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Installing new software in an ESX Server virtual machine is just like installing it on a regular computer.

If you are using physical media, you need to have access to the ESX Server computer to insert installation CD-ROM discs or floppy disks into the server's drives.

You may use image files in place of physical floppy disks and CD-ROM discs. To connect the virtual drive to a floppy or ISO image, use the Devices menu and edit the settings for the drive you want to change.

The following steps are based on using a Windows guest operating system and physical media. If you are using a Linux guest operating system — or if you are using ISO or floppy image files — some details are different.

1. Be sure you have started the virtual machine and, if necessary, logged on. Check the Devices menu to be sure the virtual machine has access to the CD-ROM and floppy drives.
2. Insert the installation CD-ROM or floppy disk into the proper drive. If you are installing from a CD-ROM, the installation program may start automatically.
3. If the installation program does not start automatically, click the Windows Start button, go to Settings > Control Panel, then double-click Add/Remove Programs and click Add New Programs. Follow the instructions on screen and in the user manual for your new software.