Configuring the BIOS Boot Settings

If your server has multiple drives, you might need to configure the BIOS settings.

The BIOS boot configuration determines how your server boots. Generally, the CD-ROM device is listed first.

Note: If you are using ESXi Embedded, the BIOS boot configuration determines whether your server boots into the ESXi boot device or another boot device. Generally, the USB flash device is listed first in the BIOS boot settings on the machine that hosts ESXi.

You can change the boot setting by configuring the boot order in the BIOS during startup or by selecting a boot device from the boot device selection menu. When you change the boot order in the BIOS, the new setting affects all subsequent reboots. When you select a boot device from the boot device selection menu, the selection affects the current boot only.

Some servers do not have a boot device selection menu, in which case you must change the boot order in the BIOS even for one-time boots, and then change it back again during a subsequent reboot.