OS install

Module 4: OS Installation & Deployment¶

Core Competency: Rapid deployment of Windows Server and VMware ESXi using Virtual Media.

Context: Physical media (DVDs/USB) is rarely used. "Virtual Media" allows remote OS installation.

Virtual Media Mapping:
- HP iLO 5: Open HTML5 Console > Click disk icon > "CD/DVD" > "Local ISO File".
- Dell iDRAC 9: Open Virtual Console > "Connect Virtual Media" > "Map CD/DVD".
- Why this matters: Allows management of multiple installs simultaneously without physical access to the rack.
The "Vendor Specific" ISO Rule:
- Never use a generic Windows/VMware ISO if a vendor-customized one exists.
- HP: Use "HPE Custom Image for ESXi" (contains drivers for Smart Array & FlexibleLOM).
- Dell: Use "Dell EMC Customized Image of ESXi".

Partitioning (The "Clean" Install):
- When reaching the drive selection screen, delete all existing partitions (from previous clients) until only "Unallocated Space" remains.
- Warning: Never install over an existing partition (Windows.old folder creation causes confusion).
Post-Install Driver Check:
- Once in Windows, open Device Manager.
- Pass Criteria: No "Unknown Devices" or "Yellow Bangs (!)".
- Fix: If drivers are missing, mount the SPP ISO (HP) or run the Driver Pack (Dell) to install chipset/network drivers.
Rental Licensing (Evaluation Mode):
- Unless the client purchased a specific license, install Windows Server Standard Evaluation (valid for 180 days).
- Do not activate unless instructed.

Context: ESXi is the most common hypervisor requested for rentals. It runs from memory, so installation is fast.

Target Drive Selection:
- Be careful not to install ESXi onto the data array (RAID 5) if the client requested it on a separate boot volume (e.g., SD Card, USB, or dedicated BOSS card/M.2).
The Management Network:
- After boot (Yellow/Grey screen), press F2.
- VLANs: Ensure VLAN is disabled (default) unless the rental lab network requires it.
- IP Configuration: Set to DHCP for testing, or a specific Static IP if the client has requested pre-configuration.

Context: How to leave the OS for the customer.

User Accounts:
- Username: Administrator (Windows) / root (ESXi).
- Password: Set to the Company Rental Standard. Never send a server with a blank password.
Desktop Prep (Windows):
- Disable "Server Manager" auto-start (optional).
- Create a text file on the desktop named Specs.txt containing the IP address and RAID config details.

Skill / Task	Verified	Date
Mapping ISO via iLO/iDRAC Virtual Media	☐
Windows Server Clean Install (Partition Wipe)	☐
Resolving "Unknown Devices" in Device Manager	☐
VMware ESXi Install (Custom Image)	☐
Configuring ESXi Management Network (F2)	☐