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I am installing ESXi 4.1 on a custom built server with the following specs: MSI X58 Pro-E Motherboard (Intel Chipset) Intel i7 CPU 960 18 GB DDR3 When attempting to install ESXi 4.1, I am getting the following error: "vmkctl.HostCtlException: Unable to load module /usr/lib/vmware/vmkmod/vmfs3: Failure" Doing some quick googling, I have found that appears to be an issue with the onboard NIC in the mainboard but some people have gotten various systems to work. Does anyone have any ideas/driver information/work-arounds that I can try to get this system installed? Do I have any other choice than to buy a NIC and get it installed? Thanks for any help! |
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You are trying to build a what we call a whitebox server. The issue you have is because the storage controller or network interface card on the motherboard is not compatible with ESXi 4.1. You could try using a network interface or storage controller installed in the PCI slots. Checkout the following links for comopatible interface cards http://www.vm-help.com//esx40i/esx40_whitebox_HCL.php http://communities.vmware.com/cshwsw.jspa http://ultimatewhitebox.com/ Personally I would try, and LSI, Dell Perc, Smart Array controller for storage controller and an Intel CT Desktop Adaptor (based in the E1000.0 module) |
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It is possible to ADD drivers to ESXi 4.1 for unsupported storage and network interface hardware, this is not supported by VMware. Secondly, because it is a breach of the EULA, and could be considered "hacking" the OS. This is against EE policy, and I cannot discuss how to complete this exercise on EE. But please read my article, Adding Unsupported Hardware to VMware vSphere ESXi 4.1 |
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Not sure if I am going to be able to figure this out. I have the driver, etc but I'm not sure what to add into the smiple.map file. I have the Vendor/Class ID's but not sure about the module driver for the RTL8111 /8168B. I understand that you cannot help with this matter. |
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Your article does not explain anywhere on what to do with the driver files or simple.map files? I have ran through your article and have done both steps A & B and there are no actually driver loadings or .ISO changes in this. Maybe I am just thoroughly confused? |
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I do not change the ISO. my artcile, is not about ISOs. there are different methods, the articles above, include changing the source media, I do not do this, I change the installation live. you will have to follow, an article above to modify the iso, because you cannot install on your host. |
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I added the Intel Gigabit CT Desktop adapter, disabled the onboard NIC, and installed VMware successfully! Now, on to the next problem. The NIC is not getting an active internet connection. It has lights blinking like it is passing data, but the host will not get a valid DHCP address and it won't connect when I assign it a static. Any ideas on this? |
