vmware
PowerCLI to change VM from e1000 to VMXNET3
In this blog, I wanted to document some simple PowerCLI commands I did to change a VMs network adapter from e1000 to VMXNET3.
- Took a snapshot of the VM prior (Recommend)
- Updated VM Tools and Virtual Hardware (Recommended)
- Downloaded and installed PowerCLI / VRC on my local desktop
- Launched the PowerCLI ICON on my desktop
- Set the execution policy >> Set-ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted
- Executed the following commands.
10-30-2015 Phoenix VMUG this event is going to be EPIC!
Back in the day when I lead the Phoenix VMUG the other leaders and I put our attention on the quality of the event vs. trying to drive attendance. We knew producing quality events would lead to more users wanting to attend. Man were we right. Our first VMUG in 2008 drew a crowd of 65, not too bad for our first showing. However we worked hard, listened to our attendees, and in just 2 years time we built an event framework to support 300-500 users and 20+ sponsors ever quarter! The framework we created was so successful it was key in creating the framework for the VMUG UserCon.
Flash forward to October-30-2015 and one of the most EPIC VMUG events ever is about to take place in Phoenix! I never use the word epic unless there is something absolutely stunning. Example – Me doing a selfie drinking a soda is not epic. However – when VMware COO Carl Eschenbach, Principal Architect Rawlinson Rivera, Senior Technical Marketing Architect Doug Baer, Chris Wahl, Josh Atwell, Instructor lead labs, 30+ Partners/Sponsors, multiple breakout sessions, and cocktails at the end of the day come to your VMUG, then this is EPIC!
I know that was quite a bit to take in but like it said EPIC, for now I’d recommend registering for the event and downloading the VMUG UserCon App.
Registration – To register for this event go here >> https://www.vmug.com/p/cm/ld/fid=10175
Download the App – To help you manage your day at this event. Install the VMUG UserCon App >> https://www.vmug.com/p/cm/ld/fid=9653
The overall agenda should be posted soon, and when it does I’ll post up my recommendations around this event!
Supported features for VMware virtual machine compatibility
Here is one of my most favorite VMware KB articles.
Supported features for virtual machine compatibility
Hardware |
ESXi 6.0 and later |
ESXi 5.5 and later |
ESXi 5.1 and later |
ESXi 5.0 and later |
ESX/ESXi 4.x and later |
Hardware version |
11 |
10 |
9 |
8 |
7 |
Maximum memory (GB) |
4080 |
1011 |
1011 |
1011 |
255 |
Maximum number of logical |
128 |
64 |
64 |
32 |
8 |
Maximum number of cores (virtual CPUs) per socket |
128 |
64 |
64 |
32 |
8 |
Maximum SCSI adapters |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Bus Logic adapters |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
LSI Logic adapters |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
LSI-Logic SAS adapters |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
SATA adapters |
Yes* |
Yes* |
No |
No |
No |
VMware Paravirtual controllers |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Virtual SCSI disk |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
SCSI passthrough |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
SCSI hot plug support |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
IDE nodes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Virtual IDE disk |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Virtual IDE CDROMs |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
IDE hot plug support |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Maximum NICs |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
PCNet32 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
VMXNet |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
VMXNet2 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
VMXNet3 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
E1000 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
E1000e |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
USB 1.x and 2.0 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
USB 3.0 |
Yes** |
Yes** |
Yes** |
Yes** |
No |
Maximum video memory (MB) |
512 |
512 |
512 |
128 |
128 |
SVGA displays |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
SVGA 3D hardware acceleration |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
VMCI |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
PCI passthrough |
16 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
PCI hot plug support |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Nested HV support |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
vPMC support |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
Serial ports |
32 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
Parallel ports |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
Floppy devices |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Guest OS support |
91 |
91 |
91 |
91 |
78 |
Estimating the size of a Core Dump file (PSOD) for ESXi 5.0-5.5
If your ESXi host has a PSOD do you know if you have enough room to write the PSOD file to your local disk? Ever need to estimate the size of a core dump?
In this blog, I’m going to show you 2 ways to estimate the size of the core dump file and then from there you can compare this size to the your core partition ensuring it is able to write the file.
For ESXi 5.5:
If you run the following command on vSphere 5.5 (This command only will run on 5.5) it will estimate your core dump for you.
‘localcli –plugin-dir /usr/lib/vmware/esxcli/int systemInternal coredump configuration check’
For ESXi 5.0/.1 – the command above does not exist with 5.0-5.1 but if you follow the steps below it is a slick way to estimate the size.
Couple of options –
- 1st Option — as a possible comparative, you could run the 5.5 core dump command and use the result as your baseline for the similar esxi hosts running 5.0/.1 hosts
- 2nd Option — Force a core dump test
- Follow these instructions to create a core dump and re-direct the dump file to a data store with enough space
-
Once completed, note the size of the core dump and then multiply it times the number of core dumps you want to keep.– 250MB core dump file x 4 = 1GB << would be this size you need, my recommendation just make it 2.5GB, as this would align you for ESXi5.5 and beyond
- Use these instructions to increase the size of the core dump partition – Core Dump KB’s 1000328, 2004299
Free vSphere 6 Webinar Series!
VMware has a great webinar series coming up, see the chart below for dates and times.
These sessions would be a great primer before going to VMworld!
Date |
Webcast Topic |
vSphere Expert |
Registration / Replay |
June 2 |
vCenter ServerWhat’s new in vCenter Server including differences between Windows install and the virtual appliance. |
Mohan Potheri |
|
June 16 |
vSphere SecuritySecurity at the top of mind? Learn about security in vSphere 6 including considerations for Platform Services Controller. |
Mike Foley |
|
June 30 |
Business Continuity |
Matt Meyer |
|
July 7 |
PowerCLIIncrease data center efficiency through automation. Learn what’s new with PowerCLI including some tips and tricks that may surprise you. |
Brian Graf |
|
July 14 |
vSphere Web ClientThe Web Client is one of the most improved areas of vSphere 6. Streamlined design, improved responsiveness, and better overall usability are just a sampling of what makes the Web Client cool. Learn what else the vSphere 6 Web Client has to offer. |
Dennis Lu |
|
July 21 |
vSphere 6 PerformanceLearn about all the new performance improvements that vSphere 6 has to offer. With the time you save, you may have time for an additional coffee break. |
Mark Achtemichuk |
|
July 28 |
Virtual Volumes and Storage Policy-Based ManagementvSphere 6 has transformed storage for virtual machines. Learn how Virtual Volumes and Storage Policy-Based Management redefines how you should think about storage. |
Rawlinson Rivera |
|
August 11 |
vCenter Server AvailabilityFor some vCenter Server has become mission critical. Learn how to provide high availability for vCenter Server. Also covered with be Platform Services Controller. |
Johnny Ferguson |
More information here — http://blogs.vmware.com/vsphere/2015/05/vsphere-6-webcast-series.html
Quick ways to check disk alignment for ESXi Datastores and Windows VM’s
There are two simple checks a virtual infrastructure (VI) admin should be doing to ensure ESXi Datastores and the Windows VM’s are properly aligned. If either are misaligned then performance issues will follow. Though I’m not going to get into the whys and how’s of alignment issues I will show you how to quickly check.
1 – ESXi Datastores (DS)
By default if the VI admin formats a target datastore with vCenter Server or directly connected to a host via the VI Client the starting sector will be 2048. A starting sector of 2048 will satisfy nearly all of the storage vendors out there, however a 2048 starting sector should be validated with your storage vendor.
If the VI Admin chose to format the DS via a script then they should choose a starting sector of 2048 or what the storage vendor recommends
Example — partedUtil setptbl \$disk gpt “1 2048…..” More info here on partedUtil
Here is a simple command to check your “Start Sector”. SSH or Direct console into a host that has DSs you want to check and run this command.
~ # esxcli storage core device partition list
Some note about this –
RED Box – Is the local boot disk, so its starting sector will be 64, this is not an issue as this is the ESXi Boot disk
Yellow, Green, and Blue – Are all VSAN Disks and all have a starting sector of 2048 << This is what I’m looking for, I want to make sure all DS disks start at 2048, if not they could experience performance issues.
2 – Windows VM Check
Windows checks are pretty easy too, the starting sector offset should be 2048. Note the screenshot below shows the Partition starting offset of 1,048,576, also note it’s labeled in bytes not sectors. To find the starting sector just divide the Partition Starting Offset by the Bytes/Sector. Simple math tells us its right — 1048576/512 = 2048 Sector. If your Partition Starting offset is anything other than 1,048,576 Bytes or 2048 Sectors then the VM is not aligned and will need adjusted.
To find your Partition Starting offset, from a Windows Command Prompt, type in ‘msinfo32.exe’, go to Components > Storage > Disks, and note your Partition Starting Offset.
My Commodore Collection on Public Display
I’ve had many great memories of my Commodore computers throughout the years. Mostly around gamming, leaning about computers, and good times with friends. I never let go of my Commodores and in fact I added a few more to my collection over the years. Mostly they just sit in my closets and once a year or so I pull them out and clean them up. Most recently I came across a public display in my local library, folks were displaying different collections of items they enjoyed. I thought what I great thing to do with my collection, put it on display! For the past month my Commodores have been on display at our local library. While I was still putting up the display conversations started from people just passing by and over the past month when we’d stop in I’d catch a glace of folks looking at them. By allowing others to enjoy it too it was the best thing I could have done with my collection. My Commodore is the reason why I choose a technical career and now, through public display, it just gave others enjoyment too.
I will make one plea though – If you own older 1980’s or even 1990’s style computers, please don’t donate them to charities unless you know for sure it will be resold. Many computers like Commodores are scrapped by charities as they feel they have no value. If you want to know what you can do with your older equipment please reach out to me and I’ll help you find it a good home.
Here are a few pics from my display…
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VMware Releases for March 2015
What a great month for VMware releases – So many released products and all on one day March 12!
I got this very useful table from a colleague of mine with all the Products released, version, and useful links.
Enjoy!
Product |
Version |
Download URL |
Documentation |
Release Notes |
VMware vSphere 6.0n (ESXi, vCenter) |
6 |
|||
VMware vRealize Operations for Horizon 6.x |
6.1.0 |
|||
VMware vRealize Automation 6.x |
6.2.1 |
|||
VMware vRealize Orchestrator 6.x |
6.0.1 |
|||
vRealize Business Advanced\Enterprise 8.x |
8.2.1 |
|||
vRealize Business Standard 6.x |
6.1.0 |
|||
vRealize Business Standard 6.x for vSphere |
6.1 |
|||
vRealize Code Stream 1.x |
1.1.0 |
|||
vRealize Infrastructure Navigator 5.x |
5.8.4 |
|||
vRealize Operations Manager 5.x |
5.8.5 |
|||
VMware vCloud Networking and Security |
5.5.4 |
|||
VMware vCenter Site Recovery Manager 6.x |
6 |
|||
VMware Virtual SAN 6.x |
6 |
See vSphere 6 |
Downloads |
And docs |
VMware vSphere Data Protection 6.x |
6 |
|||
VMware vSphere Replication 6.x |
6 |
See vSphere 6 |
Downloads |
And docs |
VMware Integrated Open Stack |
1 |
|||
VMware View 6.x |
6.1 |
|||
VMware Horizon Client for Windows 3.x |
3.3 |
|||
VMware Workspace Portal 2.x |
2.1.1 |
|||
VMware App Volumes 2.x |
2.6 |
|||
VMware vSphere PowerCLI 6.x |
6 |
|||
vRealize Orchestrator Active Directory plugin |
2.0.0 |
|||
vRealize Orchestrator vRealize Automation plugin |
6.2.1 |
Single Source Information for Affected Products of VMware Security Advisories
Ever wish there was a better way to track VMware Security Advisory’s? Tired of tracing through email threads, RSS, Twitter feeds, etc.
Well there isn’t an APP for that but there is a “Spreadsheet for that”. That’s right a good old spreadsheet.
See this link for more information >> http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2078735
How could one use this sheet? Simply put this spreadsheet is updated when advisors are released or updated. This allows users to sort by all types of fields to get the latest information they are looking for in one place.
Here are some ways I have used it….
Sort by specific Vulnerability title, in this case ‘Bash’
Here’s a view filtered by ESXi 5.5…
Passed VCP 5 Delta Test
I passed my VCP 5 Delta test today. Here are some of my notes around it…
- Test was 65 Questions and you have 75 Minutes to complete it, I had about 15 Mins left.
- I passed my VCP5 in January of 2012 and I don’t believe there was one repeat question from that test
- I didn’t get any min max questions
- Lot of Virtual SAN Questions
-
Know your licensing Models and what features belong to what
- Don’t skip studying around vDP or vSphere Replication
- Really know vRealize Operations (aka vCOPS) badges and how they are calculated (I got at least 3 questions on this)
- The questions seem to be longer in length and more multiple choice / select all correct << Not my favorite type
-
I would say I passed for two reasons
- It was open book, how nice was that! So have your best documents and guides ready
-
I followed the blue print, read my documents, and made sure I read every ‘Note’ section
- Here is an example of the Notes section. I’ve found that some questions on the test that usually come from this sections like this.
More information around the test can be found here > https://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/plan.cfm?plan=51919&ui=www_cert
Quick Excerpt from this link –
VCP5-DCV Delta Recertification Exam
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On October 1st, we released a new delta exam to qualify recertification candidates for the VCP5-DCV Certification. The exam is offered to current VCP5-DCVs who need to renew their VCP5-DCV credential. The exam will be available through November 30, 2014 and offers some key advantages:
If you hold a VCP5-DCV certification, this is the quickest route to recertification. |
This limited time opportunity – the exam will only be offered until November 30, 2014.