How to run an ESX 3.x Host inside VMware Workstation 6.5

This post describes how to configure a VMware Workstation 6.5 VM to run an ESX 3.x Hypervisor inside it.
Follow the steps below…

– Create a new Linux VM
– Add 768 MB RAM or more
– Add 1-2 CPUs
– Add a local SCSI disk with at least 4GB

Edit the .vmx file and add the following lines:

### ESX on Workstation Add on
ethernet0.virtualDev = “e1000”
ethernet0.connectionType = “bridged”
ethernet0.adressType = “generated”
monitor_control.restrict_backdoor = TRUE
monitor_control.vt32 = TRUE
monitor.virtual_exec = hardware
### End ESX on Workstation Add on

– save the .VMX File and start the VM
– boot from ISO file or physical CDROM to install your copy of ESX 3.x

You’re done!