Installing Caldera OpenLinux 2.x into a Virtual Machine

The easiest method of installing OpenLinux 2.2, 2.3 or 2.4 in a virtual machine is to use the standard Caldera distribution CD. The notes below describe an installation using the standard distribution CD. However, installing OpenLinux 2.2, 2.3 or 2.4 via the boot floppy/network method is supported as well.

Before installing the operating system, be sure that you have already created a directory for the new virtual machine and configured it.

Note: During the OpenLinux 2.2, 2.3 or 2.4 installation, a generic VGA/SVGA X server is installed. After the installation is complete, the X server starts automatically, but the virtual machine screen is cropped and unusable. To get a working X server running inside the virtual machine, you should install VMware Tools immediately after installing OpenLinux 2.2, 2.3 or 2.4.

Use the VMware GSX Server Configuration Editor to verify the virtual machine's devices are set up as you expect before starting the installation. For example, if you would like networking software to be installed during the OpenLinux 2.2, 2.3 or 2.4 installation process, be sure the virtual machine's Ethernet adapter is enabled and configured.

To install OpenLinux 2.2, 2.3, or 2.4:

Windows host only: In the second OpenLinux 2.2, 2.3, or 2.4 installation screen titled Set Up Mouse, the mouse cursor in the virtual machine does not move when the real mouse is moved. To work around this problem, use the Tab and arrow keys to change the default mouse and button settings from PS/2 mouse and Standard without wheel to something else. Immediately, change both settings back to the original settings. The mouse should work after that.

At the Mouse, Keyboard, Video Card, Monitor and Video Mode selection screens, choose the install program's default settings without making changes.

Note: It is not necessary to use the Probe or Test Mode button at the Video Card/Video Mode selection screens. If you use the buttons, ignore the results and click Next to continue with the installation.

If the virtual machine's Ethernet adapter has been enabled, the OpenLinux install program auto-loads the correct driver. You need to choose between DHCP and static IP addressing. The hostname parameter must be provided regardless.

Finish installing OpenLinux 2.2, 2.3 or 2.4 as you would on a physical PC.

At this point OpenLinux 2.2, 2.3 or 2.4 boots and presents a log-in screen. As you may notice, the dialog box is cropped inside the virtual machine window.

Install VMware Tools inside the virtual machine to provide support for the full screen resolution.