The easiest way to install VMware vSphere 5.5 is use simple installation option. It will install all major vSphere 5.5 components. Good thing is you do not need to prepare vCenter SSO database 
Step 1 – prepare VM
- windows 2008 or above
- 1 vCPU
- 4GB RAM (forced really strictly, see below)
- 8 GB disk space
- join VM to Active directory domain
- SQL server installed unless you want to use SQL express
- ODBC driver installed on vCenter server – unless you want to use MS SQL express
Memory requirements
Step 2 – prepare ODBC connection
- for vCenter server
- for vCenter Update Manager
Step 3 – run installer
- Mount ISO and run installer
- Choose simple Installation
As a fist vCenter SSO will be installed with vSphere client and vCenter inventory services.
- Provide password for SSO Administrator – write down password
SSO admin password
[box type=”warning”] Note: local domain name for SSO has changed comparing to vSphere 5.1[/box]
- Provide SSO site instance name and continue installation
Step 4 – vCenter server installation
After SSO and vSphere Web client installation, installer will continue to install further components such as VMware vCenter server, orchestrator
- enter license key for vCenter server
- choose either existing DB or install Microsoft SQL Express 2008
- Provide vCenter server FQDN name
- click next to continue installation
vCenter info
Step 5 – add identity source – Active Directory
By default access to vCetner server has a build in Administrator account (defined in Step 3) . First step is to add external identity sources such as Active Directory, local OS, Open LDAP.
- After successful installation use web browser to log into vCenter Server using defined credentials in Step 3.
- user name: vsphere.local\administrator
- password: defined in Step 3
- Go to Administration –> configuration –> identity sources –> Add
- choose proper identity source
The easiest way is to add AD where vCenter server is joined.
Add AD to vCenter SSO
Step 6 – grand AD users access to vCenter server and vCenter SSO
- Log into vSphere SSO
- Go to Home –> vCenter Servers –> double click on vCenter server –> Manage –> Permissions –> Add
- On new window Add user and grant permissions to vCenter server.
Add AD user permissions to vCenter server
- Logout from and log into vCenter server using different credentials
