2017 on iThinkVirtual™

macOS 10.13 High Sierra on ESXi 6.5

Sun, 31 Dec 2017 21:42:25 -0500

NOTE: This is completely for experimental purposes and is unsupported by both Apple and VMware

Hello all! This is just a quick follow up to my previous guide on running macOS 10.12 Sierra on ESXi 6.x, where I have now successfully updated the VM to macOS 10.13 High Sierra.

Achievement Unlocked! VCP6-DCV!

Sun, 31 Dec 2017 17:55:08 -0500

This is an extremely long overdue post, but I have had such a busy year that I really haven’t been able to find much time to write and publish material that I have been meaning to get out. So, as I attempt to get back into the groove, I wanted to publish this quick post of my most recent accomplishment, obtaining the VCP6-DCV certification!

Fixing A Corrupt Domain Controller – Stop Code 0x00002e2

Mon, 13 Nov 2017 02:22:23 -0500

Yesterday morning I discovered that my Synology NAS had an unexpected shutdown in the middle of the night while my homelab VMs/workloads were still running. This caused both of my Domain Controllers databases to become corrupt resulting in being unable to boot those machines. When attempting to boot them, they would get stuck in a BSOD boot-loop and would display a Stop Error Code of 0x00002e2.

Upgrading VMware vSphere Data Protection (VDP)

Mon, 27 Mar 2017 21:20:59 -0400

Having a backup solution is imperative in any IT environment, whether it be Production or a simple Home Lab like I have. There are many different brands and companies that offer backup solutions, such as Veeam or Nakivo, to name a few. But I personally like to stick with the VMware product line so that I can build the necessary skills and knowledge of their software, required to successfully grow and advance my career. My personal choice, and preferred backup solution, is VMware vSphere Data Protection (VDP) since it’s fairly simple to deploy, configure, and manage.

Deploying OpenVPN on ESXi

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 02:35:24 -0500

Have you ever wondered to yourself, “What is OpenVPN and what is it used for?” I know I have! I currently leverage OpenDNS’s servers in my network, and when I saw that they offer an Open-Source VPN solution, I figured I had to give it a whirl! While I have used VPN’s before for connecting to a company network from a remote location, or using a VPN service while travelling and connecting to numerous public hot-spots for the added security, I never thought to implement my own for personal use where I can connect to my home network and browse my devices or surf the net securely as if I was sitting at home in front of my computer from anywhere in the world. Well…welcome OpenVPN!

Home Lab 2017 – Part 1 (Network and Lab Overhaul)

Sun, 12 Feb 2017 18:53:49 -0500

For the last 6+ months, I haven’t had much time to dedicate to my home lab and overall home network. Between holidays, transitioning to a new employer/role, and everyday life getting in the way, I found that I had to put everything on the back burner for a bit…so I inevitably shutdown by home lab. Well now I am back and am looking forward to writing up some new material that I have been meaning to do for a while. I will start this by saying this is a continuation of my Home Lab 2016 Series, now being dubbed as “Home Lab 2017“!

Create a macOS/OS X VM on VMware ESXi 6.5 & VMware Workstation 12.x

Sun, 12 Feb 2017 06:15:42 -0500

Create a macOS/OS X VM on VMware ESXi 6.5 & VMware Workstation 12.5.2 Pro

NOTE: This is completely for experimental purposes and is unsupported by both Apple and VMware

Achievement Unlocked! vExpert 2017!

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 02:25:44 -0500

Earlier today, I got the notification and I am honored that I’ve been awarded the VMware vExpert 2017 title! The current vExpert count is 1,472 people and this marks my 2nd consecutive year (2016-2017) that I’ve been awarded with the title. I could not be more grateful and humbled! It takes effort, passion, and dedication to elevate your personal skillset and knowledge base and I am thankful that I have had a great experience in working with VMware’s product line. I look forward to keeping this going for years to come! Congratulations to all my fellow vExperts!!