Objective 1.1 Topics:

Configure Kernel Boot Parameters for scripted install according to a deployment plan:

• Modify scripted weasel install (ks.cfg)
• Create / Modify scripted installation

Modify Scripted Weasel Install (ks.cfg)

The kickstarter script is located in the /etc/vmware/weasel/kg.cfg directory on the ESXi host.This is the default installation script the performs a standard installation to the first detected disk.

We can specify the location of the default ks.cfg file with the ks=file://etc/vmware/weasel/ks.cfg boot option.

When you install ESXi using the ks.cfg script, the default root password is ‘mypassword’ (no quotes)

You cannot modify the default script on the installation media. After the installation, you can use the vSphere Web Client to log in to the vCenter Server that manages the ESXi host and modify the default settings.

The default script contains the following commands:

# Accept the VMware End User License Agreement

vmaccepteula

# Set the root password for the DCUI and Tech Support Mode

rootpw mypassword

# Install on the first local disk available on machine

install –firstdisk –overwritevmfs

# Set the network to DHCP on the first network adapter

network –bootproto=dhcp –device=vmnic0

# A sample post-install script

%post –interpreter=python –ignorefailure=true

import time

stampFile = open(‘/finished.stamp’, mode=’w’)

stampFile.write( time.asctime() )

Resource/More detailed information: vSphere Installation Setup Guide (page 50)

Create / Modify Scripted Installation

We completed much of this task in the VCP6 Objective 8.1 which can be viewed below:

VCP6 Objective 8.1 – Auto Deploy