You can mount an ISO image to a virtual machine (VM). For example, you may need this to install your own operating system (OS). To mount an image, VMmanager uses iPXE technology. This technology allows you not to download the entire image, but download only the necessary files during the installation process.

If you install an OS on a VM from an ISO image, the following will not be available:

  • editing the password;
  • cloning;
  • creating images;
  • running scripts.

To back up such a VM correctly, enter Virtual machines → select the VM → menu → VM parameters → Fine-tuning settings → Resources and limits → Partition to expansion and specify the partition where the root file system is located.

ISO images management

To connect an ISO image:

  1.   Enter Virtual machines → select the VM →   menu → Mount ISO-image.
  2.   Enter the URL where the ISO image is available. The image can be available via HTTP(S) or FTP.
  3.   Specify Tags for the connected OS if this VM needs to run scripts. The script will run on the VM if at least one of its tags matches the OS tag.
  4.   Press Download and connect. VMmanager will reboot the VM and start it with ISO image connected. After loading, you can connect to the VM via VNC or SPICE and install the OS.

To disconnect an ISO image:

  1.   Enter Virtual machines → select the VM →   menu → Unmount ISO-image.
  2.   Enable the OS has been reinstalled option if you have installed the OS from this ISO image.
  3.   Press Disconnect and restart. VMmanager will disconnect the ISO image and delete it. After that VMmanager will reboot the VM and start it with the new operating system if the installation was performed correctly.