VMware ESXi 3.5u3 OEM-modded BIOS

[Digital Addict]

Anybody know anything about this Chinese site that has VMware ESXi modded BIOS (http://www.bios.net.cn/bbs/thread-34332-1-1.html) (English translation (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=zh-CN&u=http://www.bios.net.cn/bbs/thread-34332-1-1.html&ei=IkurSdDAO-H8tgeNpO33Dw&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=2&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Desx1slic.rom%26hl%3Den%26rls%3DGGGL,G GGL:2006-10,GGGL:en))? Appears they used the SSH method to transfer files, but doesn't describe how/where they grabbed BIOS from ESXi unless one of the attachments is a tutorial. Of course, can't d/l any attachments because "Your user group can not download or view the attachment" which I assume is because I'm not registered but I can't get registered because I can't read Chinese. :( Arrggh!

This would be so sweet for migrating all my clients' physical Dell servers to ESXi.

[Raph4]

here:
http://rapidshare.com/files/204319833/VMWARE_ESXi_SERVER_3.5u3_OEM.zip

files inside:
LENOVO-XRM-MS.rar (1.54 KB)

ESX1SLIC.rar (204.63 KB)

[HSChronic]

cool nice post. Thx!!

[revin]

Thanks! I've looking for a long time :)

[tryer]

Hello!
I'd like to ask help me to solve problem.
I've got HP OEM Windows 2003 SBS SP1 ROK
Files: http://rapidshare.com/files/204454512/hp_srv_2003_sbs_ru.zip.html
And I'd like to run it on IBM server x236.
On the server installed VMWARE ESXi.
I've tried posted modified BIOS for VMWARE ESXi,
but it doesn't work with my distributive.
Virtual machine've started but reported: "This system is not supported platform".
As I understand to emulate "supported platform" necessary to do following steps:
1) Extract SLP strings from OEMBIOS.DAT file
2) Put SLP strings in VMWARE BIOS file
I've tried to do it according "How to modify VMWare BIOS.pdf" and other manuals, but without success.
If someone can help it would be great!
Thank you!

[Suicide Solution]

The HP SLP string Hewlett-Packard will need to be written to the DMI area of the VMware bios and then use a resource editor to swap in the new modded bios.

[tryer]

The HP SLP string Hewlett-Packard will need to be written to the DMI area of the VMware bios and then use a resource editor to swap in the new modded bios.

The HP SLP string Hewlett-Packard will need to be written to the DMI area of the VMware bios.

There is still no success.
I did following:
1) Opened ESX1SLIC.ROM with Phoenix BIOS Editor 2201
2) Added Hewlett-Packard / ProLiant / Compaq strings.
3) Saved BIOS
4) Uploaded BIOS to virtual machine folder on ESXi datastore
5) Downloaded and opened "hp.vmx" with Ultraedit (because it in Linux format)
6) Added to "hp.vmx" string bios440.filename = "ESX1SLIC.ROM".
7) Saved "hp.vmx"
8) Repaleced "hp.vmx" to virtual machine folder on ESXi datastore
9) Stared virtual machine.
10) Windows setup loader still show "This system is not supported platform"

and then use a resource editor to swap in the new modded bios.
ESXi is linux based supervisor, what kind of resource editor do you offer to use?

Any ideas?

[Digital Addict]

Tried a test setup with client's Dell Windows Server 2008 DVD with no luck. I do see a single Dell entry in the modded BIOS, but don't know if it's for XP, Windows Server 2003, etc..

Any chance of getting a Dell Windows Server 2008 XRM-MS version? :)

[carl0s]

Cool. This works. You don't need to download the .vmx file.
Just right-click the VM in VIC adn choose Edit Settings -> Options tab -> Advanced/General -> Configuration Parameters button. Add a new row of bios440.filename with the ESX1SLIC.ROM (don't know why they called it ESX1 instead of ESXI) and it works.

Upload the file with the datastore browser. Put it alongside all the other files relating to that VM.

Well, everest is showing the SLIC under ACPI now anyway. Am about to try Server 2008.

Only problem is I need a Dell SLIC not Lenovo I suppose. I might try the VMware6.5 BIOS that's on here.

[carl0s]

OK, the Dell BIOS from VMWare6.5 works on ESXi, but it shows just "Dell" under SLIC, not "DELL PE-S3" or whatever that the proper Dell poweredge's show. Might not activate, but looking promising anyway.

[carl0s]

All works perfectly. Using the Dell BIOS and Dell license file from the VMWare Server 6.5 thread on here, I have activated Server 2008 x64 under VMWare ESXi 3.5 latest build, with the sell SLP key.
No need for the files in this thread.