Setting Up a MiDesktop Persistent VM Image

Overview

The VM must be properly configured before deploying a persistent desktop pool. This document contains the steps that must be completed to ensure it is set up correctly and in accordance with vendor best practices.

Install the Operating System (for blank images only)

1. Follow steps in Accessing vCenter to Manage Base Images.
2. Click the VM, and then click the Summary tab.
3. Click Launch Remote Console and power on the VM.
4. Click the VMRC menu > Removable Devices > CD/DVD drive 1 > Connect to Disk Image File (ISO), and load the ISO.
5. Issue a CTRL + ALT + DEL on the VMRC console to restart the VM and boot to the ISO to load the OS.

Change Local Admin Password (for MiDesktop-provided images)

1. MiDesktop will provide a local admin password for the VM.
2. Follow steps in Accessing vCenter to Manage Base Images.
3. Click the VM, and then click Summary tab.
4. Click Launch Remote Console and power on the VM.
5. Select Send+Ctrl+Alt+Del from the VMRC drop-down list.
6. Log in as admin (you will be prompted to change the password).

Change the Computer Name

1. Log in to the VM as admin.
2. Open System Settings and click the Computer Name tab, then click Change.
3. Enter the name you would like for the computer, click Change to rename it, then click OK.
4. Click OK on the restart warning box and click Close on the Systems Properties box.
5. Click Restart Now to restart the computer.

Join the Computer to the Domain

1. Open System Settings and click the Computer Name tab, then click Change.
2. Under Member of, select Domain.
3. Enter adsroot.itcs.umich.edu and click OK.

4. Enter credentials and click OK.

   Note Only accounts with the appropriate permissions in Active Directory can join machines to the domain.

5. Click OK in the Welcome to the Domain box.

6. Click OK, click Close, and then click Restart Now.

Grant Remote Desktop Access (optional)

Add the mcomm-admingroup to the Remote Desktop Users group on the VM to allow RDP access to the VM.

1. Open Computer Management.
2. Expand Local Users and Groups, click Groups, and double-click Remote Desktop Users.
3. Click Add, enter <mcomm group>, then click Check Names.
4. You will be prompted to click OK twice. Click OK each time.

Install VMWare Tools (for blank images only)

Note You may skip this section if VMware tools are already installed and up to date.

1. Follow steps in Accessing vCenter to Manage Base Images.
2. Power on the VM.
3. Once the VM is powered on, click the Summary tab and click Upgrade VMWare Tools on the yellow banner.
4. Select Automatic Upgrade to install the default options.
5. The VM will restart automatically upon completion. To check the status:
   1. Click the Monitor tab on the VM.
   2. Under Tasks and Events, click Tasks.
   3. Check the task Initiated VMware Tools Install or Upgrade.

​Install the View Agent

1. Verify the VM is joined to the domain.
2. Log in to the VM as admin.
3. Navigate to the MiDesktop Downloads folder and download the latest version of the View Agent.
4. Install the View Agent, accepting all defaults.
5. Restart the VM.

Install Crowdstrike

1. Log in to the VM as admin.
2. Navigate to the MiDesktop Downloads folder and download the latest version of the Crowdstrike.
3. Install using the command line with the install string provided, using your department’s Crowdstrike unique ID.