Creating a Custom ESXi Installer Image

Creating a custom ESXi installer image can help streamline deployments by including drivers, configurations, and custom software in a single bootable image. Here’s a guide on how to create one.

Requirements

1. VMware PowerCLI installed.
2. ESXi-Customizer-PS (for PowerCLI) – This PowerShell script helps create custom ESXi images.
3. VMware vSphere ESXi ISO – The base ISO image from VMware’s website.
4. VIB (VMware Installation Bundle) files – Any drivers or packages you want to include.

Steps

1. Install PowerCLI and ESXi-Customizer-PS

• Install PowerCLI if it’s not already installed:

  Install-Module -Name VMware.PowerCLI

• Download the ESXi-Customizer-PS PowerShell script.

2. Download the ESXi ISO

• Visit the VMware download page and download the ESXi ISO file.

3. Obtain VIB Files

• If you need specific drivers or tools, download them as VIB files. Ensure they are compatible with your ESXi version.

4. Prepare the Custom ESXi ISO

• Open PowerShell as Administrator.
• Import PowerCLI and run the ESXi-Customizer-PS script.

Import-Module VMware.PowerCLI
Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Scope Process

5. Run the ESXi-Customizer-PS Script

• Navigate to the ESXi-Customizer-PS directory and execute the script with custom options:

.\ESXi-Customizer-PS.ps1 -izip C:\Path\to\ESXi.zip -pkgDir C:\Path\to\VIBs -outDir C:\Path\to\output

• Parameters:
  • -izip: The path to the downloaded ESXi ZIP file.
  • -pkgDir: The directory containing VIB files for custom drivers or applications.
  • -outDir: The output directory where the custom ISO will be saved.

6. Verify the ISO

• The script generates an ISO in the specified output directory. Boot a virtual machine or physical server with it to verify it works as expected.

7. Additional Options (Optional)

• Add Acceptance Level: If needed, specify an acceptance level for VIBs with -vibAcceptanceLevel.
• Add Configuration: Use kickstart scripts to automate additional setup.

Example

Here's an example command to create an image that includes specific VIBs and sets an output path:

`.\ESXi-Customizer-PS.ps1 -izip C:\Install\VMware-ESXi-7.0.0.zip -pkgDir C:\Install\VIBs -outDir C:\CustomESXi`