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Guide to deploying Proxmox on a SuperMicro server

Deploying Proxmox VE on a SuperMicro server is a straightforward process.

What You'll Need:​

  • A SuperMicro server
  • A Proxmox VE ISO image
  • A computer for the initial setup
  • An internet connection
  • A USB drive (at least 2GB)

Step 1: Download Proxmox VE ISO​

  1. Go to the Proxmox VE Downloads page: https://www.proxmox.com/en/downloads/category/iso-images-pve
  2. Download the latest ISO image.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive​

  1. Insert your USB drive into your computer.
  2. Download and open Rufus (or any other bootable USB creation tool).
  3. Select the downloaded Proxmox VE ISO file in Rufus.
  4. Choose your USB drive as the destination.
  5. Click "Start" to create the bootable USB.

Step 3: Boot Your SuperMicro Server from the USB Drive​

  1. Insert the bootable USB drive into your SuperMicro server.
  2. Turn on the server.
  3. Press DEL or F2 to enter the BIOS setup.
  4. Set the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
  5. Save the changes and reboot the server.

Step 4: Install Proxmox VE​

  1. When the server boots from the USB, you'll see the Proxmox VE installation screen.
  2. Select "Install Proxmox VE" and press Enter.
  3. Accept the EULA and click "Next".
  4. Select the hard disk where you want to install Proxmox VE and click "Next".
  5. Choose your country, time zone, and keyboard layout, then click "Next".
  6. Set a root password and provide your email address, then click "Next".
  7. Configure the network settings:
    • Hostname (e.g. proxmox.example.com)
    • IP address (static IP is recommended)
    • Netmask (e.g. 255.255.255.255.0)
    • Gateway (your router's IP address)
    • DNS (your preferred DNS server, e.g. 8.8.8.8.8)
  8. Review the summary and click "Install".

Step 5: Initial Configuration​

  1. Once the installation completes, the server will reboot.
  2. Remove the USB drive.
  3. Let the server boot from the hard disk.
  4. Open a web browser on your computer and navigate to https://<your-proxmox-ip>:8006.
  5. Log in with the root username and the password you set during installation.

Step 6: Update Proxmox VE​

  1. In the Proxmox VE web interface, go to "Datacenter" -> "Updates".
  2. Click "Refresh" to update the package list.
  3. Click "Upgrade" to install any available updates.

Step 7: Create a Virtual Machine (VM)​

  1. In the Proxmox VE web interface, click "Create VM".
  2. Enter the VM ID and name.
  3. Choose the installation media (ISO image) for the VM.
  4. Configure the VM settings (CPU, memory, disk, network).
  5. Click "Finish" to create the VM.

Step 8: Start and Access the VM​

  1. Select the newly created VM in the Proxmox VE web interface.

  2. Click "Start" to boot the VM.

  3. Click "Console" to access the VM's console and proceed with the operating system installation.

    Set Up Storage:​

    1. In the Proxmox VE web interface, go to "Datacenter" -> "Storage".
    2. Add storage for ISO images, containers, backups, etc., as needed.

    Configure Networking:​

    1. In the Proxmox VE web interface, go to "Datacenter" -> "Network".
    2. Configure network interfaces, bridges, VLANs, etc., according to your needs.