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2 Replies Last post: Mar 6, 2008 2:22 PM by Dan Stalker  
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Dan Stalker
2 posts since
Mar 4, 2008

Mar 4, 2008 4:27 PM

Accessing ISO images from ESX server

We used to access ISO's from our 5 ESX servers through a Windows share (esx3.01), now it appears that VMware doesn't like that.

We tried using WIndows Services for Unix but it wants an NIS domain, or to save users/passwords in a file format that appears to be undocumented. Does anyone know this format?

Thought about setting up a linux server to share the ISO's, seems that would be much simpler.

What is recommended? What has worked for you?

Tags: iso, accessing_iso_images
Click to view Bren Kline's profile Candidate
Bren Kline
10 posts since
Feb 13, 2008
1. Mar 5, 2008 10:29 AM in response to: Dan Stalker
Re: Accessing ISO images from ESX server

You should post specific ESX questions to the VMware message board on the communities.vmware.com boards. They should be able to answer this in a few minutes:


http://communities.vmware.com/community/vmtn/vi/esx


Bren
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Dan Stalker
2 posts since
Mar 4, 2008
2. Mar 6, 2008 2:22 PM in response to: Bren Kline
Re: Accessing ISO images from ESX server

Bren effectively closed this discussion, but here is what we got to work:

1. Installed Windows 2003R2, and added Services for NFS and User Name Mapping

2. Set up empty user and group password files, chose to use password and group files and pointed to those. Also edited c:\windows\msnfs\.maphosts to include the names of our esx servers.

3. Set up a share giving Everyone read access on the Windows side and allowing anonymous access/all machines have read access on the nfs sharing tab

4, On our NFS hosts went to configuration - storage and added a Network File System with the servername and /share name, checked the read-only box, and gave the device a common name.

5. From the VI Client you edit a vm's settings so the cd/dvd points to a Datastore ISO file and you browse to your share and choose the iso. Be sure and check the Connected bos at the top.

This method allows all servers to attach through nfs regardless of whether they are attached to the lun hosting the iso's. Also, connected devices do not interfere with lun numbering.

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