Trouble installing ESXi

[nowwhatnapster]

Running into an error message when trying to install ESXi 4.1 to a USB key on a new server build. I am using the VMware-VMvisor-Installer-4.1.0-260247.x86_64.iso image. After some googling it seems it might be a hardware compatibility issue? I tried disabling AHCI, unplugging the WD drive, disabling both NICs. None of those changed anything. I have a feeling it might be a compatibility issue of the mobo/cpu, but I'm not really sure.

Here is the hardware spec:

• ASUS P6T6 WS Revolution
• Intel Xeon W3550
• Kingston ValueRAM 6GB (3 x 2GB) ECC Unbuffered DDR3 1333 KVR1333D3E9SK3/6G
• Nvidia GTX260 (Just temporary until i get a cheapo card)
• Sandisk Cruzer 2GB USB Flash Drive
• Western Digital WD5000ABYS 500GB (To be dedicated to a VM)
• LG DVD Burner GH20NS15

Here is a screenshot of the error message: This message occurs after accepting the VMware EULA but before selecting the storage device to install ESXi onto.

 

[PigLover]

I don't know the BIOS from that ASUS board, but does it have options to enable/disable the virtualizaton features (VT-d, VT-x, etc)? If it does, make sure they are all enabled.

 

[AMD_Gamer]

I am pretty sure it is the NIC. That onboard NIC is not supported by ESXi and you will get the same error even if there is no NIC present in the system. I am ran into this problem on another MOBO and had to purchase one of those Intel NIC's.

You can't figure out from looking at it that the problem is the NIC.

I have 2 of the intel NIC's a PCI and PCIe I can sell you for a good price if you are interested.

 

[jenuster]

Most likely the nic. i had the same error message as well. try booting esxi on a usb drive and it will tell you where exactly its failing

 

[DuronClocker]

I am pretty sure it is the NIC. That onboard NIC is not supported by ESXi and you will get the same error even if there is no NIC present in the system. I am ran into this problem on another MOBO and had to purchase one of those Intel NIC's.

You can't figure out from looking at it that the problem is the NIC.

I have 2 of the intel NIC's a PCI and PCIe I can sell you for a good price if you are interested.

Pretty much this. If you look around there are drivers for various Realtek chipsets that you can inject onto the flash drive from a Linux machine. IIRC, it was easiest to install to the flash drive using VMware workstation, and then I loaded up an Ubuntu VM to inject the drivers for the RTL8111DL on my one board.

Intel NICs are the best way to go though. Fast, easy, reliable.

 

[nowwhatnapster]

Seems the consensus is the Realtek NIC's are not supported out of the box. I looked into installing the drivers for them, but its going to be time consuming. So I'm in the market for a cheap Intel gigabit nic.

Thanks all.