Step 1: Unzip downloaded template

Unzip the downloaded VirtualCanary_2.0_Template_VMX.zip file.

Step 2: Login

Login to the ESXI management interface.

Step 3: Storage selection

Select “Storage” on the left menu.

Step 4: Selecting Datastore

Select the datastore where you wish to upload the disk images.

Step 5: Browse Datastore

Click “Datastore browser”.

Step 6: Creating Directory

Click “Create directory”, then provide a name and click “Create directory”.

Step 7: Uploading Virtual Canary

Select “VirtualCanary-2.0” in the datastore browser, then click “Upload”.

Step 8: Selecting files

Browse to the VirtualCanary-2.0-VMX folder and select the first file. Then click “Open”.

Step 9: Selecting remaining files

Repeat for disk-s002.vmdk, disk-s003.vmdk, disk-s004.vmdk, disk-s005.vmdk, disk.vmdk, seed.iso, VirtualCanary-2.0.vmx, VirtualCanary.vmxf.

Step 10: Upload completed

At the end of the upload process, the datastore browser should show four files. Click “Close”.

Step 11: Begin registering process

In the datastore tab, click “Register a VM”.

Step 12: Registering Virtual Canary

In the pop modal, browse to “VirtualCanary-2.0.vmx” and click “Register”

A new VM will be created.

Step 13: Created Virtual Canary

Return to the VM list. Select the newly created VM, then click “Actions”, then “Edit settings”. (If this produces a Javascript exception of “Cause: TypeError: Cannot read property 'numSupportedFloppyDevices' of undefined”, this is a bug in some versions of ESXi. See the workaround here).

Step 14: Settings

In the Settings window confirm that the CD is configured to use “VirtualCanary-2.0/seed.iso”, and “Connect at power on” is checked:

Step 15: Powering on the Virtual Canary

Return to the VM list, and Power On the VM.

Step 16: Booted Canary

In the Console window, you’ll see the Canary boot. It will eventually wind up at a login screen

Congratulations, your Virtual Canary is now up and running. Return to the Canary Console to commission your new bird.