Creating a Virtual Machine on VMware vSphere vCenter using a Golden Template

1. Purpose: The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to provide step-by-step instructions for creating a virtual machine on VMware vSphere vCenter using a golden template.This process ensures consistency and efficiency when deploying new virtual machines.

2. Prerequisites:

• Access to VMware vSphere vCenter with appropriate privileges.

• A golden template that serves as the base configuration for the virtual machine.

3. Procedure:

Step 1: Log in to VMware vSphere vCenter

• Launch the VMware vSphere Client or access the vSphere Web Client.

• Enter your credentials to log in to the vCenter Server.

Step 2: Locate the Golden Template

• Navigate to the "VMs and Templates" view in the vSphere Client.

• Expand the folder structure to locate the golden template.

Step 3: Deploy the Virtual Machine

• Right-click on the golden template and select "Deploy Virtual Machine"or "New VM" from This Template"

Step 4: Provide Virtual Machine Details

• Enter a name for the new virtual machine.

• Choose the inventory location where the virtual machine will reside.

• Select the compute resource or cluster where the virtual machine will run.

• Specify the storage location for the virtual machine files.

• Select the appropriate network for the virtual machine's connectivity.

Step 5: Customize Virtual Machine Settings

• Configure the virtual hardware settings (e.g., CPU, memory, disk size) based on your

requirements.

• Customize the virtual machine's network settings, such as IP address and DNS

configuration, if needed.

• Adjust any additional settings according to your specific needs.

Step 6: Customize Guest Operating System

• Specify any guest operating system customizations, such as hostname, domain, or

administrator password.

• Optionally, provide any script or command to run during the guest OS customization

process.

Step 7: Review and Confirm

• Review the summary page to ensure all settings are accurate.

• Confirm the deployment by clicking "Finish" or an equivalent button.

Step 8: Monitor the Virtual Machine Deployment

• Monitor the progress of the virtual machine deployment in the vSphere Client.

• Wait for the virtual machine to be successfully deployed and powered on.

Step 9: Verify Virtual Machine Functionality

• Access the virtual machine using remote desktop or other applicable means.

• Verify that the guest operating system is functioning correctly.

• Test the network connectivity and any other specific functionalities.

4. Documentation:

• Record the details of the newly created virtual machine, including its name, IP address, allocated resources, and any other relevant information.

• Update any necessary documentation or asset management systems to reflect the new virtual machine.

Note: This SOP provides a general guideline for creating a virtual machine using a golden template. Depending on your organization's specific requirements and configurations, additional steps or customizations may be necessary.