How To Install Vmware VSphere ESX 4 From USB Flash Drive

2010 April 2

by Paul McSharry

In case the server has no DVD/optial drive or you have an iso but no DVD-r available. It is possible to install ESX 4 using a USB flash drive.

1. Use a bootloader application such as Unetbootinto create a bootable flash drive using the iso (simply point to the iso file, specify the USB flash drive and click ok) .
2. Boot the server from the USB flash drive
3. Click Tab when the ESX install options appear
4. Add the command askmedia to the end of the syslinux bootloader string that appears.

The ESX4 installation process will continue as normal, however an additional option of selecting a media path such as USB, FTP and NFS will be available.

3 Responses leave one →

outd0rsman permalink

July 20, 2010

By far this has to be the EASIEST method, Everything that i’ve seen is definitely not this easy. THANKS.
It booted like a charm. This was very helpful now I have to find a post that is just as easy at explaining how to load drivers for an unsupported SCSI controller.

If you have anything please email me.

Thanks Again
flowe permalink

August 24, 2010

Do we need to add the dashes or anything? still getting CDROM error
jim permalink

September 10, 2010

this is awesome man