Easily Create a vSphere 6.7 VCP Lab with VMware Workstation

Name: Easily Create a vSphere 6.7 VCP Lab with VMware Workstation
Rating: 4.4 (457 reviews)

In this course you will learn how to easily create a vSphere HomeLab using VMware Workstation and AutoLab tools.

Created byRick Crisci, David Trewhella

Last updated 11/2024

English

What you'll learn

Create a vSphere 6.7 home lab on a computer using VMware Workstation 15.
Use the AutoLab tool to create a complete test environment complete with domain controller, a virtual router, and a virtual storage device.
Deploy ESXi hosts and vCenter, using either the vCenter Server Appliance, or Windows vCenter

Course content

2 sections • 24 lectures • 1h 51m total length

Introduction2:07
A quick favor to ask...0:28
Minimizing Software Costs2:02
In this video you'll learn about different purchasing options for VMware Workstation 15, and how you can save money by using the VMUG Advantage EvalExperience.

Hardware Requirements2:05
Understand the hardware requirements for your physical computer that must be met in order to create your HomeLab.
Install VMware Workstation 152:04
Learn how to install VMware Workstation 15 using the installation media.
Obtain Required Scripts and Documentation from AutoLab2:45
Download the required configuration files and scripts from AutoLab. Obtain documentation required to complete your HomeLab setup.
Download VMware vSphere 6.7 Evaluation8:16
Learn how to sign up for a free, 60-day evaluation of vSphere 6.7 Enterprise Plus, and download all the software required for your HomeLab.
Download VMware vSphere 6.7 from EvalExperience3:07
Learn how to download the required software media and get license keys using the VMUG Advantage EvalExperience.
Download Microsoft Software1:40
Download the necessary Microsoft Server 2016 iso image required to install a Domain Controller and the Windows vCenter Server in your homelab.
Configure VMware Workstation 156:20
Configure the necessary memory and network management settings on VMware Workstation 15. Allow VMs running within VMware Workstation to access the Internet.
Managing Memory in VMware Workstation 152:19
Configure VMware Workstation 15 to minimize memory requirements and maximize the performance of your VMs.
Taking Snapshots of Lab VMs3:40
Learn how to use VMware Workstation to take snapshots of your Lab VMs and create restore points to protect your progress.
Add VMs to VMware Workstation 15 Inventory5:01
Open VMX files of required VMs, including vCenter, ESXi Hosts, and the Domain Controller. Import Virtual Router and Network Attached Storage devices into VMware Workstation 15.
Configure the Router and Network Attached Storage (NAS)8:44
Power on the Router VM and NAS VM. Validate proper operation and IP address configuration. Test access to a shared Build directory provided by the NAS.
Import SQL Studio4:10
Download the required SQL software and import it to the Build directory on the NAS VM.
Domain Controller Pre-checks2:05
Verify that all of the required software is loaded for a successful unattended Domain Controller installation. Learn som techniques to make your HomeLab easier to use.
Windows Server 2016 Domain Controller Installation8:30
Perform an unattended installation of a Domain Controller on Windows Server 2016. Learn about the installation process and key troubleshooting tools.
ESXi Host Unattended Installation6:13
Use AutoLab scripts, DHCP, and PXE boot to perform an unattended installation of two ESXi hosts as Virtual Machines.
Windows vCenter Unattended Installation10:44
Use AutoLab scripts, DHCP, and PXE boot to perform an unattended installation of a Windows vCenter Server.
Remove Windows vCenter1:39
Remove the existing Windows vCenter Server instance in preparation for the installation of the vCenter Server Appliance 6.7.
Deploy vCenter Server Appliance 6.716:50
Use the vCenter Server Appliance 6.7 to create a vCSA virtual machine running on an ESXi host in your HomeLab. Reconfigure memory and datastore configurations on your HomeLab to meet vCSA requirements.
Manually Create a Virtual ESXi Host4:26
In this lesson, viewers will learn how to manually create a new ESXi host in VMware Workstation 15, walking through each step from selecting advanced configuration options to setting up virtual hardware and network preferences. By the end, the tutorial covers essential setup tasks, such as connecting an ISO file, configuring network settings, and preparing the host for further lab use.
Interactive ESXi Upgrade from 6.5 to 6.75:11
In this lesson, viewers will learn how to perform an interactive upgrade from ESXi 6.5 to ESXi 6.7 on a virtualized host in VMware Workstation. The tutorial covers each step of the process, from mounting the installation media to validating that all previous settings and data remain intact after the upgrade.
Bonus Video0:42

Requirements

You need a computer and VMware Workstation 15 installation media.
You will need to obtain license keys for VMware Workstation and vSphere. I will show you how to get evaluation licenses.

Description

"Excellent course. Instructor answered my questions." - Doug

"One of the best." - Ahmed

This course will walk you through the process of creating a vSphere 6.7 lab on your home computer step-by-step. You'll learn how to use VMware Workstation 15, and will create multiple virtual machines.

When you are done you will have a completely functional vSphere 6.7 lab environment, complete with a router, domain controller, virtual NAS device, and multiple ESXi hosts. You will also have vCenter deployed, and will be able to launch the vSphere Client and manage your environment.

The course is about an hour in length, but if you are following along at home the process to completely build your Home Lab should take about two-three hours.

What you’ll learn

Create a vSphere 6.7 home lab on a computer using VMware Workstation 15.
Use the AutoLab tool to create a complete test environment complete with domain controller, a virtual router, and a virtual storage device.
Deploy ESXi hosts and vCenter, using either the vCenter Server Appliance, or Windows vCenter

Are there any course requirements or prerequisites?

You need a computer and VMware Workstation 15 installation media.
You will need to obtain license keys for VMware Workstation and vSphere. I will show you how to get evaluation licenses.

Who this course is for:

This course is meant for anyone who wants to get hands on experience with vSphere 6.7 without investing in expensive hardware.
Anyone preparing for the VMware Certified Professional (VCP), vSphere Foundations, or VMware Certified Associate (VCA) exams will benefit from building this home lab.

Who this course is for:

This course is meant for anyone who wants to get hands on experience with vSphere 6.7 without investing in expensive hardware.
Anyone preparing for the VMware Certified Professional (VCP), vSphere Foundations, or VMware Certified Associate (VCA) exams will benefit from building this home lab.

Easily Create a vSphere 6.7 VCP Lab with VMware Workstation

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction3 lectures • 5min

Create a Complete vSphere 6.7 HomeLab21 lectures • 1hr 47min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: