Deploying VMware vCenter 8

The purpose of this blog post is to provide the guidance and the steps needed to deploy VMware vCenter 8. Please keep in mind, I currently have an ESXi Host on a Dell PowerEdge R720 running version 7.0.3 on build number 20328353, also known as ESXi 7.0 Update 3g. Also, you should always check VMware’s Compatibility Guide to ensure your physical hardware is supported. My R720 is not supported and my use case has always been for testing in my home lab, so I understand the risks that are involved.

In order to proceed, the first step is to download the VMware vCenter Server 8 ISO from the VMware Customer Connect portal. Next, you’ll need to mount the ISO by right-clicking the file you previously downloaded. Once the ISO is mounted, please double-click the VCSA-UI-Installer folder (if you’re running Windows like me), then double-click the Installer.exe file followed by Open.

Since I’m doing a fresh install, I selected the Install option from the list of choices found below.

At the Introduction and EULA (End User License Agreement) windows, please select Next to proceed.

Once you’ve reached the vCenter Server Deployment Target window, you’ll need to complete the fields provided. This includes the ESXI host or vCenter Server name, the desired Username, and the password assigned to this username. Select Next and then Yes when prompted with a Certificate Warning pop-up (not pictured)

At the Set Up vCenter Server VM window, please provide a name for the VM name and then assign a password to it.

For the Deployment Size and for the purpose of this demo, I selected Tiny followed by Next.

Select the appropriate Datastore and then Next.

At the Configure Network Settings window, please enter the required information followed by Next to proceed.

Review the information found on the Ready to Complete Stage 1 window. Once confirmed, please select Finish to proceed.

The deployment process for Stage 1 begins, see below.

Next, is the setup process for Stage 2.

Select your desired options at the vCenter Server Configuration window and then select Next.

Enter your desired SSO (Single Sign-On Domain Name) and password at the SSO Configuration window, followed by Next.

Click Next to proceed through the Configure CEIP.

At the Ready to Complete window, please review the settings and then Finish to confirm. Also, please click OK (not pictured) when you receive a Warning.