Upgrade“.

6. Now you’ll get to Stage 1 where the deployment of vCenter Instance to VMware Infrastructure is done. Click Next to get started with stage 1.

7. To continue, accept the License Agreement terms

8. Now input the IP address of the ESXi host or vCenter Server name where you will deploy the instance.

9. Also, accept the certificate warning if you are using self-signed SSL certificates.

10. Then give the vCenter Instance a name and also set a root password.

11. Select a deployment size depending on your managed Infrastructure needs.

12. Select datastore for vCenter Server.

13. Now choose the network, set the IP address, gateway, and DNS servers for the vCenter Server. The FQDN provided should be as set in the DNS server and should match the IP address that was configured in the DNS Server.

14. Click the Next button when done and Stage 1 actual deployment should start.

15. Make sure that you get a Successful installation message for Stage 1 before going to the next step.

16. If satisfied with the deployment results click “Continue” to initiate Stage 2.

17. Start the setup of vCenter Server. Then validate settings and modify where possible then click “Next“.

18. Create a new or join existing SSO domain if you have another vCenter Server already deployed.

19. You can choose to join the VMware Customer Experience Improvement Program(CEIP).

Stage 2 configuration is started.

Now, wait for the Stage 2 configuration to finish and make a note of the vCenter Server Administration URL.

After completion, the instance and all services are started automatically. You should be able to login to vCenter Server Appliance Console and check services status. This is on port 5480.

The vCenter Console for vSphere administration is on https port 443.

Finally, login with the SSO username and password you provided earlier in stage 2 configurations.

[Need any further assistance with VMware ESXi? – We’re available to help you]

Conclusion

In short, you can install vCenter Server on a physical server or a virtual machine running Windows. Today, we saw how our Support Engineers install Vcenter on ESXi.