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How to Install VMware vSphere ESXi 9.0 | VCF 9.0 Component Deployment Guide ?
In this step-by-step tutorial, we walk you through the installation of VMware vSphere ESXi 9.0, a foundational hypervisor within the VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.0 stack. Whether you’re building a lab, staging a production deployment, or simply exploring the latest VMware offerings, this guide will help you get started quickly and confidently.
Key tips and best practices for stability and performance
Why ESXi 9.0?
VMware vSphere ESXi 9.0 brings increased performance, updated hardware support, and is a critical part of the modern VCF 9.0 infrastructure platform—enabling fully automated SDDC (Software-Defined Data Center) deployment and management.
Requirements:
Compatible server or VM platform
ESXi 9.0 ISO (from VMware Customer Connect)
Basic understanding of virtualization concepts
If you found this helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the for more VMware tutorials and enterprise IT content!
Got questions about the installation? Drop them in the comments—we’re here to help!
Are you tired of dealing with the Raspberry Pi 5 frame buffer issue when running ESXi ARM? In this video, we’ll show you a step-by-step guide on how to fix this frustrating problem and get your Raspberry Pi 5 up and running smoothly with ESXi ARM. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, this tutorial is perfect for anyone looking to troubleshoot and resolve the frame buffer issue on their Raspberry Pi 5. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and get started!
Hey everyone — welcome back to Andysworld!, where there’s always something bubbling in the pot (usually tech-flavoured, sometimes coffee, sometimes bees).
500 Hacks a Day — Mission Accomplished!
After a consistent streak of daily pwnage, I’ve finally hit 500 hacks a day on TryHackMe! It’s been an epic ride, sharpening my skills and staying sharp in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. But… that’s it for now. As much as I’ve loved the challenge, life’s too hectic to keep up the daily grind — and honestly, it’s time to re-balance.
If you’ve not tuned into Hancock’s VMware Half Hour yet, what are you doing? ? The YouTube channel is keeping me plenty busy — but it’s worth every minute. From real-world scenarios to community spotlights and the latest from the VMwareverse, it’s been great to share stories, learn, and laugh with fellow techies around the world.
Catch the next episode if you haven’t already — things are just heating up.
vExpert PRO – 5 Years Strong!
Big news landed this month — I’m proud (and humbled) to announce that I’ve been recognised as a VMware vExpert PRO for the fifth year running. Not only that, but I’ve also picked up the vExpert VCF badge, too!
This recognition means a lot — it’s not just about titles; it’s about community, contribution, and passion. The vExpert family has been a huge part of my journey, and it’s an honour to continue helping others grow and succeed in the ecosystem.
and that’s not forget the Bees !
Beekeeping at Meltonby Honey
Bees are a mixed bag this is to say, some are doing really well, and some are not doing so well, so this month of June, in the June Gap – need to start sorting out and selecting hives to work this Summer, and dare I say it starting Winter preparations, and a week today attend a Bee Health Day, sponsored by DEFRA !
That’s it for now — life’s buzzing, tech is flying, and the blog never sleeps (even if I do). Thanks to everyone who’s been along for the ride so far.
Until next time — stay curious, stay hacking, and don’t forget to say “What’s Occurin’?” ?
As a small token of appreciation for the incredible vExpert community, I have a special giveaway for current VMware vExperts 2024 or 2025! ?
If you’re a vExpert and would like some free vExpert stickers, just go to my Meltonby Honey shop and select vExpert stickers! ? United Kingdom addresses only, 1 2024/2025 sticker per vExpert !
Not a vExpert yet? This could be your year to join the program! ? Apply today and become part of an elite group of VMware advocates!
It’s time for me to sit down and write a blog post, revisiting a special email I received on February 26th. The subject line read: “Welcome to the vExpert Program!”
That simple yet powerful message signified something truly exciting—an official confirmation that I have once again been recognized as a VMware vExpert for 2025. Receiving this award is always an honor, and it never loses its thrill. However, this year holds even greater significance, as it marks my fifteenth consecutive year as a VMware vExpert.
For a decade and a half, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the VMware vCommunity—sharing knowledge, providing support, and engaging with fellow professionals who are just as passionate about VMware technologies as I am. This milestone is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the incredible community that makes the vExpert program so valuable.
I must also take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to Corey Romero, the vExpert Program Manager, who has dedicated so much time and effort to managing and growing the vExpert program over the years. His unwavering support and commitment have played a huge role in making this program what it is today.
Why You Should Apply for the vExpert Program
But the purpose of this blog, if you are reading this, is to encourage you to apply for the vExpert Program. If you’ve ever considered it—or even if this is the first time you’re hearing about it—now is the perfect time to get ready for the 2025 Second Half Application Period!
The VMware vExpert Program is a self-nominated award that recognizes individuals who actively share their VMware expertise with the community. Whether it’s through blogging, public speaking, creating video tutorials, contributing code, or supporting others in forums, vExperts are passionate about giving back.
How to Apply
Create a vExpert account
Complete your profile (this is mandatory)
Submit your application during the next open period
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, keep reading for details on what it takes—or reach out to a vExpert PRO, who is there to help guide you through the process.
Qualifications for the vExpert Award
To be eligible for the vExpert award, you need to demonstrate consistent community contributions beyond your daily job responsibilities. For the 2025H2 (Second Half) award, judges will review your activities from 2024 and 2025 (up to the voting period).
Here’s how you can earn the vExpert Award:
? Enterprise/Internal Influencer – Lead VMware knowledge-sharing sessions, webinars, or workshops within your organization.
? Blogging – Write articles on VMware technologies, best practices, and industry trends.
? Code Sharing – Contribute scripts or tools via GitHub, VMware {code}, or internal repositories.
? Event Speaking – Present at VMUG events, VMware Explore, or other industry conferences.
? Podcasting – Host or co-host a VMware-focused podcast.
? Video Content – Create educational tutorials or product demos on YouTube.
? Online Forums – Provide support in VMTN, Reddit, or other VMware-focused communities.
? VMUG Leadership Support – Assist in running a local VMUG chapter.
Auto-Approved Categories
Certain categories of contributors receive automatic approval, though they must still submit an application:
? Book Authors – If you’ve published a VMware-related book in the past year.
? VCDX Certification Holders – Automatically qualify but must still apply.
? Moderators of VMTN or Reddit – Eligible after verification.
? VMUG Leaders – Active leadership roles qualify for auto-approval.
Benefits of Being a vExpert
As a vExpert, you receive exclusive benefits, including:
? A one-year complimentary VMUG Advantage subscription
? 3-year VCF or VVF home lab license (requires passing a VCP-VCF or VCP-VVF exam)
? 50% off VMware certification exams
? Access to over 1,300 vExperts worldwide
? Private & technical deep-dive webinars with VMware teams
? Early access to product betas and pre-launch briefings
? Private vExpert-only communication channels
? Recognition in the official vExpert online directory
? Invites to exclusive community leadership events at VMware Explore
When & How to Apply
The vExpert application process occurs twice a year. The first submission period runs from December to mid-January, while the second period opens later in the year, offering another chance to apply.
Once applications close, the vExpert team reviews submissions, and winners are announced via email. If you don’t get selected, you can appeal within five business days or enhance your contributions and reapply in the next period.
If you want to be recognized for your VMware contributions, don’t wait—start preparing your application today!
For guidance, check out the vExpert Best Practice Guide or reach out to a vExpert PRO in your region for tips on improving your application.
A year after Broadcom announced the retirement of the FREE VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi), making it unavailable for download without a licensed entitlement, I had a light bulb moment in a dream… ? In this video, I reveal how you can STILL access and download ESXi 6.0, 6.5, 6.7, 7.0, and even 8.0.3—completely FREE! Whether this is an oversight, a loophole, or just pure luck, the fact remains: ESXi is still obtainable, and I’ll show you exactly how. Plus, I’ll also share how you can run your own homelabs for free using VMware Workstation Pro 17.6! No tricks, no gimmicks—just real solutions for those who need ESXi. ? Watch now to take advantage before this disappears! ? #VMware#ESXi#FreeESXi#VMwareHomelab#VMwareWorkstation#Broadcom#virtualizationsoftware
After much anticipation, The ComputeBlade has finally arrived! This innovative piece of hardware has been making waves in the compact computing and homelab community since its inception as a Kickstarter project, which closed in February 2023. While the Kickstarter campaign was highly successful, the journey to delivery has been anything but smooth.
The ComputeBlade Journey
For those unfamiliar, the ComputeBlade is an ambitious project by Uptime Lab designed to bring powerful, modular computing to a compact blade-style chassis. It offers support for Raspberry Pi Compute Modules (CM4) and similar SBCs, providing a platform for homelab enthusiasts, developers, and small-scale edge computing setups.
However, the project has faced several setbacks that delayed delivery for many backers:
Russian Screws: Supply chain disruptions included sourcing specific screws, which became problematic due to geopolitical tensions.
PoE (Power over Ethernet) Issues: The team encountered complications ensuring consistent and safe PoE functionality.
Certification Challenges: Meeting various regulatory standards across regions added another layer of complexity.
Despite these hurdles, I opted to purchase my ComputeBlades retail, as Kickstarter backers have yet to fully receive their units.
For those interested in the Kickstarter campaign details, you can check it out here.
First Impressions
The retail packaging was sleek, compact, and felt premium. The ComputeBlade itself is a marvel of design, seamlessly blending form and function. Its modularity and expandability immediately stand out, with features such as:
Support for Raspberry Pi CM4: Making it a natural fit for virtualization, containerization, and other development projects.
Hot-Swappable Design: Simplifies maintenance and upgrades.
Integrated Networking: Includes options for advanced network setups, perfect for a homelab.
What’s Next?
Now that the ComputeBlade has arrived, I’m eager to put it through its paces. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be:
Testing Homelab Applications: From running lightweight virtual machines to hosting containers using Docker or Kubernetes.
Evaluating Networking Features: Especially the PoE capabilities and how it handles edge computing scenarios.
Sharing Configurations: I’ll document how I integrate it into my existing homelab setup.
Closing Thoughts
While the journey of the ComputeBlade from Kickstarter to retail has been rocky, the product itself seems poised to live up to its promise. If you’ve been waiting for a scalable and compact compute platform, the ComputeBlade might just be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Stay tuned for my follow-up posts where I dive deeper into its performance and practical applications. If you’re also experimenting with the ComputeBlade, feel free to share your experiences in the comments or reach out via social media.
Welcome to Hancock’s VMware Half Hour! This is the Full Monty Version, the MEGA Full Movie on configuring and installing VMware vSphere Hypervisor ESXi ARM 8.0.3b on a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4. The CM4 is installed in a Turing Pi v2 Mini ITX Clusterboard, delivering a compact and powerful platform for ARM virtualization.
In this 1 hour and 19-minute guide, I’ll take you step-by-step through every detail, covering:
? Demonstrating Raspberry Pi OS 64-bit booting on CM4.
? Creating and installing the ESXi ARM UEFI boot image.
? Configuring iSCSI storage using Synology NAS.
? Setting up ESXi ARM with licensing, NTP, and NFS storage.
? A full walkthrough of PXE booting and TFTP configuration.
? Netbooting the CM4 and finalizing the ESXi ARM environment.
? Flashing the BMC firmware is covered in this video
? Replacing the self-signed Turing Pi v2 SSL certificate with a certificate from Microsoft Certificate Services. is covered in this video
As an avid enthusiast of VMware’s innovations, I’m diving headfirst into the ESXi ARM Fling v2.0, which is built on the robust VMware vSphere Hypervisor ESXi 8.0.3b codebase. The ARM architecture has always intrigued me, and with this latest version, VMware has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with ESXi on ARM devices. It’s a playground full of potential for anyone experimenting with lightweight, power-efficient infrastructures.
The Turing Pi Journey
After much anticipation, my Turing Pi Mini ITX boards have arrived! These boards are compatible with the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, offering a modular, scalable setup perfect for ARM experimentation. With a few Compute Module 4s ready to go, I’m eager to bring this setup to life. However, finding a suitable case for the Turing Pi board has proven to be a bit of a challenge.
Case Conundrum
While Turing Pi has announced an official ITX case for their boards, it’s currently on preorder and comes with a hefty price tag. For now, I’ve decided to go with a practical and versatile option: the Streamcom Mini ITX OpenBench case. Its open-frame design is functional, and it’ll keep the board accessible during testing and configuration.
I’m also considering crafting my own custom case. Using laser-cut wood or acrylic is an appealing option, offering the opportunity to create something unique and tailored to my specific requirements. But for now, the OpenBench case will do nicely as I explore the ESXi ARM Fling.
Why ESXi ARM Fling v2.0?
The ESXi ARM Fling project is an exciting venture for anyone who loves to experiment with virtualization. Running ESXi on ARM hardware offers several advantages:
Energy efficiency: ARM boards consume far less power compared to traditional x86 systems.
Cost-effectiveness: Affordable hardware like the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 makes it accessible to a wider audience.
Flexibility: The compact form factor of ARM devices is ideal for edge computing, IoT, or even small-scale home labs.
The v2.0 update introduces enhanced support, better performance, and bug fixes, making it an excellent choice for exploring the ARM ecosystem.
What’s Next?
With the hardware in hand and the ESXi ARM Fling v2.0 ready to install, I’m planning to dive into:
Setting up and configuring the Turing Pi board with ESXi.
Testing the system’s stability, performance, and scalability using multiple Raspberry Pi Compute Modules.
Exploring practical use cases, such as lightweight Kubernetes clusters or edge computing applications.
I’ll share updates on the build process, challenges, and performance insights in future posts. For now, I’m excited to get started and see what this setup can achieve.
Stay tuned for more! If you’ve experimented with the ESXi ARM Fling or have tips for working with the Turing Pi board, I’d love to hear from you.
In this video presentation which is part of the Hancock’s VMware Half Hour I will show you HOW TO: Manually remove a failed vSAN disk group from a VMware vSphere vSAN cluster using ESXCLI.
The VMware vSphere vCenter Server web client has difficulty in performing some vSAN actions, so we need to connect via SSH to the bash shell of the ESXI host to perform this action using the following command
esxcli vsan storage remove -u <VSAN Disk Group UUID>
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