Use VNC to Access VMware ESX guests

原文地址：http://www.geeklab.info/2010/01/use-vnc-to-access-vmware-esx-guests/ 本文讲述了如何通过VNC客户端直接访问VMware ESX 操作系统中虚拟机的设定，使用的是VMware ESX 自带的VNC服务，可以访问虚拟机的BIOS，这一点类似于给虚拟机安装了一个虚拟的KVM设备。 需要指出的是，在设定后我们还需要在VMware ESX的防火墙中开启VNC客户端对相应VNC服务端口访问。 更详细的信息可以访问官方网站：http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?cmd=displayKC&externalId=1246来获取。

27 JAN 2010 BY DAVID (ADMIN)

While browsing through the ESX 4.0 screens, I stumbled on the firewall option to enable or disable access to a VNC server. That was reason for me lookup a way to use this VNC server.

It appears that ESX 4.0 has a built-in VNC Server which you can use to manage your virtual machines. You can login from machines that you don't have the vSphere client installed on. For example, Linux systems or that nice little HP Thin Client I have here. Some may even use it as a backdoor.

Basics

This VNC connection is a console view, just like when you're using a KVM switch.

Yes, you can access the BIOS.

It's a pretty basic way of accessing guests. It does not have advanced functions like poweron/poweroff, reconfiguration and stuff. Use the VMWare Server Console or the VMWare MUI web interface for that.

It must be enabled per-guest.

Connect to the IP/hostname of the ESX server - not the IP/hostname of the guest!

The VNC server for each VM guest you connect to will have a different display number.

Display numbers and tcp port numbers are linked: display 0 = port 5900, display 1 = port 5901

How it works

Switch off your VM Guest.

Add a few lines to its configuration.

Switch on your VM Guest

Connect to the IP/hostname of the ESX server - not the IP/hostname of the guest!

The actual configuration

RemoteDisplay.vnc.enabled = "TRUE"

RemoteDisplay.vnc.password = "your_password"

RemoteDisplay.vnc.port = "5900"

You can apply these settings by editting the .vmx file manually using ssh or the Datastore browser. Or you can use the gui:

Select the right VM Guest in your vSphere client.

Right click and choose "Edit settings"

Go to the "Options" tab

Under "Advanced", choose "General".

Click on the "Configuration Parameters" button.

Add the configuration parameters

Click OK

Click OK

That's all folks.