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Installing ESX Server Throws an "Anaconda Error" in the Partitioning Options Screen

Details

This issue is limited to the ESX Server 3 installer in cases where ESX Server is installed on systems with VMFS partitions on a SAN or local disk, and where VMFS partitions are being preserved on the targeted installation disk. This issue does not occur under the following conditions:
  • The user chooses Upgrade rather than Install.
  • No VMFS partitions are to be preserved.
  • The system has local disks only (no SAN).

Solution

Workaround 1
Move VMFS partitions to a different LUN, and then perform a fresh install without unchecking the keep VMFS partitions in the installer's Partitioning Options screen.

Workaround 2
Use Advanced manual partitioning.

Workaround 3
  1. Boot into the ESX Server text mode install.
  2. After the Welcome screen, use Alt+F2 to reach shell prompt.
  3. Run fdisk /dev/sdx to access disk in question.
  4. Use p to print partition list, d to delete a partition,  p to re-list, w to write out.
  5. Reboot into the ESX Server install, and perform a normal install.

Note: If a partitioned USB device is connected to the server and you are trying to install the latest ESX Server ISO image from the ILO of that machine, the installer might throw an "Anaconda Error" in the partitioning options screen.

Keywords

ESX Server 3; install; preserve VMFS partitions; Anaconda

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Actions
  • KB Article: 1003217
  • Updated: Aug 14, 2009
  • Products:
    VMware ESX
  • Product Versions:
    VMware ESX 3.5.x