VMware vSphere

View Only

vCenter Server installation without DNS

Matt Barone posted Sep 10, 2024 11:31 AM

Hello All,

I have an installation that currently does not have a DNS server on the management network where the vCenter Server needs to be installed. I've tried repeatedly to install the appliance (from the VMware-VCSA-all-7.0.3-22837322.iso image) but the configuration fails during step 2 when it attempts to start up the services. I've tried following various discussions and youtube instructions on how to get the appliance installed and running in the absense of a DNS server, but have not been able to find a clear and concise (aka easy to follow for a vCenter / ESXi newbie) method to get this done. Any suggestions?

Much appreciated.

JDMils_Interact posted Sep 10, 2024 11:29 PM

Gather a list of all DNS names & IPs you will need. This should include:

vCenter- both existing and the new one
All hosts
All AD servers
VMware Update site
Computers from which you will run the installation.

Now edit the vCenter & all hosts' /etc/hosts file to include these DNS names & IPs. This should fix your DNS issue.

Rolando_Kohl posted Sep 11, 2024 02:12 AM

Hi matt, you can user vCenter and hosts only via IP wihtout DNS, anothe way modify the Hosts files into the vcenter and every esxi

Matt Barone posted Sep 11, 2024 04:48 PM

Update.... I followed a support article where you set the DNS to 127.0.0.1 but this is only possible using the CLI Installer. Using the CLI installer and setting the DNS server address to the loopback address ended up solving my problem. I was using the GUI installer, which doesn't allow you to use 127.0.0.1.