Install new VM in Centrix XenCenter

Here are a few ways to install/instantiate a new VM in Centrix XenCenter. Some I have learned the hard way.

option1: install from online repositories source
ex: install CentOS. You can find some online repositories. Otherwise, you can follow instruction in User guide for XenCenter to set up your own Redhat repositories.

option2: install from DVD - ISO files
this is the common method we set up a regular machine. Somehow, at first few attempts, I have problems figuring out how to attached DVD or select install from DVD when creating new VM. The KEY is: if you select any existing template in XenCenter when create new VM, you CANNOT select the option to install from ISO library or DVD. Also, it's stupid, but don't bother about attaching DVD to VM because they already have.

the solution is to set TEMPLATE for new VM as "Other install media" in the drop down list of template. Then you will have the options enabled for install from DVD or ISO library. Alternatively, you can leave the Installation Media section empty, then once the VM is created and started the first time, in the "Console" tab dropdown, select the desired DVD or ISO library.

note:
- when create new ISO library such as CFIS/SMB windows share, specify path as //server/share with valid login account
- alternatively, can use a trick to install from URL by running a local Python built in web server serving ISOs files from local with the command:
> python -m SimpleHTTPServer

Life is good again;)

QP