Install ESXi 4.1 from USB Drive

Have just installed ESXi 4.1 from a USB drive onto an IBM x3550 M3.

Below is the process I followed....

Format your USB drive FAT32

Download UNetbootin http://unetbootin.sourceforge.net/ which makes bootable Linux based USB drives.

Run UNetbootin, Select the ESXI 4.1 iso image and your USB drive, Click OK

Click Yes to overwrite

Click Exit.

From here I followed the following blog http://www.ivobeerens.nl/?p=699

Edit syslinux.cfg file to add ks=usb and --- modtgz.

append vmkboot.gz ks=usb --- vmkernel.gz --- sys.vgz --- cim.vgz --- ienviron.vgz --- install.vgz --- mod.tgz

Then create a file called  ks.cfg and add below.

More commands for scripted installtion can be found here http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vsphere4/r41/vsp_41_esxi_i_vc_setup_guide.pdf.
Below config asks if you want to use DHCP before installing ESXi.
If you choose to add network settings then a machine may boot with USB and install ESXi without any prompts.

 

# Accept the VMware End User License Agreement

vmaccepteula

# Set the root password for the DCUI and Tech Support Mode

rootpw password

# Choose the first discovered disk to install onto

autopart --firstdisk --overwritevmfs

# The installation media is in the USB drive

install usb

reboot

Download Ivo's mod.tgz file and copy it to the root of your USB drive.http://www.ivobeerens.nl/wp-content/uploads/mod.tgz

You should now be good to go.

Warning ESXi will install on the first discovered disk make sure your Server isn't connected to any drives or  SAN Luns that you don't want blown away.