How to install VMware ESXi 8 and Veeam Backup

How to install VMware ESXi 8 and Veeam Backup on a Dell PowerEdge R760 server with Dell PowerVault ME5024 storage.

To install VMware ESXi 8 on Dell PowerEdge R760, follow these steps. This is a detailed guide that will walk you through the entire process.

1. Prerequisites and Compatibility:

• Dell Customized ESXi Image: Always use Dell's customized ESXi 8 image for your PowerEdge R760. This image contains the necessary drivers and optimizations specifically for Dell hardware, preventing potential compatibility issues. You can download it from the Dell Support website (search for your R760 Service Tag or Model and look for the Drivers & Downloads section for Enterprise Solutions or Hypervisors).
• System Compatibility: Dell PowerEdge R760 is compatible with VMware ESXi 8.0, 8.0 U1, 8.0 U2, and 8.0 U3 (and possibly later versions). You can check this in Dell's official compatibility matrix or in the VMware Hardware Compatibility List (HCL).
• Minimum Requirements: Make sure your R760 meets the minimum hardware requirements for ESXi 8, including RAM (8GB minimum, but much more for any practical use) and processor.
• Boot Device: VMware no longer recommends using SD/USB devices to boot ESXi 8. Consider using an internal hard drive, SSD, or Dell BOSS-S1/BOSS-N1 card for secure boot.
• Access to iDRAC: Access to the iDRAC (Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller) web interface is highly recommended for a smooth installation as it allows you to remotely mount ISOs and manage the server.

2. Preparation for installation:

• Download the customized Dell ISO image of ESXi 8: As mentioned above, get the correct ISO from the Dell support site.
• Update Firmware (Recommended): Before installing ESXi, it is always recommended to update the firmware of your PowerEdge R760 (BIOS, iDRAC, PERC controller, network adapters, etc.) to the latest versions. This helps ensure optimal performance and stability with ESXi. You can do this through iDRAC or by creating bootable media to update the firmware.
• Configure RAID (if applicable): If you plan to install ESXi on a RAID array (for example, using a PERC controller), configure the RAID array in the server BIOS or PERC controller utility before starting the ESXi installation.
• Network Configuration (Pre-Planning): Decide whether you will use DHCP or a static IP address for the ESXi management network. Prepare the required IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server information.

3. Installation Steps (Using iDRAC Virtual Media - Recommended):

1. Access iDRAC: Open a web browser and navigate to the iDRAC IP address of your Dell PowerEdge R760. Log in using your credentials.
2. Launch a virtual console: From the iDRAC web interface, launch a virtual console (typically Java, HTML5, or ActiveX-based).
3. Mount the virtual media:
• In the virtual console, select "Virtual Media" (or similar).
• Select "Connect Virtual Media" or "Map CD/DVD".
• Navigate to the downloaded Dell ESXi 8 customized ISO image file on your local computer.
• Click "Map Device" (or similar) to mount the ISO to the server's virtual optical drive.
• Close the virtual media window.
4. Install the boot device:
• In the virtual console, select "Boot" and then "Virtual CD/DVD/ISO".
• Confirm to mount the ISO as a one-time boot device.
5. Turn on/Reboot the server:
• Press "Power" and then "Power On System" (or "Power Cycle System" if it is already on).
• Confirm the action.
6. Loading the ESXi installer: The server will boot from the virtual media and begin loading the ESXi installer. This may take a few minutes.
7. Follow the on-screen prompts:
• On the ESXi installer splash screen, press Enter to continue.
• Review the End User License Agreement (EULA) and press F11 to accept and continue.
• The installer will scan for available disks. Select the disk or RAID array where you want to install ESXi and press Enter .
• Select a keyboard layout and press Enter .
• Enter and confirm the root password for the ESXi host. Press Enter .
• Press F11 to start the installation. This process will take a few minutes.
8. Installation complete and reboot:
• Once the installation is complete, press Enter to restart the server.
• Important: Before rebooting the server, remember to disconnect the virtual media in iDRAC to prevent the server from booting into the installer again. Go to "Virtual Media" and "Disconnect Virtual Media".

4. Configuration after installation:

1. Initial Boot: The server will now boot into your newly installed ESXi 8. This may take a few minutes.
2. Accessing DCUI (Direct Console User Interface): After ESXi boots, you will see the Direct Console User Interface (DCUI) on the server console (or in the iDRAC virtual console).
3. Configure the management network:
• Press F2 to enter DCUI. Enter the root password you set during installation.
• Select "Configure Management Network" and press Enter .
• Select "Network Adapters" to to check whether right elect adapter for networks management .
• Select "IPv4 Configuration" to install static IP address , mask subnets and gateway if ​ you not used DHCP.
• Select "DNS Configuration" to enter the IP addresses of DNS servers and , for by desire , own DNS suffix .
• Press Esc to ​ go out with configurations networks , and confirm changes .
4. Enable SSH (Optional, but recommended for management):
• From DCUI , select "Troubleshooting Options" and press Enter .
• Select "Enable SSH" and press Enter .
5. Access the ESXi host via a web browser:
• Open a web browser on your client computer and enter the IP address of your ESXi host.
• Log in with the username root and the password you set.
• From here you can manage your ESXi host, create virtual machines, configure storage, and more.

Important notes:

• Drivers: Dell's customized ESXi image usually includes all the necessary drivers for your R760. If you find that some hardware is not recognized, you may need to find and install special drivers (known as VIBs) from the Dell support site.
• Security: Always follow security best practices, including using strong passwords, configuring firewalls, and keeping ESXi and its components up to date.
• Documentation: Refer to the official Dell documentation for your PowerEdge R760 and VMware ESXi documentation for detailed information and troubleshooting.

By following these steps, you will be able to successfully install VMware ESXi 8 on your Dell PowerEdge R760 server. Installing VMware ESXi 8 on Dell PowerEdge R760 is a common and supported scenario. Here is a detailed guide:

1. Prerequisites and compatibility:

• Dell-customized ESXi image: Always use the Dell-customized ESXi 8 image for your PowerEdge R760. This image contains the necessary drivers and optimizations specifically for Dell hardware, preventing possible compatibility issues. You can download it from the Dell Support website (search for your R760 Service Tag or model and look under Drivers & Downloads for Enterprise Solutions or Hypervisors).
• System Compatibility: Dell PowerEdge R760 is compatible with VMware ESXi 8.0, 8.0 U1, 8.0 U2, and 8.0 U3 (and possibly later versions). You can check this on Dell's official compatibility table or VMware's Hardware Compatibility List (HCL).
• Minimum Requirements: Make sure your R760 meets the minimum hardware requirements for ESXi 8, including RAM (8GB minimum, but much more is recommended for practical use) and processor.
• Boot Device: VMware no longer recommends using SD/USB devices as boot devices for ESXi 8. Consider using an internal hard drive, SSD, or Dell BOSS-S1/BOSS-N1 card for secure boot.
• Access to iDRAC: Access to the iDRAC (Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller) web interface is highly recommended for a smooth installation as it allows you to remotely mount ISOs and manage the server.

2. Preparation for installation:

• Download the Dell Customized ESXi 8 ISO image: As mentioned above, download the correct ISO from the Dell support site.
• Update Firmware (Recommended): Before installing ESXi, it is always recommended to update the firmware of your PowerEdge R760 (BIOS, iDRAC, PERC controller, network adapters, etc.) to the latest versions. This helps ensure optimal performance and stability with ESXi. You can do this using iDRAC or by creating bootable media to update the firmware.
• Configure RAID (if applicable): If you plan to install ESXi on a RAID array (for example, using a PERC controller), configure the RAID array in the server BIOS or PERC controller utility before starting the ESXi installation.
• Network Configuration (Pre-Planning): Decide whether you will use DHCP or a static IP address for the ESXi management network. Prepare the required IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server information.

3. Installation steps (using iDRAC virtual media - recommended):

1. Access iDRAC: Open a web browser and navigate to the iDRAC IP address of your Dell PowerEdge R760. Log in using your credentials.
2. Launch a virtual console: From the iDRAC web interface, launch a virtual console (typically Java, HTML5, or ActiveX-based).
3. Mount the virtual media:
• In the virtual console, select "Virtual Media" (or similar).
• Select "Connect Virtual Media" or "Map CD/DVD."
• Find loaded file Dell customized ESXi 8 ISO image on yours local computer . ​ ​
• Click "Map Device" (or similar) to mount the ISO to the server's virtual optical drive.
• Close the virtual media window.
4. Install the boot device:
• In the virtual console, select "Boot" and then "Virtual CD/DVD/ISO."
• Confirm mounting the ISO as a single boot device.
5. Turn on/reboot the server:
• Press "Power" and then "Power On System" (or "Power Cycle System" if it is already on).
• Confirm the action.
6. Loading the ESXi installer: The server will boot from the virtual media and begin loading the ESXi installer. This may take a few minutes.
7. Follow the instructions on the screen:
• On the ESXi installer splash screen, press Enter to continue.
• Review the End User License Agreement (EULA) and press F11 to accept and continue.
• The installer will search for available disks. Select the disk or RAID array you want to install ESXi on and press Enter .
• Select a keyboard layout and press Enter .
• Enter and confirm the administrator (root) password for the ESXi host. Press Enter .
• Press F11 to start the installation. This process will take a few minutes.
8. Installation complete and reboot:
• Once the installation is complete, press Enter to restart the server.
• Important: Before rebooting the server, remember to disconnect the virtual media in iDRAC to prevent the server from booting into the installer again. Go to "Virtual Media" and "Disconnect Virtual Media."

4. Configuration after installation:

1. Initial Boot: The server will now boot into your newly installed ESXi 8. This may take a few minutes.
2. Accessing DCUI (Direct Console User Interface): After ESXi boots, you will see the Direct Console User Interface (DCUI) on the server console (or in the iDRAC virtual console).
3. Configure the management network:
• Press F2 to enter DCUI. Enter the root password you set during installation.
• Select "Configure Management Network" and press Enter .
• Select "Network Adapters" to to check whether selected correct adapter for networks management .
• Select "IPv4 Configuration" to install static IP address , mask subnets and gateway if ​ you not used DHCP.
• Select "DNS Configuration" to enter the IP addresses of DNS servers and , for by desire , own DNS suffix .
• Press Esc to ​ go out with configurations networks , and confirm changes .
4. Enable SSH (optional, but recommended for management):
• In DCUI, select "Troubleshooting Options" and press Enter .
• Select "Enable SSH" and press Enter .
5. Access the ESXi host via a web browser:
• Open a web browser on your client computer and enter the IP address of your ESXi host.
• Log in using the username root and the password you set.
• From here you can manage your ESXi host, create virtual machines, configure storage, and more.

Important notes:

• Drivers: Dell's customized ESXi image usually includes all the necessary drivers for your R760. If you encounter any hardware not being recognized, you may need to find and install specific drivers (known as VIBs) from the Dell support site.
• Security: Always follow security best practices, including using strong passwords, configuring firewalls, and keeping ESXi and its components updated.
• Documentation: Refer to the official Dell documentation for your PowerEdge R760 and VMware ESXi documentation for detailed information and troubleshooting.

By following these steps, you should successfully install VMware ESXi 8 on your Dell PowerEdge R760 server.