Testing Machine Using VMware ESX

Main reason using Virtualization: Maximize space and server utilization and environment friendly
Warning : for 1 physical CPU only

Download VMware-VMvisor-InstallerCD-3.5.0_Update_4-153875.i386.iso from VMWARE websites.
Burn the ISO to CD
Boot your Server or PC using the CD.
Follow the guidance to install or you can download the pdf installer from VMware website.
Check the HW compability at VMware website, very limited hardware supported.
On board NIC usually not detected, test using PCI NIC 10/100 and its work.

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To go to linux like console at VMware ESX
press "ALT+F1"
type "unsupported"
all without quote

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Cloning OS inside VM

You can also use vmkfstools
o Using the VI Client create a new VM on the ESX host and specify any size hard drive (It will not let you create a VM without a hard drive).
o Edit the new VM's settings and remove and delete the hard drive
o Login to service console
o To login interactively use ALT+F1 and type "unsupported"
o The format for vmkfstools -i (import) is source vmdk filename first followed by the destination vmdk filename (use the path of the new VM you created)
o Type "vmkfstools -i /vmfs/volumes/ESX-Local/templates/2003-template.vmdk /vmfs/volumes/ESX-Local/mynewvm/mynewvm.vmdk"
o Edit the VM's settings, add a Hard Disk, select use an existing disk and browse to your VM's directory and select your new disk file
o Once the VM is powered on you can then run a utility such as NewSid to change the SIDs on the new VM. http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Security/NewSid.mspx (in my case i am not use this step)
o You can also run Sysprep on the original VM prior to copying it. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457067.aspx (in my case i am not use this step)
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Downgrade VM partition capacity

For example, you create a disk with 40GB size, but when you realize this size is too big, you only use 10GB. 30GB wasted. So you need to down size to 20GB. Use VMware Converter Tool. Source and destination same VMware machine.
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