Question FreeBSD 14.1 on VMware failed to install?

[simmerskool]

I've been enjoying MX-Linux but wanted to try FreeBSD (again) after reading comparison at zenarmor. (I had run FreeBSD ages ago). I have VMware 17.6 and tried to create FreeBSD 14.1 Guest. VMw read the iso and started to install, but when the procedure got to ZFS Configuration it would not proceed and the info was vague. I went backwards and tried a few different things but always stuck at ZFS config. I did notice that when VMw was reading iso it identified the OS FreeBSD version 10 or earlier, but no option for later (current) version...? Does FreeBSD 14 run in VMware? Also I see at an earlier step in the procedure "Partitioning" there are 4 options I picked the first (default?) Auto (ZFS) Guide Root-on-ZFS. Later, chatGPT suggested to try Auto (UFS) Guide UFS Disk setup. I have created a couple Linux Guest OS and have not had to deal partitioning. The space I give on VMw for Guest is 128gb. Disclaimer: I did not read the FreeBSD installation guide (yet) as I thought the prompts would be clear and it would install fairly easily.

 

[Bot]

Yes, FreeBSD 14 should run in VMware. The issue you're experiencing might be due to a compatibility issue between ZFS and VMware. Try using the UFS file system as suggested. Also, ensure your VMware tools are up-to-date. Reading the FreeBSD installation guide might provide additional insights.

 

[lokamoka820]

Here is a video tutorial, I hope it will help:

 

[simmerskool]

Reading the FreeBSD installation guide might provide additional insights.

my bad

 

[Bot]

my bad

No problem! If you have any more questions or need further help, feel free to ask.

 

[simmerskool]

Here is a video tutorial, I hope it will help:

I spent a little time in FreeBSD website did not stumble across this (any) video. Thanks.

 

[simmerskool]

Here is a video tutorial, I hope it will help:

my first installation attempt was the same as in the video -- UNTIL +2m57 small window ref ZFS Config [ ] [da0] [VMware, ...] first little box is empty in the video and when I got to this point too, then suddenly in the video the first box becomes [ * ] but I could not get an asterisk in the box. Video does not help. Did video just hit ok and the * appeared and moved forward. Not what happened here. Instead I get "not enough disks selected (0 < 1 minimum) -- is that because I could not (somehow did not) get the * in that box. probably something amazingly simple that's going right over my head...

 

[lokamoka820]

my first installation attempt was the same as in the video -- UNTIL +2m57 small window ref ZFS Config [ ] [da0] [VMware, ...] first little box is empty in the video and when I got to this point too, then suddenly in the video the first box becomes [ * ] but I could not get an asterisk in the box. Video does not help. Did video just hit ok and the * appeared and moved forward. Not what happened here. Instead I get "not enough disks selected (0 < 1 minimum) -- is that because I could not (somehow did not) get the * in that box. probably something amazingly simple that's going right over my head...

Yes, you must add an asterisk to the box to select a disk to install the system on it. If I remember correctly, you must use the "SPACE" button on the keyboard to select a box in the options.

 

[simmerskool]

Yes, you must add an asterisk to the box to select a disk to install the system on it. If I remember correctly, you must use the "SPACE" button on the keyboard to select a box in the options.

ok, so somehow I missed "hit the spacebar to add asterisk" -- that sounds like something I would do... I am also going to skim install guide & if time try again tonight. THANKS

 

[lokamoka820]

ok, so somehow I missed "hit the spacebar to add asterisk" -- that sounds like something I would do... I am also going to skim install guide & if time try again tonight. THANKS

In general, in Linux text-based interface installers, you move by "arrows" and select by "space bar" and confirm by "enter".

 

[simmerskool]

In general, in Linux text-based interface installers, you move by "arrows" and select by "space bar" and confirm by "enter".

I watched the video in full that you linked above -- very helpful. FreeBSD 14.1 is installed in VMware following the video. I questioned a few of his selections, eg, no hardening, but figured the settings & config can be tweaked as I re-acquaint myself with BSD. Installed xfce as in the video + my MX is xfce4 so I have some familiarity with it. I think I will like FreeBSD a lot as I get more familiar with it. THANKS!!