Installing ESXi 5 fails?

[TeeJayHoward]

I had no issues installing ESXi 5 on my old computer. Unfortunately, my old box didn't support VT-d, so I built myself a new computer, and for some odd reason, the install is failing. X9SCM-F, E3-1230, 8GB ECC, PNY 2GB USB stick.

------ An unexpected error occurred ------
Error code:LjYtbGliLXppcC1zdGFnZS80Njk1MTIvdmlzb3IvcHlsaWIvcHl0aG9uMi42L2d6aXAucHkiLCBsaW5lIDE5NywwgaW4gd3JpdGUK
See logs for details

IOError: [Errno 110] Connection timed out

_

Well, I don't understand that first line, but "Connection timed out" sounds like an issue with the network. The .ISO was mounted from my file server. Maybe I had a network issue? So I installed a USB DVD drive, booted from that, and tried the install again. Same error. What the heck's going on? Is there an issue installing ESXi 5 to a USB keychain? Some option I need to enable in the BIOS? Did I get incredibly unlucky and have both a bad burn (burned the CD a couple weeks ago) AND a bad download (downloaded today)?

And while I'm at it, I thought ESXi had a smaller footprint than it does. I was thinking 100ish MB for some reason. It requires a minimum of 1GB?

 

[TeeJayHoward]

Okay, first time, it failed at 65%. Second time, at 35%. Third time, at 34%. Fourth time, it worked.

WTF.

 

[shnelson]

I would try a different flash drive.


Though a bit dated, here's a good explanation of the ESXi footprint:
http://www.vcritical.com/2009/08/if-vmware-esxi-4-is-so-small-why-is-it-so-big/

 

[TeeJayHoward]

I would try a different flash drive.


Though a bit dated, here's a good explanation of the ESXi footprint:
http://www.vcritical.com/2009/08/if-vmware-esxi-4-is-so-small-why-is-it-so-big/

Sadly, it's my only flash drive that's 1GB+. Waiting for USB3 drives to come down a bit in price before I upgrade.

Killer link though, thanks!

 

[danswartz]

You don't need a USB3 drive - ESXI does almost nothing with the boot drive that is performance critical.