The VM Builder tool is used to create virtual machines for VMware ESXi. This tool is only compatible with VMware ESXi in Intelligent Sandbox up to version 5.2. You can include all necessary installers and OS ISOs using the tool, and this tool will seamlessly create virtual machines for you. The tool supports operating systems configured only for the English language.
Enable SSH on ESXi 6.0 Server.
Add the following USB Pass-through and reboot ESXi:
C600/X79 series chipset USB2 Enhanced Host Controller #1
C600/X79 series chipset USB2 Enhanced Host Controller #2
Copy the following installers to a USB drive. Ensure that the USB driver is formatted with NTFS file system.
Adobe Reader
Adobe Flash Player
Java
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
Web browser - Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge (Intelligent Sandbox supports Microsoft Edge only on Windows 10, 11 and Windows Server 2019 operating systems.)
Upload the Windows ISO to the ESXi Datastore.
Download and install Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (x86) on your local system.
Download the VM Builder tool:
Log on to Intelligent Sandbox.
Click → → , then click Download VM Builder Tool.
Run the VM Builder Tool as an Administrator.
Type the IP address, user name, password, and port of your ESXi, then select the checkbox.
Click Test SSH Connection, and then click Next.
If you are prompted to store the RSA2 key fingerprints, type 'y' and press enter.
From the drop-down, select the Datastore from the list, then click Fetch ISO.
The tool fetches all datastore from
$/vmfs/volumes/on ESXi.From the list of Windows ISO, select an ISO for your Windows VM.
From the drop-down, select the OS corresponding to the ISO that you have selected, then click Select OS.
Change the VM name if needed, then click Check Availability, click Next.
Use the browse icon to select the USB drive where you have copied the installer files.
Choose the installer for the corresponding software.
Note
Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable (x86) must be installed.
All installers must be offline installers.
All installers must be compatible with the respective operating systems.
If you do not want to install any of the other software except VC++, you can leave the respective field blank.
Click Next to continue.
Type the License key for Microsoft Windows and Office, then click Next.
Note
License key for Windows 10 and Windows Server Edition is mandatory.
Office is activated automatically only if you enter the license key. An Internet connection is required for activation.
Review the Summary, click Create VM.
Important
Ensure that you connect your USB to the VM in 10 seconds of the VM creation.
Open vSphere Client, and select the VM that you create using VM Builder.
From the toolbar, click the USB icon, and select your USB drive.
Once the USB is connected, your Windows OS automatically begins installation.
If you could not connect the USB drive to the VM in 10 Sec, the VM Builder prompts you to reset the VM. Click Yes and the VM gets reset. Now connect the USB in 10 secs.
Once the virtual machine is created, the VM Provisioner tool executes automatically. After the VM Provisioner tool completes the checks, review the VM Provisioner log on the C drive of the virtual machine. If you see any issues, correct them and run VM Provisioner tool again.
If the network is disconnected while the USB is connected to VM, the USB might crash.
Solution: Restart your local system. You might lose some settings on your VM.
vSphere Client takes a long time to connect the USB drive.
Solution: Log on again to vSphere Client, then connect the USB, and reset the VM.