6.0

Managing Virtual Machines 16
When you connect directly to an ESXi host or vCenter Server system using the vSphere Client, you can open
a console to any of the host's virtual machines, add and remove virtual machines in the host's inventory, and
manage virtual machine snapshots.
This chapter includes the following topics:
n
“Edit Virtual Machine Startup and Shutdown Settings,” on page 185
n
“Open a Console to a Virtual Machine,” on page 186
n
“Adding and Removing Virtual Machines,” on page 186
n
“Using Snapshots To Manage Virtual Machines,” on page 187
Edit Virtual Machine Startup and Shutdown Settings
You can configure virtual machines running on an ESXi host to start up and shut down with the host. You
can also set the default timing and startup order for selected virtual machines. This ability allows the
operating system to save data when the host enters maintenance mode or is being powered off for another
reason.
The Virtual Machine Startup and Shutdown (automatic startup) feature is disabled for all virtual machines
residing on hosts that are in (or moved into) a vSphere HA cluster. Automatic startup is not supported
when used with vSphere HA.
Procedure
1 In the vSphere Client inventory, select the host where the virtual machine is located and click the
Configuration tab.
2 Under Software, click Virtual Machine Startup/Shutdown and click Properties.
The Virtual Machine Startup and Shutdown dialog box opens.
3 Select Allow virtual machines to start and stop automatically with the system.
4 (Optional) Configure the startup and shutdown behavior.
Option Action
Default Startup Delay
Select the amount of time to delay starting the operating system.
This delay allows time for VMware Tools or the booting system to run
scripts.
Continue immediately if the VMware
Tools starts
Select to start the operating system immediately after VMware Tools starts.
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