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VMware support for USB/SD devices used for installing VMware ESXi 4.x
Purpose
This article provides clarification of VMware support for ESXi Installable deployed on a USB or SD flash storage devices.
Resolution
You can install ESXi 4.x to a USB or SD flash storage device directly attached to the server. This option is intended to allow you to gain experience with deploying a virtualized server without relying on traditional hard disks. However, VMware supports this option only under these conditions:
You have purchased a server with ESXi 4.x Embedded on the server from a certified vendor.
OR
You have used a USB or SD flash device that is approved by the server vendor for the particular server model on which you want to install ESXi 4.x on a USB or SD flash storage device.
If you intend to install ESXi 4.x on a USB or SD flash storage device while ensuring VMware support for it and you have not purchased a server with embedded ESXi 4.x, consult your server vendor for the appropriate choice of a USB or SD flash storage device.
Additional Information
If you are installing ESXi 4.x on to a USB or SD Flash device, you cannot use the Scripted Install feature introduced in vSphere 4.x. For more information on the benefits and limitations of Scripted Install, see Deploying ESXi 4.1 using the Scripted Install feature (1022263).
08/13/2010 - Added information about Scripted Install.
07/27/2010 - Added ESXi 4.1 to products.
04/09/2010 - Edited article to reflect SD flash cards as well.
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