How to Boot ESXi From a USB

Virtualize your machine.

VMware ESXi is a platform from VMware for running virtual machines. Virtual machines are a software simulation of hardware. The advantage of running a virtual machine includes the ability to host more than one "machine" on the same hardware, while keeping them totally encapsulated from each other. VMware ESXi is a popular platform for server virtualization. It's free, very bare-bones and extremely stable.

Instructions

1. Burn the VMWare ESXi installation CD.

2. Run the VMWare ESXi installation CD. This is done by booting to the CD. Plug your USB drive in before doing this. You can boot to the CD by pressing "Esc" or "F12" as the computer starts. This will cause the computer to enter the BIOS. In the BIOS, find the menu labeled "Boot Order" and use your arrow keys to move your CD drive to the top of the list.

3. Choose "Install to USB stick" during the installation. All of the other installation defaults are fine.

4. Remove the VMWare CD and reboot the computer. Insert the USB stick and press "Esc" or "F12" to boot into the BIOS again. Locate the menu labeled "Boot Order" and use the arrow keys to put your USB drive at the top of the list. Reboot your computer. It will automatically boot ESXi from your USB stick.

References

• Techead: Installing VMware ESXi to USB Drive