Installing vCenter Server 6.0 on Windows Server 2012R2

Today I am installing VMware vCenter Server 6.0 onto a Windows 2012R2 server.  During the installation I will create a new Single Sign-On domain as I don’t already have an existing domain to join, as well as an embedded vPostgres database instead of Microsoft SQL Server.

Before starting I have:

• Ensured the server meets the minimum requirements (see https://kb.vmware.com/kb/2107948)
• Created a service account in Active Directory
• Added the service account to the local Administrators group
• Granted the service account ‘Log on as a service’ rights

These are the steps taken to install vCenter Server:

1. After inserting the DVD launch autorun.exe
2. On the splash screen select vCenter Server for Windows and click Install

   

3. When the installer starts click Next
4. If you accept the license agreement tick the box and click Next
5. Select the type of deployment required – I am choosing Embedded Deployment as I wish to host everything on one server.  Click Next

   

6. Enter a system name (such as vcenter.mydomain.local) and click Next
7. Select Create a new vCenter Single Sign-On domain and enter the required details.  Click Next

   

8. Choose Specify a user service account, enter the username and password created earlier and click Next
9. Choose Use an embedded database (vPostgres) and click Next
10. Accept the default settings for port configuration and click Next
11. Select the desired installation locations and click Next
12. Click Next
13. Click Install
14. Click Finish or Launch vSphere Web Client once the installation is complete