VMware: Installing a Guest Operating System (Windows 2008 R2 64bit) on Virtual Machine

You can install a guest operating system from a CD-ROM or from an ISO image. Installing from an ISO image is typically faster and more convenient than a CD-ROM installation.

It might be necessary to change the boot order in the virtual machine’s BIOS settings. However, sometimes a virtual machine’s boot sequence progresses too quickly for a user to open a console to the virtual machine and enter BIOS setup.

Right Click on VM -> Options Tab -> Boot Options -> “The next time the virtual machine boots, force entry into the BIOS setup screen”

The virtual machine enters the BIOS setup the next time it starts.

Or

1      Display the Virtual Machine Properties dialog box.

2      Click the Options tab and in the settings list under Advanced, select Boot Options.

3      Enter a delay value long enough to enable the console view to stabilize and for you to connect the CD-ROM using the vSphere Client.

4       Click OK.

5        Open a console to the virtual machine.

6        Power on the virtual machine.

7         While the virtual machine proceeds through its boot sequence, connect your local device, or an ISO image, to the virtual machine’s CDROM drive.

3 Options:

CD-ROM: Insert the installation CD-ROM for your guest operating system into the CD-
ROM drive of your ESX/ESXi host.

ISO image:

a     Right-click the virtual machine in the inventory list and select Edit Settings.
b     Click the Hardware tab and select CD/DVD Drive.
c     In the Device Type panel, select Datastore ISO File and browse for the ISO image for your guest operating system.

User can use the option “VMware: Connect to ISO Image on Local Disk” also which is only available when VM is powered on.

Before Powering on the VM (Option Disabled)

After Powering on the VM (Option enabled)

And If you provide Windows 2008 R2 64bit ISO file then it will start:

References:

http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vsphere4/r41/vsp_41_vm_admin_guide.pdf

Related articles

• How to Install Windows 8 in VMWare WorkStation – Step by Step Guide (techstic.com)
• How Do I Install Windows 8 in a Virtual Machine? (lifehacker.com)
• Getting Started With Virtualization (Using VMware ESXi) – Part 0 (Quickstart) (standalone-sysadmin.com)