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Quick XenCenter install and configuration

In this quick article we’ll review the initial steps to run a XenCenter install wizard. The entire process is very easy and the installer is very light. In this case we’ll use the windows installer. In terms of requirements these are very low as well.

At a glance here they are the minimum specs:

  • OS: from Windows 7 SP1 and above, Windows Server 2003 SP2 and above
  • .NET Framework: Version 4
  • CPU: 750MHz minimum, 1GHz or faster recommended
  • RAM: 1GB minimum, 2GB or more recommended
  • Disk Space: 100MB minimum
  • Network: 100Mb or faster NIC
  • Screen Resolution: 1024×768 pixels minimum

 

We can use a single XenCenter install to manage Stand-alone and Cluster Hosts XenServer install types. In this case will focus on a Stand-alone XenServer install to begin with.

 

XenCenter install wizard

Once we obtain the XenCenter install file all we have to do is to launch the executable to start the install wizard.

domalab.com XenCenter install wizard

Let’s select the location where the main binaries will be installed. In terms of storage space so eventually we can also leave the default settings on the “C” drive.

domalab.com XenCenter install location

At this point the installer is ready to begin with the XenCenter install.

domalab.com XenCenter install begin

The setup wizard really takes a few seconds to run and will complete with the final message.

domalab.com XenCenter install completed

As soon as we start the XenCenter console the first message will prompt us to enable periodical internet checks for updates and new versions of XenCenter. If we enable this let’s make sure this machine can get out on the internet and pass internet proxies if at all present.

domalab.com XenCenter install console

We are now ready to add our first XenServer Host. We can do this by clicking on the “Add New Server” button and a new wizard will ask for the details to use to connect to this XenServer Host.

IP Address or Hostname is absolutely fine. I generally prefer to use hostnames and even FQDN names. It is necessary to create the pertinent DNS entries in both Forward and Reverse zones making sure FQDN name resolution is working both ends. It’s a general best practice and sometimes I’m surprised by the amount of issues that can be avoided simply adopting this best practice!

So in this case all we need is Server Name, Username and Password to add the new XenServer Host.

domalab.com XenCenter install add new server

Additionally we can also save the credentials in the XenCenter install should we need to restore connection states when starting new sessions. XenCenter also offers the option to create a Master Paswword to protect the all the Servers Login credentials. Handy when managing multiple XenServer Hosts.

domalab.com XenCenter install master password

Another interesting feature as of the first time XenCenter install is the option to enable an Health Check overview. This configuration can collect important details on the XenServer Host and send them to Support for troubleshooting. Of course this is a nice option to use with Standard and Enterprise licensing.

domalab.com XenCenter install heath check

At this point we are now ready to use the XenCenter Console to configure the XenServer settings and manage the Virtual Machines.

domalab.com XenCenter install main console

More on the XenCenter features in dedicated articles.

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About the author

Michele Domanico

Passionate about Virtualization, Storage, Data Availability and Software Defined Data Center technologies. The aim of Domalab.com is sharing with the Community the knowledge and experience gained with customers, industry leaders and like minded peers. Always open to constructive feedback and new challenges.

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