VERSION 3.
Please note that you will always find the most up-to-date technical documentation on our Web site at http://www.vmware.com/support/. VMware, Inc. The VMware Web site also provides the latest product updates. 3145 Porter Drive Palo Alto, CA 94304 www.vmware.com Copyright © 1998–2004 VMware, Inc. All rights reserved. Protected by one or more of U.S. Patent Nos. 6,397,242, 6,496,847, 6,704,925 and 6,711,672; patents pending.
Table of Contents Introduction and System Requirements ____________________________9 VMware GSX Server: Enterprise-Class Virtual Infrastructure for Intel-Based Servers ___________________________________________10 Welcome to VMware GSX Server ___________________________________12 Enterprise-Class Virtual Infrastructure for Intel-Based Servers ___________13 What’s New in Version 3 __________________________________________14 Features in Version 3 __________________________________________14 Host System Requi
Before You Install the VMware Management Interface on a Linux Host ______________________________________________60 Configuring Web Browsers for Use with GSX Server _____________________61 Launching the VMware Virtual Machine Console from the Management Interface on an Encrypted Server ______________61 Connecting to the Management Interface on a Proxy Server ___________62 Launching Help in Netscape on a Linux System _____________________63 Installing the VMware Virtual Machine Console ______________________
Downloading the VMware Virtual Machine Console _________________104 Securing Virtual Machines and the Host _____________________________106 Understanding Permissions and Virtual Machines ___________________106 Authenticating Users and Running Virtual Machines on a GSX Server for Windows Host ______________________________108 Authenticating Users and Running Virtual Machines on a GSX Server for Linux Host __________________________________111 Checking Permissions in the VMware Management Interface __________
Moving and Sharing Virtual Machines ___________________________ 161 Moving a VMware GSX Server 3 Virtual Machine ______________________ 163 Virtual Machines Use Relative Paths ______________________________ 163 Preparing Your Virtual Machine for the Move ______________________ 163 Moving a Virtual Machine to a New Host __________________________ 164 Moving a GSX Server 2 Virtual Machine _____________________________ 166 Virtual Machines Use Relative Paths ______________________________ 166 Preparing Your Vi
Creating a Two-Node Cluster with Microsoft Clustering Services on a Single GSX Server Computer _______________________________201 Using Network Load Balancing with GSX Server ______________________208 Overview of Network Load Balancing Clusters _____________________208 Creating a Multinode Network Load Balancing Cluster _______________209 Creating Two-Node Clusters Using Novell Clustering Services ____________213 Creating the First Node's Base Virtual Machine _____________________213 Creating the Second Nod
www.vmware.
CHAPTER Introduction and System Requirements 1 This section contains the following topics introducing you to VMware GSX Server.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide VMware GSX Server: Enterprise-Class Virtual Infrastructure for Intel-Based Servers VMware® GSX Server™ is virtual infrastructure for enterprise IT administrators who want to consolidate servers and streamline development and testing operations. GSX Server is easily installed and managed, and provides rapid return on investment (ROI).
C H A P T E R 1 Introduction and System Requirements Key GSX Server 3 Benefits GSX Server 3 offers the following key benefits: • Shipping for over three years with thousands of successful customers, VMware GSX Server is the most flexible and easily deployed server virtualization product on the market. • Offers widest selection of supported host and guest operating systems of any virtualization technology — preserves your freedom to choose the best operating system platform.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Welcome to VMware GSX Server Thank you for choosing VMware GSX Server, the software that provides IT professionals with enterprise-class server consolidation and high availability of server resources by letting them run multiple operating systems in secure, transportable, high-performance virtual computers. If you’re new to GSX Server, this chapter is the place to start.
C H A P T E R 1 Introduction and System Requirements Enterprise-Class Virtual Infrastructure for Intel-Based Servers VMware products provide a virtualization layer that turns your physical computers into a pool of logical computing resources. You can then dynamically allocate those resources to any operating system or application in the way that best meets your needs.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide What’s New in Version 3 Whether you’re a long-time power user of VMware GSX Server or a new user who is just learning what you can do with virtual machines, the new features in VMware GSX Server 3 extend its capabilities and make it easier to use. Features in Version 3 Here are some highlights of key features to explore in VMware GSX Server 3: GSX Server 3 Security Update: OpenSSL 0.9.
C H A P T E R 1 Introduction and System Requirements The console interface is completely updated. You can run multiple virtual machines in the same window and switch from one to another using the new quick switch mode. The console menus have been streamlined. The console requires less network bandwidth over remote connections than the older console did. For details, see Running Virtual Machines in the VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Improved VMware Management Interface Managing virtual machines and the GSX Server host from a Web browser just got better. You can configure more host and virtual machine features, including virtual machine hardware, configuration options and SSL connections. For more information, see Using the VMware Management Interface on page 121.
C H A P T E R 1 Introduction and System Requirements Network Adapter Teaming Support On Windows hosts, virtual machines can bridge to teamed or bonded host network adapters. For more information, see Configuring Bridged Networking when Using Teamed Network Interface Cards on Your Host in the VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide. Generic SCSI Tape Backup Support Back up virtual machines using popular backup software and SCSI tape devices. For more information, see Backing Up Virtual Machines on page 119.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide manual checks only. For more information, see Updating GSX Server Software Automatically on page 150. 20 www.vmware.
C H A P T E R 1 Introduction and System Requirements Host System Requirements What do you need to get the most out of VMware GSX Server? Take the following list of requirements as a starting point. Remember that the virtual machines running under GSX Server are like physical computers in many ways — and, like physical computers, they generally perform better if they have faster processors, more memory and sufficient disk space.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide each guest; see your guest operating system and application documentation for their memory requirements. • Minimum: 512MB • Maximum: 64GB for Windows hosts and Linux hosts that support large memory or are PAE-enabled, 4GB for non-PAE-enabled Windows hosts or 2GB for Linux hosts with kernels in the 2.2.
C H A P T E R 1 Introduction and System Requirements Windows Host Operating Systems You need a Windows server operating system. If you intend to use the VMware Management Interface, Internet Information Server (IIS) 5.0 or 6.0 must be installed.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide • Red Hat Linux 8.0 • Red Hat Linux 7.3 • Red Hat Linux 7.2 • Red Hat Linux 7.1 • SuSE™ Linux Enterprise Server 8 • SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 • SuSE Linux 9.0 • SuSE Linux 8.2 • SuSE Linux 8.1 • SuSE Linux 8.0 • SuSE Linux 7.3 • Turbolinux Server 8.0 • Turbolinux Workstation 8.0 • Turbolinux Server 7.0 Platforms not listed above are not supported.
C H A P T E R 1 Introduction and System Requirements In addition, the VMware Management Interface requires one of these browsers: • Netscape® Navigator 7.0 • Mozilla 1.x Note: As new browser versions are released, VMware tests the management interface for stability and reliability with these versions. We make every effort to add support for new browser versions in a timely manner, but until a browser is added to the above list, its use with our product is not supported.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide • 17MB free disk space is required for VMware Scripting APIs (VmCOM and VmPerl Scripting APIs) installation on Windows remote clients; 14MB is required for VmPerl API on Linux remote clients Software - Windows Remote Client • Windows Server 2003 Standard edition, Windows Server 2003 Enterprise edition and Windows Server 2003 Web edition • Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 1 • Windows 2000 Professional, Server and Advanced Server, Service
C H A P T E R 1 Introduction and System Requirements Note: As new browser versions are released, VMware tests the management interface for stability and reliability with these versions. We make every effort to add support for new browser versions in a timely manner, but until a browser is added to the above list, its use with our product is not supported. For the latest system requirements, go to the VMware Web site at www.vmware.com/support/gsx3/doc/intro_sysreqs_host_gsx.html.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Virtual Machine Specifications Each virtual machine created with GSX Server provides a platform that includes the following devices that your guest operating system can see. Virtual Processor • Same processor as that on host computer • Single processor per virtual machine on symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) systems Virtual Chip Set • Intel 440BX-based motherboard with NS338 SIO chip and 82093AA IOAPIC Virtual BIOS • PhoenixBIOS™ 4.
C H A P T E R 1 Introduction and System Requirements • LSI Logic Ultra160 LSI53C10xx SCSI controller Virtual PCI Slots • Six virtual PCI slots, to be divided among the virtual SCSI controllers, virtual Ethernet cards, virtual display adapter and virtual sound adapter Virtual Floppy Drives • Up to two 1.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide • Virtual networking supports most Ethernet-based protocols, including TCP/IP, NetBEUI, Microsoft Networking, Samba, Novell® NetWare® and Network File System • Built-in NAT supports client software using TCP/IP, FTP, DNS, HTTP and Telnet Virtual Sound Adapter • Sound output and input • Creative Labs Sound Blaster® AudioPCI emulated (MIDI input, game controllers and joysticks not supported) 30 www.vmware.
C H A P T E R 1 Introduction and System Requirements Supported Guest Operating Systems The operating systems listed here have been tested in VMware GSX Server 3 virtual machines and are officially supported. For notes on installing the most common guest operating systems, see the VMware Guest Operating System Installation Guide, available from the VMware Web site or from the Help menu. Operating systems that are not listed are not supported for use in a VMware GSX Server virtual machine.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide • SuSE Linux 7.3, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2 and 9.0, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 7 (including patch 2) and 8 (including patch 3) • Turbolinux Server 7.0, 8.0, Workstation 8.0 Novell NetWare • NetWare 4.2 Support Pack 9, 5.1 Support Pack 6, 6.0 Support Pack 3 and 6.5 Support Pack 1 FreeBSD • FreeBSD 4.0–4.6.2, 4.8 and 5.0 32 www.vmware.
C H A P T E R 1 Introduction and System Requirements Technical Support Resources Documentation on the Web Full documentation for VMware GSX Server, including the latest updates to the manual, can be found on the VMware Web site at www.vmware.com/support/gsx3/doc. VMware Knowledge Base You can find troubleshooting notes and tips for advanced users in the knowledge base on the VMware Web site at www.vmware.com/support/kb/enduser/std_alp.php.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Note: The support script runs only on the GSX Server host. If you encounter problems on a remote client, you must supply the log files manually. The two log files you should supply, depending upon the problem you encounter on the client, include the VMware Virtual Machine Console log file and the installation log file. See below for more information about these logs. Windows Host 1. Open a command prompt. 2. Change to the GSX Server program directory.
C H A P T E R 1 Introduction and System Requirements Virtual Machine Log File If a virtual machine exits abnormally or crashes, please run the support script or save the log file before you launch that virtual machine again. The key log file to save is the VMware log file for the affected virtual machine. On a Windows host, the vmware.log file is in the same directory as the configuration file (.vmx) of the virtual machine that had problems.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide On a Windows host, the log is called mui.log and is stored by default in C:\Program Files\VMware\VMware Management Interface. On a Linux host, the log is called error_log and is stored by default in /var/log/vmware-mui. VMware Authorization Service Log File You can enable logging for the VMware Authorization Service (known as vmware-authd on Linux hosts) manually. 1. In a text editor, open the following file: • On a Windows host, edit config.
C H A P T E R 1 Introduction and System Requirements On a Windows host, the file is VMInst.log. It is saved in your TEMP directory; the default location is C:\Documents and Settings\\Local Settings\Temp. The Local Settings folder is hidden by default. To see its contents, open My Computer, choose Tools > Folder Options, click the View tab and select Show Hidden Files and Folders. On a Linux host, the log is called locations and is stored in /etc/vmware.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 38 www.vmware.
CHAPTER 2 Installing VMware GSX Server The following sections describe how to install VMware GSX Server on your Linux or Windows host system: • Selecting Your Host System on page 38 • About the VMware Virtual Machine Console on the Server on page 39 • Installing VMware GSX Server on a Windows Host on page 40 • Basic Installation on page 40 • Default Directories on page 42 • Installing the GSX Server Software on a Windows Host on page 43 • Installing VMware GSX Server on a Linux Host on page 50 • Basic In
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide • Before You Install on a SuSE Linux 7.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server To install on a supported Windows host computer, see Installing VMware GSX Server on a Windows Host on page 40. To install on a Linux host computer, see Installing VMware GSX Server on a Linux Host on page 50. To review the list of supported host operating systems on which you can install GSX Server, see Host System Requirements on page 19.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Installing VMware GSX Server on a Windows Host Getting started with VMware GSX Server is simple. The key steps are 1. Install the VMware GSX Server software (including the server, VMware Management Interface, the VmCOM API, the VmPerl API and the VMware Virtual Machine Console) on the server as described in this section. 2. Install the VMware Virtual Machine Console and VMware Scripting APIs on Windows or Linux clients. 3.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server A basic installation of GSX Server uses two computers — a server hosting a number of virtual machines and a client workstation. The client communicates with the virtual machines on the server over a TCP/IP network link. In more complex installations, one client can run multiple VMware Virtual Machine Consoles, with each console managing multiple virtual machines on a separate server.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide You can choose a custom installation path where you install only the packages you need. In most cases, you work directly at the server when you install the server software. You can manage and run virtual machines from the server or from any client. On a Client Workstation In addition to a Web browser, you can install the following packages on a client: • The VMware Virtual Machine Console.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server • The VMware Management Interface components are installed in C:\Program Files\VMware\VMware Management Interface • The VmCOM API components are installed in C:\Program Files\VMware\VMware VmCOM Scripting API • The VmPerl API components are installed in C:\Program Files\VMware\VMware VmPerl Scripting API You can change the directory that contains all the components if you wish, but make note of the new paths you intend to use.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide where is a series of numbers representing the version and build numbers). The master installer starts. Click Next. 3. Accept the end user license agreement (EULA). Select the I accept the terms in the license agreement option, then click Next. 4. Choose whether you want to perform a complete or a custom installation. 44 www.vmware.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server Complete Installation A complete installation installs the server software, the VMware Management Interface, the VMware Virtual Machine Console, the VmCOM API and the VmPerl API on the GSX Server host. To choose the complete installation, select Complete, then click Next. If you want to install all the GSX Server components in a directory other than the default, click Change and browse to the directory of your choice.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Custom Installation A custom installation lets you pick and choose which components to install. You can always run the installer again at a later date to install components you did not install the first time. Select Custom and click Next. The Custom Setup screen appears. In the Custom Setup screen, choose the components to install. Click the arrow to the left of the component you do not want to install and select the appropriate option from the menu.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server 5. If you want to change any settings or information you provided, now is the time to make those changes. Click Back until you reach the screen containing the information you want to change. Otherwise, click Install. The installer begins copying files to your host. 6. If the installer detects that the CD-ROM autorun feature is enabled, you see a message that gives you the option to disable this feature.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide The server on which you are installing GSX Server must have Microsoft Windows Installer runtime engine version 2.0 installed. This version is included with Windows Server 2003. If you are installing on a Windows 2000 host (or are installing the VMware Scripting APIs on a Windows NT 4.0 client), check the version of this file: %WINDIR%\system32\msiexec.exe If you need to upgrade the engine, run instmsiw.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server Property Name Description Default REMOVE_LICENSE Uninstall only: Removes all stored licenses when you uninstall GSX Server. By default, GSX Server keeps the licenses on the server. 0 To remove licenses, add the following in step 2: REMOVE_LICENSE = 1 Caution: VMware strongly recommends you keep your licenses, in case you reinstall or upgrade your software. SERIALNUMBER Automatically enters the serial number.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Installing VMware GSX Server on a Linux Host Getting started with VMware GSX Server is simple. The key steps are 1. Install the GSX Server software (including the server, VMware Management Interface, the VMware Virtual Machine Console and the VmPerl API) on the server. 2. Install the VMware Virtual Machine Console and VMware Scripting APIs on Windows or Linux clients. 3.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server • A remote management client and operating system that meet the system requirements for running the GSX Server remote management software. See Remote Client Requirements on page 23. • The installation CDs or disks for your guest operating systems. • The GSX Server installation software. If you bought a GSX Server media kit, the installation software is on the CD in your package.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide VMware-gsx-.tar.gz, where is a series of numbers representing the version and build numbers. Note: The VmPerl API package is installed when you install the server software. The VmPerl API is a scripting tool that uses Perl to manage virtual machines remotely; for more information, go to www.vmware.com/support/developer/. • The VMware Management Interface package (from a tar archive available on the GSX Server CD-ROM or the VMware Web site).
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server Essentially, the console allows you to manage virtual machines locally and remotely, while the management interface allows you to remotely manage the server host and all the virtual machines on the host. The VmPerl and VmCOM Scripting APIs can connect to Linux and Windows hosts. However, the VmCOM API can run only on a Windows client. You can use the APIs to create scripts to automate management of virtual machines and the host.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Before you install the GSX Server software, ensure your Linux distribution is for a server, not a workstation. If you are running a workstation distribution, you need to install the inetd process in order to connect to the VMware Virtual Machine Console and VMware Management Interface. If you need to, review the Host System Requirements on page 19.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server c. Unpack the archive. tar zxf VMware-gsx-.tar.gz d. Change to the installation directory. cd vmware-gsx-distrib e. Run the installation program. ./vmware-install.pl f. Accept the default directories for the binary files, daemon files, library files, manual files, documentation files, init directories and init scripts. 5. Run the configuration program. vmware-config.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Do you want this script to probe for an unused private subnet? This allows you to connect your virtual machines to an external network when you have only one IP network address on the physical network, and that address is used by the host computer. For more information, see Network Address Translation (NAT) in the VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server 11. Enter your GSX Server serial number exactly as it appears (with hyphens) in the email message you received from VMware or from the reseller from whom you purchased GSX Server. When you enter the serial number, it is saved in your license file. 12. The configuration program displays a message saying the configuration completed successfully. If it does not display this message, run the configuration program again. 13.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Installing the VMware Management Interface on a Linux Host The steps below describe an installation of the VMware Management Interface on a Red Hat Linux host from a CD-ROM. If you downloaded the software, the steps are the same except that you start from the directory where you saved the installer file you downloaded, not from the CD. If you are using a different Linux distribution, some commands may be different. Note: You must install the libdb.so.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server 9. Allow the configuration program vmware-config-mui.pl to run. 10. Specify the number of minutes before a management interface session times out. The default session length is 60 minutes. 11. When you finish, you can: • Log out of the root account. exit • Install the VMware Virtual Machine Console. Go to page 67. Installing an X Server You need an X server to run the VMware Virtual Machine Console. If an X server is not installed, you must install libxpm.so.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Before You Install on a SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 Host The gcc program is not installed on a SLES 8 host by default. This compiler is required by the VmPerl API. Before you install GSX Server on a SLES 8 host system, you must install gcc. Installing gcc in the Host Operating System 1. Start your X server, if it does not start by default, and log in as the root user. 2. Run YAST2, the default configuration utility for SLES 8. 3.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server Configuring Web Browsers for Use with GSX Server If you intend to run the VMware Management Interface in Internet Explorer 6.0 on a Windows system, you must take certain steps to configure Internet Explorer properly. These steps are needed whether the browser is running on a GSX Server Windows host or you are using a Windows client machine to connect to a GSX Server host.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 1. In the Internet Explorer 6.0 window, open the Internet Options control panel. Choose Tools > Internet Options. 2. Click the Advanced tab. 3. Scroll down to the Security section and uncheck Do not save encrypted pages to disk. 4. Click OK. Connecting to the Management Interface on a Proxy Server If your network is protected behind a proxy server, there are certain steps you must take in order to use the management interface in Internet Explorer 6.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server Connecting to the Management Interface When There Is No Proxy Server If you are on a Windows system and your network does not use a proxy server, you must use fully-qualified domain names when connecting to the management interface with Internet Explorer 6.0. Launching Help in Netscape on a Linux System To use VMware GSX Server Help on a Linux system, you must have a Web browser installed on your physical computer.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Installing the VMware Virtual Machine Console The VMware Virtual Machine Console enables you to view and control GSX Server virtual machines from a remote client or on the server host. Multiple users can use the console to connect to a virtual machine from the server host or from remote clients at the same time. Use the instructions below that correspond to the operating system running on your system. Consoles can also be launched from the VMware Management Interface.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server where is a series of numbers representing the version and build numbers. The InstallShield Wizard dialog box appears. Click Next. 2. Accept the end user license agreement (EULA). Select I accept the terms in the license agreement, then click Next. 3. Choose the directory in which to install the console. If you prefer to install it in a directory other than the default, click Change and change to your directory of choice.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 4. If you want to change any settings or information you provided, now is the time to make those changes. Click Back until you reach the dialog box containing the information you want to change. Otherwise, click Install. The installer begins copying files to your host. 5. When the setup completes, click Finish. You do not need to reboot your host operating system after you install the console. 66 www.vmware.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server Installing the VMware Virtual Machine Console on a Linux Host The steps below describe an installation of the VMware Virtual Machine Console on a Red Hat Linux host from a CD-ROM. If you downloaded the software, the steps are the same except that you start from the directory where you saved the installer file you downloaded, not from the CD. If you are using a different Linux distribution, some commands may be different.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide (where is a series of numbers representing the version and build numbers) The archive unpacks to vmware-console-distrib. b. Run the installer. cd vmware-console-distrib ./vmware-install.pl c. Accept the EULA and answer the questions specifying default directories for the binary files, library files, manual files and documentation files. d. If the Do you accept prompt doesn't appear, press Q to continue. 6. Run the configuration program vmware-config-console.pl.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server Installing the VMware Scripting APIs VMware GSX Server supports the VMware Scripting APIs, which include the VmPerl Scripting API and the VmCOM Scripting API. You can use the VMware Scripting APIs to manage the GSX Server host and virtual machines locally and remotely. For more information, go to www.vmware.com/support/developer.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 3. Acknowledge the end user license agreement (EULA). Select I accept the terms in the license agreement, then click Next. 4. Choose the directory in which to install the scripting API. To install it in a directory other than the default, click Change and browse to your directory of choice. If the directory does not exist, the installer creates it for you. Click Next.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server 5. If you want to change any settings or information you provided, now is the time to make those changes. Click Back until you reach the dialog box containing the information you want to change. Otherwise, click Install. The installer begins copying files to your host. 6. Click Finish. The VMware Scripting API is installed. If you install the VmCOM API, two directories named MiniMUI and SampleScripts are created in the VmCOM API directory.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Installing the VmPerl API on a Linux Host On either a Linux server host or a Linux remote computer, you can use only the VmPerl API. The VmCOM API cannot be installed on a Linux host, although the VmCOM API installed on a Windows remote client can communicate with a Linux host. You can make the VmPerl API tar archive available for download by customizing the download menu on the Login page of the VMware Management Interface.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server Uninstalling VMware GSX Server The following sections describe how to remove the GSX Server components from your system. Follow the steps for your host operating system. Uninstalling GSX Server on a Windows Host To uninstall GSX Server, complete the following steps. These steps remove all the components you installed with the GSX Server master installer, including the server software, the VMware Management Interface and the VMware Scripting APIs.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 3. Select Remove, then click Next. 4. When you are ready to begin removing GSX Server, click Remove. 5. During the uninstallation, you are asked whether you want to keep your VMware licenses in the Windows registry. VMware strongly recommends you keep your licenses, in case you reinstall or upgrade your software. To keep the licenses in the registry, click Yes. The uninstallation continues. 6.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server 7. After all the components are removed, click Finish. 8. If you see a prompt that suggests you reboot your server, do so now to allow GSX Server to complete the uninstallation correctly. Removing Selected Components on a Windows Host With the master installer, you can choose to remove specific components from your GSX Server installation. For example, if you decide to not use the VmPerl API, you can remove only that component.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 3. Select Modify, then click Next. The Custom Setup screen appears. 4. Click the arrow to open the menu next to the component you want to remove, select This feature will not be installed, then click Next. 5. When you are ready to begin removing the component, click Install. 6. After the component is removed, click Finish. 76 www.vmware.
C H A P T E R 2 Installing VMware GSX Server Uninstalling the VMware Virtual Machine Console on a Windows Host To uninstall the console on a Windows host, use Add/Remove Programs in the Windows Control Panel. 1. Choose Start > Settings > Control Panel. 2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs (Add or Remove Programs on a Windows Server 2003 host). 3. Select VMware Virtual Machine Console, then click Change. Note: If the console was installed on Windows NT 4.0, click Add/Remove. 4. A wizard starts. Click Next.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 6. To start removing the console, click Remove. 7. After the wizard finishes removing the console, click Finish. You do not need to reboot the system after you remove the console. Uninstalling GSX Server on a Linux Host To uninstall any GSX Server component, open a terminal and log in as the root user.
CHAPTER 3 Upgrading VMware GSX Server The following sections describe how to upgrade VMware GSX Server on your Linux or Windows host system and how to use virtual machines created under earlier versions of GSX Server with the current version: • Preparing for the Upgrade on page 80 • Upgrading on a Windows Host on page 83 • Upgrading on a Linux Host on page 84 • Using Virtual Machines Created with Version 2 under Version 3 on page 85 • Using Virtual Machines Created with Version 1 under Version 3 on page
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Preparing for the Upgrade Before You Install VMware GSX Server There are a few steps you should take — before you remove an already installed version of GSX Server and install the new version of GSX Server — to ensure the best possible upgrade experience.
C H A P T E R 3 Upgrading VMware GSX Server If you have an existing virtual machine that has multiple virtual disks and the disks are in multiple modes, the simplest approach to upgrading is to convert all the disks to persistent mode. Resume or power on the virtual machine in the earlier release, shut down the guest operating system, power off the virtual machine and either commit or discard changes to any undoable mode disks when prompted.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide If you have VMware Workstation installed on your host system, you must remove it before you install GSX Server. See the VMware Workstation product documentation for information on how to remove Workstation. Make the Virtual Machine Accessible to Its Users If the virtual machine is located on a different host or in a different directory on the GSX Server host, be sure to set permissions on the directory so that it is accessible to all users of the virtual machine.
C H A P T E R 3 Upgrading VMware GSX Server Upgrading on a Windows Host In most cases, upgrading GSX Server is a four-step process. 1. Uninstall the version now installed on your system. If you are uninstalling an older version of GSX Server 3, see Uninstalling GSX Server on a Windows Host on page 73. If you are uninstalling version 1 or 2, see Removing Version 1 or Removing Version 2, below. Note: The uninstaller may offer to remove licenses from your registry. Do not remove the licenses. 2.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Upgrading on a Linux Host To upgrade from version 1 or 2 to version 3, you must have the full VMware GSX Server 3 product.
C H A P T E R 3 Upgrading VMware GSX Server Using Virtual Machines Created with Version 2 under Version 3 The following sections describe how you can set up older virtual machines under VMware GSX Server 3 and how to upgrade the virtual hardware. Creating Everything New from the Start Set up a new virtual machine and install a guest operating system in the virtual machine as described in Creating a New Virtual Machine in the VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Upgrade VMware Tools to the new version, following the instructions in Installing VMware Tools in the VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide. Do not remove the older version of VMware Tools before installing the new version. Upgrade the virtual hardware so you can take advantage of better performance, improved networking, support for taking a snapshot while the virtual machine is running and improved virtual disk formats.
C H A P T E R 3 Upgrading VMware GSX Server are already available in C:\Windows, C:\Windows\System or subdirectories under those two directories. However, a simpler approach is to skip any files that Windows does not find at this stage. Then, after the guest operating system has finished loading and is able to read from the CD-ROM, you can run the guest operating system’s Add Hardware Wizard and allow it to detect new hardware and install the appropriate drivers.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 11. If you have serial ports configured in the virtual machine, go to the Windows Device Manager and uninstall all the COM ports listed there. 12. Restart the virtual machine. 13. Windows detects the COM ports and installs them properly. Windows NT 4.0 Guest The following steps provide examples of what you may see as your guest operating system recognizes the new virtual hardware. The specific steps may vary, depending on the configuration of the virtual machine. 1.
C H A P T E R 3 Upgrading VMware GSX Server 6. A message describes what is about to happen. Click OK to continue. 7. Power on the virtual machine. 8. Windows detects the VMware SVGA adapter. Select Install the software automatically and follow the on-screen instructions. 9. A message asks you to insert a disk. Navigate to C:\Program Files\VMware\drivers to install the VMware SVGA II adapter. 10.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 11. Power on the virtual machine. 12. Windows detects the PCI Multimedia Audio device and installs the driver for the Creative AudioPCI. 13. Windows detects an AMD PCNet adapter. Select Automatic search and click Next. Windows automatically installs the driver for the adapter. 14. Click Finish to restart the virtual machine. 15. Windows detects a Creative game port device and installs the driver automatically. 16.
C H A P T E R 3 Upgrading VMware GSX Server 8. Windows detects an Intel 82371AB/EB PCI to USB Universal host controller. Go to C:\Windows\System and let Windows select the necessary file. 9. Windows detects an AMD PCNET Family Ethernet Adapter. Go to C:\Windows\System and let Windows select the necessary file. 10. Windows asks for the file inetmib1.dll. Enter the location C:\Windows, then click OK. 11. Windows asks for the file locproxy.exe. Enter the location C:\Windows\System, then click OK. 12.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 28. Windows asks for the file dhcpsvc.dll. Enter the location C:\Windows\System, then click OK. 29. Windows asks for the file inetmib1.dll. Enter the location C:\Windows, then click OK. 30. Windows asks for the file locproxy.exe. Enter the location C:\Windows\System, then click OK. 31. Windows asks for the file ndishlp.sys. Enter the location C:\Windows, then click OK. 32. Windows asks for the file wshtcp.vxd. Enter the location C:\Windows\System, then click OK. 33.
C H A P T E R 3 Upgrading VMware GSX Server 7. Install the new version of VMware Tools. For details, see Installing VMware Tools in the VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide. 8. Shut down the Windows guest and power off the virtual machine. 9. Choose VM > Upgrade Virtual Hardware. 10. A message cautions you that the operation is irreversible and recommends that you back up the virtual disks before proceeding. To continue, click Yes. 11. A message describes what is about to happen. Click OK to continue.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Mandrake Linux Guest The following steps provide examples of what you may see as your guest operating system recognizes the new virtual hardware. The specific steps may vary, depending on the configuration of the virtual machine. 1. Power on the virtual machine and let it update the CMOS. 2. When Kudzu appears, follow the instructions to detect new hardware and install the proper drivers. 3. Shut down the Linux guest and power off the virtual machine. 4.
C H A P T E R 3 Upgrading VMware GSX Server Using Virtual Machines Created with Version 1 under Version 3 If you use an existing VMware GSX Server 1 virtual machine under VMware GSX Server 3, the virtual hardware is upgraded automatically. The upgrade gives you access to new features, but the process is one-way — you cannot reverse it. Start by using an existing configuration file (.vmx or .cfg) and virtual disk (.dsk or .vmdk).
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Windows Me Guest The following steps provide examples of what you may see as your guest operating system recognizes the new virtual hardware. The specific steps may vary, depending on the configuration of the virtual machine. 1. Power on the virtual machine. 2. Allow GSX Server to upgrade the virtual hardware. 3. Click OK to dismiss the message “A legacy SVGA driver has been detected.” 4. Several Plug and Play messages appear. You can safely ignore them. 5.
C H A P T E R 3 Upgrading VMware GSX Server 4. Click OK to dismiss the message “A legacy SVGA driver has been detected.” 5. Log on to Windows 98. You see a number of Plug and Play messages. You may need to insert your Windows 98 installation CD. 6. Windows asks for the Pcimp.pci file. Enter C:\Windows\System as the location. 7. Windows detects an Intel 82371EB PCI to ISA bridge (ISA mode). Go to C:\Windows\System and let Windows select the driver or select automatic detection. 8.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Windows 95 Guest The following steps provide examples of what you may see as your guest operating system recognizes the new virtual hardware. The specific steps may vary, depending on the configuration of the virtual machine. 1. Power on the virtual machine. 2. Allow GSX Server to upgrade the virtual hardware. 3. Click OK to dismiss the message “A legacy SVGA driver has been detected.” 4. Log on to Windows 95. You see a number of Plug and Play messages.
CHAPTER 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host The following sections describe how to manage your virtual machines and the GSX Server host: • Remotely Managing Virtual Machines on page 101 • Changing the Port Number for VMware Virtual Machine Console Connections on page 101 • Downloading the VMware Virtual Machine Console on page 104 • Securing Virtual Machines and the Host on page 106 • Understanding Permissions and Virtual Machines on page 106 • Authenticating Users and Running Virt
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide • Logging GSX Server Events on Windows on page 117 • Backing Up Virtual Machines on page 119 • Using a Backup Agent in the Virtual Machine on page 119 • Using a Backup Agent Running on the Host Operating System on page 119 • Backing Up the GSX Server Host on page 120 • Considerations for Backing Up Virtual Machines on page 120 • Using the VMware Management Interface on page 121 • Setting the Session Length for the VMware Management Interface on page 122 • Logging In t
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host Remotely Managing Virtual Machines One of the primary strengths of GSX Server is that it allows you to manage your virtual machines remotely — that is, from any machine that can connect to your GSX Server host. You are not restricted to interacting with your virtual machines only on the host on which they are stored. Remote management has many components and levels.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Changing the port number involves manually adding a variable to certain preference files. The steps you need to take vary depending upon the server host operating system, the host on which the console is running and whether you are making this change to GSX Server itself (by assigning the new port number to a variable called authd.port) or to the console (by assigning the new port number to a variable called authd.client.port). The authd.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host To change the port number for a specific user who is using the console installed on a Windows host, you need to set the new port number to the authd.client.port variable in the preferences.ini file located in C:\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\VMware. This port number is used only when this user is logged in and using a console to connect to a virtual machine on the GSX Server host.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Substituting a Port Number with the VMware Scripting APIs With the VMware Scripting APIs, you can supply a different port number when you create a new virtual machine object. This port number must match the port number set on the GSX Server host, which is set by the authd.port variable in the config.ini file (Windows host) or vmware-authd file (Linux host). If you specify 0 as the port number, the console connects with the port number specified by authd.client.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host To install the console on a Windows system, see Installing the VMware Virtual Machine Console on a Windows Host on page 64. To install the console on a Linux system, see Installing the VMware Virtual Machine Console on a Linux Host on page 67. Customizing the Download Menu You can customize the download menu on the Login page to suit your users’ needs.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Securing Virtual Machines and the Host This section describes how you can set permissions and implement security features for your virtual machines and the server host. The VMware Knowledge Base has an article about best practices you can use to improve security for the GSX Server host and virtual machines. For information, see www.vmware.com/support/kb/enduser/std_adp.php?&p_faqid=1042.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host To interact with a virtual machine, you must have Read & Execute permission for the virtual machine’s configuration file on a Windows host , or read and execute (r and x) permissions on a Linux host. Configuring a Virtual Machine Configuring a virtual machine lets you add and remove virtual hardware to and from the virtual machine.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Other users cannot browse to the virtual machine and add it to the inventory. If the virtual machine is made private after it has been created, it disappears from other users' inventories. To specify whether a virtual machine is private after it has been created, complete the following steps. 1. Select the virtual machine in a console and choose VM > Settings. The virtual machine settings editor appears. 2. Click the Options tab, then click Permissions. 3.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host • The local system account — the virtual machine runs as the local system account (Administrator). You can enable this option only if you are logged in to the host operating system as an Administrator. • A specific user account — the virtual machine runs as the user account specified in the New Virtual Machine Wizard or the virtual machine settings editor. This account must be able to access the GSX Server host.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide To change the location where virtual machines are created, see Specifying Where Virtual Machines Are Created on page 154. Permissions and Virtual Machine Devices If you intend to configure a virtual machine to use a physical disk or generic SCSI device, the user account that the virtual machine runs as must be a member of the Administrators group.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host Authenticating Users and Running Virtual Machines on a GSX Server for Linux Host GSX Server for Linux uses Pluggable Authentication Modules (PAM) for user authentication in the VMware Virtual Machine Console and the VMware Management Interface. The default installation of GSX Server uses standard Linux /etc/passwd authentication, but can be configured to use LDAP, NIS, Kerberos or another distributed authentication mechanism.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Default Permissions When you create a virtual machine with GSX Server on a Linux host, its configuration file is assigned the following default permissions, based on the user accessing it: • Read, execute and write (7) — for the user who created the configuration file (the owner) • Read and execute (5) — for the primary group to which the owner belongs • Read (4) — for users other than the owner or a member of the owner's group When you first install the GSX Server so
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host With SSL enabled, GSX Server creates security certificates and stores them on your host. However, the certificates used to secure your VMware Management Interface sessions are not signed by a trusted certificate authority; therefore they do not provide authentication. If you intend to use encrypted remote connections externally, you should consider purchasing a certificate from a trusted certificate authority.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Enabling and Disabling SSL for Remote Sessions You enable and disable SSL for VMware Virtual Machine Console connections in the console or the management interface. You enable SSL for VMware Management Interface connections in the management interface. By default, SSL is enabled for all remote connections. Remember that the certificates used in these secure sessions are not signed by a trusted certificate authority; therefore they do not provide authentication.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host Identifying a Virtual Machine by Its UUID Each virtual machine is automatically assigned a universally unique identifier (UUID), which is stored in the SMBIOS system information descriptor. It can be accessed by standard SMBIOS scanning software — for example SiSoftware Sandra or the IBM utility smbios2 — and used for system management in the same way you use the UUID of a physical computer. The UUID is a 128-bit integer.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide machine is set up to create a new UUID every time it is moved. Power off the virtual machine and begin using it as a template by copying the virtual machine files to other locations. If you intend to move the virtual machine numerous times, and want to keep the same UUID each time the virtual machine moves, then select Always Keep and click OK to continue powering on the virtual machine.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host Logging GSX Server Events on Windows GSX Server sends information about events that occur in the application to the Event Viewer on Windows hosts. Each event has a unique identifier to assist you in tracking various events with automation tools. The types of events that are sent to the Event Viewer include: • Any changes to a virtual machine’s power state.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide • eventlog.win.register=FALSE — this setting prevents the logging of power state change events and logging of when a virtual machine is added to or removed from the inventory. To modify what gets logged for a virtual machine, add either or both of the options to the virtual machine’s configuration (.vmx) file. To modify what gets logged for all virtual machines on a host, add either or both of the options to the GSX Server config.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host Backing Up Virtual Machines This section discusses methods for backing up your virtual machines and the GSX Server host. Using a Backup Agent in the Virtual Machine The best way to back up virtual machines that require constant uptime (24 hours a day, seven days a week) is to load a backup agent in each virtual machine. This agent should connect directly through your network to your backup servers.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide This command resumes the virtual machine into an active, running state. If you want to restore a virtual machine to a server other than the GSX Server host where it was originally located, shut down the virtual machine. Instead of using the suspend batch file, use one that powers off the virtual machine. vmware-cmd \.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host Using the VMware Management Interface GSX Server provides the VMware Management Interface, a Web-based management tool that allows you to • Monitor the state of virtual machines and the GSX Server host on which they are running. • Control (power on, suspend, resume, reset and power off) the virtual machines on that host. • Connect the VMware Virtual Machine Console to a given virtual machine, for hands-on management.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide VMware Virtual Machine Console for Windows and Linux hosts. For more information, see Downloading the VMware Virtual Machine Console on page 104. Once your user name and password are authorized by the management interface, the Status Monitor page appears. The Status Monitor page contains high level details about all the virtual machines on the host server to which you are connected.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host You can connect to the server with up to eight management interface sessions at a time. The URL to connect to the server is https://:8333. Note: If you are connecting to the management interface from a browser on the host machine, you can use localhost as the . Note: If you disabled SSL for your management interface sessions, the URL to connect to the server is http://:8222.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Using the Status Monitor The Status Monitor page contains a high-level view of the GSX Server host including a host system summary and list of all virtual machines known to the host that you have sufficient permissions to see.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host Activities you can perform include: • Connecting to a Virtual Machine with the VMware Virtual Machine Console on page 125 • Using the Virtual Machine Menu on page 126 • Changing the Power State of a Virtual Machine on page 127 • Monitoring the Virtual Machine’s Heartbeat on page 128 • Viewing Information about a Virtual Machine on page 129 • Downloading the VMware Virtual Machine Console on page 104 (Login and Status Monitor pages) •
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide — indicates a Windows guest operating system. — indicates a Linux guest operating system. — indicates a FreeBSD guest operating system. — indicates a NetWare guest operating system. — indicates another guest operating system, such as MS-DOS. Using the Virtual Machine Menu Click the arrow to the right of the terminal icon ( ) to display a menu of options for that virtual machine.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host With the exception of the display name, you can edit these options only when the virtual machine is powered off. For more information, see Setting Standard Virtual Machine Configuration Options on page 134. • Shut Down Guest — runs the script associated with this power state change, then shuts down the guest operating system and powers off the virtual machine. Selecting this option is the same as clicking in the power state popup.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide To change the virtual machine’s power state, click the button that indicates the virtual machine’s current power state. A popup menu appears, displaying the following buttons: Button Description Shuts down the guest operating system and powers off the virtual machine. Any open applications close, the guest operating system shuts down, then GSX Server powers off the virtual machine. VMware Tools executes any script associated with this power state change.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host Viewing Information about a Virtual Machine Important virtual machine information is readily available on the Status Monitor page. • The link in the Display Name column indicates the display name for the virtual machine; if one is not specified, then the path to the configuration file for the virtual machine appears here instead.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Configuring a Virtual Machine To see more information about a particular virtual machine and to modify its configuration, click the link to that virtual machine in the Display Name column on the Status Monitor page. The Virtual Machine Overview page appears in a new browser window. The Virtual Machine Overview page contains the following information: • The current power state of the virtual machine — whether it is powered on, powered off or suspended.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host appears. Click Options to edit the virtual machine’s standard configuration options. The Options page appears. You can make changes to the virtual machine’s configuration in these places. To change most options, you must power off the virtual machine. • The guest operating system installed in the virtual machine. • The number of virtual processors in the virtual machine. • The amount of memory allocated to the virtual machine.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Configuring a Virtual Machine’s Hardware To configure the virtual hardware inside a virtual machine, click the Hardware tab. The Hardware page appears. The Hardware page lists the virtual hardware in the virtual machine — configured devices like the virtual disk; removable devices like floppy, CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drives; virtual network adapters and memory allocated to the virtual machine. You can configure each virtual hardware component.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host • Configuring a Virtual Machine’s DVD-ROM or CD-ROM Drive from the Management Interface in the VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide • Configuring a Virtual Machine’s Floppy Drive from the Management Interface in the VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide • Adding a Virtual Disk from the Management Interface in the VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide • Adding a Virtual Network Adapter from the Management Interface in the VMware
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Click the tabs at the top of the page to view more information about the virtual machine. Setting Standard Virtual Machine Configuration Options To review and modify basic information about a virtual machine, or to access the configuration file directly, click the Options tab. The Options page appears. The Options page displays the following virtual machine information: • Display Name — identifies the virtual machine in a descriptive way.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host • Continue Starting Other Virtual Machines After — indicates the amount of time GSX Server waits after starting the virtual machine before starting another virtual machine. Settings for starting virtual machines include start when the server starts, do not wait to start, wait for a certain number of minutes to start and start when VMware Tools starts.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 4. To change the location of the suspended state file, enter the location on the host in the Suspend File Location list. 5. To change whether logging is enabled for the virtual machine, check (to enable) or clear (to disable) the Enable Logging check box. 6. To change whether the virtual machine is running with debugging information, check (to enable) or clear (to disable) the Run with Debugging Information check box. 7.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host VMware Tools does not start in the virtual machine before the specified time elapses, GSX Server starts the next virtual machine. 3. Specify what happens to the virtual machine when the system shuts down. In the At System Shutdown, Attempt to list, select whether you want to power off the virtual machine, shut down the guest operating system or suspend the virtual machine.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 1. Under Verbose Options, click the click here link. The Options page appears. 2. Click Add. 3. A prompt appears. Enter a name for the option, then click OK. 4. Another prompt appears. Enter a value for option you specified, then click OK. 5. Click OK in the Options page to save the change to the configuration file. To change an option in the configuration file, complete the following steps. 1. Under Verbose Options, click the click here link.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host Viewing a List of Connected Users To see a list of users who are connected to a virtual machine with a console or VMware Scripting API, click the Users and Events tab. The list under Remote Console Connections identifies any users connected to the virtual machine with a console or VMware Scripting API. The list includes the time and IP address from which the user connected to the virtual machine and the status of the user’s activity.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Viewing a Log of a Virtual Machine’s Events A log of the 25 most recent virtual machine events is available. Click the Users and Events tab. The Users and Events page appears. The Events list displays a log of the most recent actions or events recorded in the virtual machine, such as the questions GSX Server asks, any errors and the powering on or off the virtual machine.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host — This type of event indicates the virtual machine generated a question or warning. — This type of event indicates an error occurred in the virtual machine. Note: On Windows hosts, the host operating system’s Event Viewer tracks virtual machine power state changes, GSX Server messages and answers to prompts that appear in the virtual machine. For more information, see Logging GSX Server Events on Windows on page 117.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Deleting Virtual Machines You can delete a virtual machine only if you are the Administrator or root user.You may want to delete a virtual machine if it is no longer needed or if you need to free up disk space on your host. When you delete a virtual machine, the files associated with it — that is, all files located in the same directory — and the virtual machine’s directory are deleted. The files include the virtual machine’s configuration file (.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host Configuring the GSX Server Host Configuring the GSX Server host involves: • Configuring GSX Server from the Management Interface on page 143 • Setting User Preferences for the VMware GSX Server Host on page 149 • Setting Global Preferences for VMware GSX Server on page 154 • Setting a MIME Type to Launch the VMware Virtual Machine Console on page 157 Configuring GSX Server from the Management Interface To configure the GSX Server hos
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Securing Remote Connections with SSL VMware Management Interface sessions and VMware Virtual Machine Console connections are secured with SSL. For more information about SSL, see Securing Your Remote Sessions on page 112. You can enable SSL for console connections from the console itself. For details, see Enabling SSL for VMware Virtual Machine Console Connections on page 157. To configure SSL from the management interface, complete the following steps. 1.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host Virtual Machine Console window, unless the console is connected to a virtual machine on the local host. After you change your SSL setting for the management interface, you are prompted to accept the security certificate in your browser the next time you log in to the management interface.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide stopping each virtual machine or waits a certain number of minutes before stopping each virtual machine. Enabling the System’s Configuration Settings To enable the system-wide configuration settings for virtual machines, complete the following steps. 1. On the Options page of the management interface, click Virtual Machine Startup and Shutdown. The Virtual Machine Startup and Shutdown page appears. 146 www.vmware.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host 2. Under System Configuration, click Edit. The System Startup and Shutdown Defaults page appears. 3. To enable system-wide startup and shutdown policies, check the Start Up and Shut Down Virtual Machines check box. 4.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide good idea to set a delay between stopping virtual machines, as a delay avoids placing an undue burden on the host processors and memory. 6. Click OK to save your settings. 7. Click Close Window to return to the management interface’s Options page. Specifying the Order in Which Virtual Machines Start Once you set whether or not virtual machines should start and stop with the system, you can set the order in which the virtual machines start and stop.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host To specify the startup order for the virtual machines on the host, select the check box next to one or more machines. Once you select a virtual machine, navigation arrows highlight, allowing you to move machines between the three lists.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide specify whether any host and user names appear in the console Login dialog box when you connect. You can specify how often GSX Server should check for software updates. If you select the Remember opened virtual machines between sessions check box, you see a tab for each opened virtual machine in the virtual machine display the next time you open a console.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host If you are running GSX Server on a Windows host behind a proxy server, make sure your browser is configured to connect to the Internet through your proxy server. If you are running GSX Server on a Linux host behind a proxy server, make sure you configure http_proxy with the name of the proxy server and the port number the proxy server uses.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide machine is in full screen mode. Use this option to transition seamlessly between the virtual machine and your host operating system. • Hide cursor on ungrab — the mouse pointer of the guest operating system is hidden when your mouse is controlling the pointer of the host operating system.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host Setting Hot Key Preferences Use the Hot Key tab to change which combination of keys (the Ctrl, Alt and Shift keys in combination with other keys) are passed to the guest operating system or are intercepted by GSX Server. You can construct your own custom hot-key combination if, for example, the default Ctrl+Alt combination conflicts with another application on the host that processes the same hot-key combination.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Setting Global Preferences for VMware GSX Server The Host Settings dialog box allows you to change a number of settings that apply to VMware GSX Server itself. To change these settings, choose Host > Settings. You must be either the root or Administrator user to change these settings. Specifying Where Virtual Machines Are Created Use the General tab to specify the default location where all virtual machines on this host are created.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host Reserving Host Memory for Virtual Machines Select the Memory tab to adjust the amount of memory reserved for all running virtual machines. The settings on the Memory tab applies no matter what virtual machine is running or who is logged on to the host computer.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide To set priority preferences, in the Host Settings dialog box, click the Priority tab. The priority settings here are used by all virtual machines unless a virtual machine configuration overrides the global setting with a local setting.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host • normal - low: When input is grabbed, GSX Server contends with all the processes on the host. When input is not grabbed, GSX Server has lower priority than other processes on the host. GSX Server defaults to process priority normal - normal. Enabling SSL for VMware Virtual Machine Console Connections Select the Connections tab to enable SSL for console connections over a network.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Setting the MIME Type for the Console Installed with GSX Server 1. Open a text editor and do one of the following. • On a Windows host, write a short batch file called vmwareGSX-helper.bat. The batch file must contain the following line: "" -o "%1" where the default is C:\Program Files\VMware\VMware GSX Server\vmware.exe • On a Linux host, write a short shell script called vmware-gsx-helper.sh.
C H A P T E R 4 Managing Virtual Machines and the VMware GSX Server Host Setting the MIME Type for the Console Installed from the Management Interface Download 1. Open a text editor and do one of the following. • On a Windows host, write a short batch file called vmwareConsole-helper.bat. The batch file must contain the following line: "" -o "%1" where the default is C:\Program Files\VMware\VMware Virtual Machine Console\vmware.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 160 www.vmware.
CHAPTER Moving and Sharing Virtual Machines 5 The following sections provide information on how to move your virtual machines from one host to another, or elsewhere on the same host, plus recommendations on how to share virtual machines with other users: • Moving a VMware GSX Server 3 Virtual Machine on page 163 • Virtual Machines Use Relative Paths on page 163 • Preparing Your Virtual Machine for the Move on page 163 • Moving a Virtual Machine to a New Host on page 164 • Moving a GSX Server 2 Virtual Ma
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide • Considerations for Moving Disks in Undoable Mode on page 171 • Sharing Virtual Machines with Other Users on page 173 Note: When you move a virtual machine to a new host computer or to a different directory on the same host computer — or when you rename a directory in the path to the virtual machine’s configuration file — VMware GSX Server generates a different MAC address for each virtual Ethernet adapter (unless you specified the MAC address manually).
C H A P T E R 5 Moving and Sharing Virtual Machines Moving a VMware GSX Server 3 Virtual Machine What do you do if you have created a virtual machine using GSX Server 3 and you want to move it to a different computer? Or even somewhere else on the same computer? The process is not difficult, and in most cases you can even move your virtual machine from a Windows host to a Linux host — or vice versa. If the virtual machine was created under GSX Server 3, follow the directions in this section.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Once you know how you are going to move the virtual machine, go to Moving a Virtual Machine to a New Host on page 164. • If you are moving this virtual machine to another directory on this host, then you are ready to make the move. Copy all the files in the virtual machine’s original directory to the new location.
C H A P T E R 5 Moving and Sharing Virtual Machines 4. The first time you power on the virtual machine, you are asked to keep the existing UUID or create a new one. If you are using the UUID for management purposes, you should select Keep, then click OK to continue powering on the virtual machine. For more information about the UUID, see Identifying a Virtual Machine by Its UUID on page 115.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Moving a GSX Server 2 Virtual Machine If you want to move a virtual machine created with GSX Server 2, you may prefer to upgrade it for full compatibility with GSX Server 3 before moving it. To do so, run the virtual machine under GSX Server 3 and use VM > Upgrade Virtual Hardware. If you upgrade the virtual hardware, you can then follow the instructions in Moving a VMware GSX Server 3 Virtual Machine on page 163.
C H A P T E R 5 Moving and Sharing Virtual Machines 4. Do one of the following: • If you are moving the virtual machine to a new host and have a network connection between the original host machine and the new host, you are finished with the preparations on the original host. If you do not have a network connection, you need to have a way of moving the virtual disk (.vmdk) files from the virtual machine’s directory to the new host.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Note: If your virtual machine is using disks in undoable mode, it is best to commit or discard the changes when you shut down the guest operating system under GSX Server 2. If you cannot commit or discard the changes to your disk, read Considerations for Moving Disks in Undoable Mode on page 171. 3. Launch the VMware Virtual Machine Console and open the virtual machine you just moved.
C H A P T E R 5 Moving and Sharing Virtual Machines Moving Older Virtual Machines If you have created a virtual machine using GSX Server 1 or another VMware product (not including VMware Workstation 3.1 and later), you must upgrade the virtual hardware the first time you run it under GSX Server 3. Once you have done this, you can follow the instructions in Moving a VMware GSX Server 3 Virtual Machine on page 163.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 3. Be sure the guest operating system is completely shut down. If the virtual machine is suspended, resume it using the VMware product with which you created the virtual machine, then shut down the guest operating system. Note: Do not move a suspended virtual machine from one host to another. 4. If your virtual machine is using disks in undoable mode, it is best to commit or discard the changes when the guest operating system shuts down.
C H A P T E R 5 Moving and Sharing Virtual Machines 5. In the console’s Inventory, select the virtual machine you just created, then choose VM > Settings. 6. Be sure the virtual machine is configured to use the virtual disk files you moved from the original host. You need to confirm that the new disk’s settings — IDE or SCSI and the file name for the first .vmdk file — match those that were used on the original host machine. The device listing for the hard drive shows whether it is SCSI or IDE.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide If you are moving a disk in undoable mode from one computer to another computer, launch a GSX Server 2 console on the computer that currently has your disk. 2. Open the configuration file for the virtual machine that uses the undoable mode disk you wish to move. In the console window, select File > Open and choose the configuration file of the virtual machine with the disk you want to move. 3. Open the Configuration Editor. Choose Settings > Configuration Editor. 4.
C H A P T E R 5 Moving and Sharing Virtual Machines Sharing Virtual Machines with Other Users If you intend to have other users access your virtual machines, you should consider the following points: • On Windows hosts, the virtual machine files should be in a location on a system that is accessible to those users. When you configure the virtual machine in the New Virtual Machine Wizard, you can specify a location for the virtual machine elsewhere on your system or on the network.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 174 www.vmware.
CHAPTER Performance Tuning and the VMware GSX Server Host 6 The following sections offer suggestions for getting the best performance from VMware GSX Server and your virtual machines: • Configuring and Maintaining the Host Computer on page 176 • Configuring GSX Server on page 177 • General GSX Server Options on page 177 • GSX Server on a Windows Host on page 181 • GSX Server on a Linux Host on page 184 • Understanding Memory Usage on page 185 • Memory Use on the Host on page 185 • Specifying How Much RAM
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Configuring and Maintaining the Host Computer You may see slower virtual machine performance if the physical disk that holds the virtual machine’s working directory or the physical disk that holds the virtual disk files is badly fragmented. By default, the working directory holds the virtual disk files and is on the host computer.
C H A P T E R 6 Performance Tuning and the VMware GSX Server Host Configuring GSX Server This section offers advice and information about factors that can affect the performance of GSX Server itself. This section does not address performance of the guest operating system or the host operating system. Note: In addition to the GSX Server configuration options discussed below, you should always install VMware Tools in any guest operating system for which a VMware Tools package exists.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Adjusting the reserved memory settings may also help. Choose Host > Settings > Memory. For additional information, see Understanding Memory Usage on page 185. Debugging Mode You can configure each virtual machine to run in one of two modes — normal mode and a mode that provides extra debugging information. The debugging mode is slower than normal mode. For normal use, make sure the virtual machine is not running in debugging mode.
C H A P T E R 6 Performance Tuning and the VMware GSX Server Host Disk Options The various disk options (SCSI versus IDE) and types (virtual or physical) affect performance in a number of ways. Inside a virtual machine, SCSI disks and IDE disks that use direct memory access (DMA) have approximately the same performance. However, IDE disks can be very slow in a guest operating system that either cannot use or is not set to use DMA.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Remote Disk Access Whenever possible, do not use disks that are on remote machines and accessed over the network unless you have a very fast network. If you must run disks remotely, choose VM > Settings > Options, select General and set the Working directory to a directory on your local hard disk. Then take a snapshot. After you take the snapshot, changes you make are stored locally in the working directory.
C H A P T E R 6 Performance Tuning and the VMware GSX Server Host GSX Server on a Windows Host Note: The items in this section describe performance of GSX Server on a Windows host. For tips on configuring GSX Server on a Linux host, see GSX Server on a Linux Host on page 184. Monitoring Virtual Machine Performance GSX Server incorporates a set of counters that work with Microsoft’s Performance console to allow for the collection of performance data from running virtual machines.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 2. Select System Monitor, then click the plus (+) sign on the toolbar, or press Ctrl+I. The Add Counters dialog box appears. 3. In the Performance object list, select VMware. 4. Decide whether you want to add all counters or select one or more counters from the list. 5. To use these counters for all running virtual machines, select All instances.
C H A P T E R 6 Performance Tuning and the VMware GSX Server Host Using Full Screen Mode Full screen mode is faster than window mode. If you do not need to have your virtual machine and your host sharing the screen, try switching to full screen mode. Note: You see the most noticeable improvement using full screen mode when the guest is in VGA mode.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide GSX Server on a Linux Host Note: The items in this section describe performance of GSX Server on a Linux host. For tips on configuring GSX Server on a Windows host, see GSX Server on a Windows Host on page 181. Using Full Screen Mode Full screen mode is faster than window mode. If you do not need to have your virtual machine and your host sharing the screen, try switching to full screen mode.
C H A P T E R 6 Performance Tuning and the VMware GSX Server Host Understanding Memory Usage GSX Server allows you to set the memory size of each virtual machine and the amount of the host computer’s memory that can be used for virtual machines. A third control governs the extent to which you want to allow the host operating system’s memory manager to swap virtual machines out of physical RAM. By adjusting these settings, you can affect both virtual machine and overall system performance.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide applications. If all the RAM you specify here is in use by one or more virtual machines, the host operating system cannot use this memory itself or allow other applications to use it. Virtual Machine Overhead Virtual machines require relatively large amounts of memory to operate with reasonable performance. An individual virtual machine can use at most the amount of memory specified in its configuration file plus some overhead.
C H A P T E R 6 Performance Tuning and the VMware GSX Server Host power on a virtual machine and there is not enough memory available, a warning appears and the virtual machine fails to power on. To increase the number or memory size of virtual machines that can run, adjust the amount of virtual machine memory that the host operating system may swap to disk. To change this setting, choose Host > Settings > Memory and choose an option under Additional memory.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide to power on the virtual machine using the available memory by clicking OK. If you do not want to power on the virtual machine, click Cancel. Memory Usage on Older Linux Hosts By default, Linux kernels in the 2.2.x series support 1GB of physical memory. If you want to use more memory in Linux, you can take one of several approaches. • Upgrade to a 2.4.x series kernel that allows for more physical memory.
C H A P T E R 6 Performance Tuning and the VMware GSX Server Host To edit lilo.conf, open the file in a text editor. In the kernel section, add this line: append mem="959M" If you have a 1GB kernel with CONFIG_BIGMEM enabled and have more than 1983MB of memory, you can do one of the following: • Recompile the kernel as a 2GB kernel by enabling the CONFIG_2GB option and either pass the boot-time switch mem=1983M at the LILO prompt or add it to lilo.conf.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 190 www.vmware.
CHAPTER 7 High-Availability Configurations with VMware GSX Server The following sections describe using high-availability configurations with GSX Server: • Using SCSI Reservation to Share SCSI Disks with Virtual Machines on page 192 • Overview of Clustering with GSX Server on page 197 • Applications That Can Use Clustering on page 198 • Clustering Software in Virtual Machines on page 198 • Creating a Cluster in a Box on page 199 • Using Network Load Balancing with GSX Server on page 208 • Creating Two-No
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Using SCSI Reservation to Share SCSI Disks with Virtual Machines GSX Server permits the sharing of a preallocated virtual disk with multiple virtual machines running on the same host, provided the disk in question is a SCSI disk. When the disk is shared, all virtual machines connected to the disk use the SCSI reservation protocol to write to the disk concurrently. Clustering software must be installed in each virtual machine that intends to share a SCSI disk.
C H A P T E R 7 High-Availability Configurations with VMware GSX Server SCSI Reservation Support SCSI reservation support is limited by the following: • You can enable SCSI reservation for SCSI virtual and physical disks. No other type of SCSI devices can use SCSI reservation in a virtual machine. Specifically, you cannot enable SCSI reservation for a generic SCSI disk. Note: VMware supports SCSI reservation when used with preallocated virtual disks.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Enabling SCSI Reservation SCSI reservation must be enabled in a virtual machine before you can share its disks. To enable SCSI reservation, make sure the virtual machine is powered off. Open the configuration file (.vmx) in a text editor and add the line: scsi.sharedBus = "virtual" anywhere in the file, where is the SCSI bus (controller) being shared.
C H A P T E R 7 High-Availability Configurations with VMware GSX Server For example, if the disk scsi1:0.filename is defined in the configuration file as scsi1:0.fileName = "//vmSCSI.vmdk" then the reservation lock file for this disk has the default name //vmSCSI.vmdk.RESLCK You can provide your own lock file name. Add a definition for scsi1:0.reslckname to the configuration file. For example, if you add scsi1:0.reslckname = "/tmp/scsi1-0.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Issues to Consider When Sharing Disks • Do not try to share a disk among multiple running virtual machines that are not collocated on the same host. The disk file itself may be located remotely, but the virtual machines must be running together on the same GSX Server host. If you try to share a disk among virtual machines located on different hosts, you could encounter the same unpredictable results you would expect to find if you disabled disk locking.
C H A P T E R 7 High-Availability Configurations with VMware GSX Server Overview of Clustering with GSX Server GSX Server clustering capabilities are ideally suited for development, testing and training applications. Note: Always rigorously test and review your cluster before deploying it in a production environment.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide In a typical virtual machine cluster: • Each virtual machine is one node in the cluster. • Disks are shared between nodes. Shared disks are needed if the application uses dynamic data as mail servers or database servers do. When using virtual disks, you must preallocate the disk space at the time you create the virtual disk. • There are extra network connections between nodes for monitoring heartbeat status. • There is a method for redirecting incoming requests.
C H A P T E R 7 High-Availability Configurations with VMware GSX Server Creating a Cluster in a Box With GSX Server, you can create a simple cluster in a box to help mitigate the effects of software crashes or administrative problems. This type of cluster: • Consists of multiple virtual machines (nodes) on a single physical machine. • Supports shared disks without any shared SCSI hardware. • Supports a heartbeat network without an extra network adapter. A two-node cluster on a single physical machine.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide • Installing the Guest Operating System in the First Virtual Machine (Node) on page 203 • Cloning the First Cluster Node on page 203 • Creating the Second Node in the Cluster from the Clone of the First Node on page 204 • Installing Microsoft Clustering Services on the Cluster Nodes on page 205 Configuring Virtual Machines for Cluster in a Box To create a set of clustered virtual machines (a cluster in a box), configure each of them with the following: • A primary vi
C H A P T E R 7 High-Availability Configurations with VMware GSX Server Creating a Two-Node Cluster with Microsoft Clustering Services on a Single GSX Server Computer This procedure creates a two-node cluster using Microsoft Clustering Services on a single GSX Server computer using the following: • SQL1 = host name of node 1 of the cluster • SQL2 = host name of node 2 of the cluster • SQLCLUSTER = public host name of the cluster Creating the First Node’s Base Virtual Machine The following steps describe ho
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide This adapter is used as the virtual private Ethernet connection for heartbeat monitoring. 5. Add the two virtual disks that are to be shared: • A shared data disk (call it data.vmdk, for example) • A shared quorum disk (call it quorum.vmdk, for example) to store transactions before they are committed to the data disk For information, see Adding Virtual Disks to a Virtual Machine in the VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide. 6.
C H A P T E R 7 High-Availability Configurations with VMware GSX Server Installing the Guest Operating System in the First Virtual Machine (Node) Follow these steps to install Windows 2000 Advanced Server in the virtual machine that is the first node of your cluster: 1. Insert the Windows 2000 Advanced Server CD in the CD-ROM drive. 2. Connect to the virtual machine with a console. 3. Log in as the user who created the virtual machine, as root or as the Administrator. 4. Click Power On. 5.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Creating the Second Node in the Cluster from the Clone of the First Node Follow these steps to create the second node in the cluster using the clone of the first node: 1. Log on to your GSX Server host as the user who will own the virtual machine. 2. Launch a VMware Virtual Machine Console and create a new virtual machine (for information on creating a new virtual machine, see Creating a New Virtual Machine in the VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide).
C H A P T E R 7 High-Availability Configurations with VMware GSX Server The management interface should list both virtual machines and show them powered off. You are finished creating the second node. Now that you have virtual machines for both nodes in your two-node cluster, you are ready to install the clustering services software. Installing Microsoft Clustering Services on the Cluster Nodes Follow these steps to install Microsoft Clustering Services on the first node of your cluster: 1.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 11. To add a cluster services account in the domain, go to Programs > Administrative Tools > Active Directory Users and Computers. 12. Add a cluster service account named cluster: • Enter the user’s password. • Check the User cannot change password check box. • Check the Password never expires check box. 13. Insert the Windows 2000 Advanced Server CD in the CD-ROM drive. 14. Choose Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. 15. Select Add/Remove Windows Components. 16.
C H A P T E R 7 High-Availability Configurations with VMware GSX Server Note: The setup in node 2 must match the setup in node 1, which you specified in step 8 for node 1. 5. In the node 1 virtual machine, start the cluster service. • From Cluster Manager, right-click the node name. • Select Start Cluster Service. 6.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Using Network Load Balancing with GSX Server This section covers procedures for creating a multinode Network Load Balancing cluster using nodes running in virtual machines. These virtual machines can be located on one or more GSX Server computers. Overview of Network Load Balancing Clusters Network Load Balancing is a Windows 2000 Advanced Server feature.
C H A P T E R 7 High-Availability Configurations with VMware GSX Server Creating a Multinode Network Load Balancing Cluster The next sections describe how to create a multinode Network Load Balancing cluster. Creating the First Node’s Base Virtual Machine Follow these steps to create a base virtual machine that is the first node in your Network Load Balancing cluster: 1. Log on to your GSX Server host as the user who will own the virtual machine. 2.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 6. Accept all the default options during the installation. You can install the applications at this time. Network Load Balancing is installed by default. 7. When the installation is complete, install VMware Tools in the guest operating system. See Installing VMware Tools in the VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide. 8. Remove the Windows 2000 Advanced Server CD from the CD-ROM drive. You are finished creating the first cluster node.
C H A P T E R 7 High-Availability Configurations with VMware GSX Server Machine in the VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide). Choose the settings you want (for example, the size of the virtual disk or the amount of memory), except you should specify • Windows 2000 Advanced Server as the guest operating system. • nlb2 as the virtual machine name. Note: For each additional node, use the name of that node instead of nlb2.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 5. Log on to the Windows 2000 Advanced Server virtual machine as the Administrator user. 6. Open Network and Dial-up Connections. 7. Right-click the local area connection on which you want to install Network Load Balancing and choose Properties. The Local Area Connection Properties dialog box appears. 8. Under Components checked are used by this connection, select the Network Load Balancing check box. 9. Click Properties. 10.
C H A P T E R 7 High-Availability Configurations with VMware GSX Server Creating Two-Node Clusters Using Novell Clustering Services This section describes procedures for creating a two-node cluster using Novell Clustering Services on a single VMware GSX Server system using the following: • Cluster1: host name of node 1 of the cluster • Cluster2: host name of node 2 of the cluster Creating the First Node's Base Virtual Machine The following steps describe how to create the base virtual machine that serves
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide idler program. See the NetWare installation notes in the VMware Guest Operating System Installation Guide on the console Help menu for details. Creating the Second Node in the Cluster Next, create the second node of the cluster by following the same procedure for creating the first node listed above with the following changes: • Use Cluster2 as the virtual machine name.
C H A P T E R 7 High-Availability Configurations with VMware GSX Server 1. Open the virtual machine settings editor for the node 2 virtual machine (called Cluster2). Choose VM > Settings. 2. Add the two virtual disks that are to be shared. Instead of creating new virtual disks, use the existing virtual disks created for node 1 (called Cluster1). 3. Click OK to save your changes and close the virtual machine settings editor. 4.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 5. Remove the driver floppy disk in the host's floppy drive. 6. Reboot the virtual machine. 7. The server should be able to recognize the shared disks. You may verify that by running List Devices. Repeat the above steps for the node 2 virtual machine (Cluster2). Now you are ready to install the Novell Clustering Services (NCS) as you would normally on two physical machines. Please refer to the NetWare 6.0 or 6.5 product documentation for details. 216 www.vmware.
CHAPTER Glossary 11 Bridged networking — A type of network connection between a virtual machine and the rest of the world. Under bridged networking, a virtual machine appears as an additional computer on the same physical Ethernet network as the host. See also Host-only networking. Configuration — See Virtual machine configuration file. Console — See VMware Virtual Machine Console.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Guest operating system — An operating system that runs inside a virtual machine. See also Host operating system. Headless — A program or application that runs in the background without any interface connected to it. A running virtual machine that has no consoles connected to it is running headless. Host-only networking — A type of network connection between a virtual machine and the host.
C H A P T E R 1 1 Glossary file and (optionally) a virtual disk or physical disk file. See also Virtual Machine Settings Editor. Nonpersistent mode — If you configure a virtual disk as an independent disk in nonpersistent mode, all disk writes issued by software running inside a virtual machine with a disk in nonpersistent mode appear to be written to disk but are in fact discarded after the virtual machine is powered off.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide Shrink — The method to reclaim unused space in a virtual disk. If there is empty space in the disk, shrinking reduces the amount of space the virtual disk occupies on the host drive. Shrinking virtual disks is a convenient way to convert an older virtual disk (created by GSX Server 1 for example) to the .vmdk format supported by GSX Server 3. You cannot shrink preallocated virtual disks or physical disks.
C H A P T E R 1 1 Glossary Virtual machine configuration file — A file containing a virtual machine configuration. It is created when you create the virtual machine. It is used by GSX Server to identify and run a specific virtual machine. Virtual Machine Settings Editor — A point-and-click control panel used to view and modify a virtual machine’s settings. You launch it by choosing VM > Settings. See also New Virtual Machine Wizard.
VMware GSX Server Administration Guide 332 www.vmware.
Index memory size 185 Web browser on Linux host 63 Symbols .
GSX Server host configuring 143 default virtual machine directory 154 securing connections with SSL 144 Guest operating system defined 13, 218 supported 29 H Headless 218 Heartbeat virtual machine 128 Help configuring Web browser for, on Linux host 63 Host computer system requirements 19 Host machine 218 Host operating system 218 defined 13 Host-only networking defined 218 enabling on Linux host 56 Hot key preferences 153 I IDE drives in virtual machine 26 Image file floppy 27 ISO 26 Input preferences 151 I
host 218 supported guest 29 supported Linux host 21 supported Windows host 21 Mode full screen 217 quick switch 219 Mouse grabbing input 151 P Move virtual machine 161 Parallel ports and the Linux kernel 51 Moving virtual machines UUID 116 Partition existing 217 Mozilla MIME type for console 157 PCI slots in virtual machine 27 limits 27 MS-DOS supported guest operating systems 29 N NAT defined 218 enabling on Linux host 55 Netscape MIME type for console 157 NetWare See Novell NetWare Network bridge
Priority preferences 155 Windows host 155 Private virtual machines 107 Process scheduler Windows host 155 Processor host requirement 19 provided in virtual machine 26 Serial number 40 Set up memory size 185 Web browser on Linux host 63 Shortcut keys configuring 153 Silent install 47 SMBIOS modifying UUID 115 Quick switch mode 219 Snapshot defined 220 permissions 111 Quiet mode install 47 Specifications virtual machine platform 26 R SSL console connections 112 custom security certificates 113 enabling
Upgrade from GSX Server 1 and 2 79 Linux kernel, reconfiguring GSX Server after upgrade 55 on Linux host 84 on Windows host 83 virtual hardware 87 virtual machine 85, 95 VMware GSX Server 79 User preferences 149 UUID 115 automatic generation 115 modifying 165 moving virtual machines 116 virtual machine configuration file 116 V Virtual disk defined 220 permissions 111 Virtual hardware upgrading 87 Virtual machine accessibility 108 backing up 119 configuring in management interface 130 configuring options in
VMware Management Interface (continued) run with debugging information 134 setting session length 122 SSL 112 Status Monitor 124 supported browsers 122 URL to log in 123 virtual machine event log 140 virtual machine heartbeat 128 virtual machine menu 126 virtual machine options 134 virtual machine summary 124 vmware-cmd 101 VMware Registration Service log 34 Windows 98 upgrading guest 96 VMware Scripting APIs downloading from management interface 105 installing 69 remote management 101 Windows host aut
