If you’re managing VMware environments, you might occasionally run into persistent shell warning alerts in your ESXi hosts. Thankfully, you can quickly find and suppress these warnings with a bit of PowerCLI magic.
Check for ESXi Hosts with Shell Warnings
Show the actual advanced settings on all hosts. Log into vCenter using PowerCLI and run this command:
This command immediately disables the shell warnings on selected hosts. No more alerts in GUI!
Command output:
Entity Name Value
------ ---- -----
fs-vsan-05.int.dc5.cz UserVars.SuppressShellWarning 1
Why (Not) Suppress Shell Warnings?
It’s important to note that suppressing shell warnings is only advisable in lab or non-production environments. In production environments, shell warnings provide valuable security reminders. Always keep shell warnings enabled to maintain security awareness unless you’re working in a controlled test environment.
Managing encryption across multiple ESXi hosts can be a bit of a hassle. But don’t worry. I’ve got a simple PowerCLI script that’ll save you time and headaches by quickly retrieving encryption status and recovery keys from your VMware environment.
Why Do You Need This?
Ensuring your ESXi hosts are correctly encrypted is essential for security. Regular checks help prevent surprises later, especially during troubleshooting or audits.
Getting Started
First, make sure you’re connected to your vCenter:
Connect-VIServer -Server
Replace with your vCenter IP or FQDN.
The Script Breakdown
Here’s a quick rundown of the PowerCLI script to verify encryption settings across all ESXi hosts and who Recovery key for each ESXi host. (link to GitHub repository and file tpm_recovery_key_backup.ps1):
If you are working with VMware environments, particularly with vCenter Server, it’s important to keep track of the version and build number of your vCenter instances. This script/function, Get-vCenterVersion, is designed to help you retrieve these details effortlessly. Here, we’ll break down my script, explaining each section, and provide examples of how to use it.
Overview of the Script
The Get-vCenterVersion function is a PowerShell script that retrieves the version and build number of a specified vCenter Server. It compares the build number against a predefined mapping to provide detailed information about the vCenter version, release date, and other associated details. This can be extremely useful for maintaining and upgrading your VMware infrastructure.
You can find the full script linked at the end of this article. 🙂
Sections of the Script
Script Header and Metadata
<#
.SYNOPSIS
This function retrieves the vCenter version and build number.
Based on https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article?legacyId=2143838
.NOTES
File Name : get-vcenter-version.ps1
Author : Stanislav Musil
Prerequisite : PowerShell
Website : https://vpxd.dc5.cz/index.php/category/blog/
X (Twitter) : https://www.x.com/stmusil
.DESCRIPTION
The script is a function that takes a single parameter, the vCenter server name. Retrieves the version and build number.
To use the function, you can dot-source the script and then call the function.
Windows: . .\get-vcenter-version.ps1
Mac/Linux: . ./get-vcenter-version.ps1
.EXAMPLE
Get-vCenterVersion -vCenterServer "vCenter.DC5.cz"
or
Get-vCenterVersion
#>
This section provides a summary of what the script does, including the author’s information, and usage instructions. It also includes an example of how to invoke the function. This is a standard way to document PowerShell scripts and makes it easier for others to understand and use your script.
Here, the script defines a parameter $vCenterServer, which is not mandatory. If the user does not provide a value, the script will use the default vCenter Server from the global environment variable $global:DefaultVIServer.
vCenter Version Mappings
$vCenterVersionMappings = @{
"24026615"="vCenter Server 7.0 Update 3r","17.06.2024","7.0.3.02000","24026615","24026615"
"23788036"="vCenter Server 7.0 Update 3q","21.05.2024","7.0.3.01900","23788036","23788036"
...
}
This dictionary (hashtable) contains a mapping of vCenter Server build numbers to their corresponding versions, release dates, and other details. This is the core of the script, enabling it to look up detailed information based on the build number.
The script retrieves the version and build number from the provided or default vCenter Server. If the build number exists in the predefined mappings, the script retrieves the corresponding details.
The script constructs a custom PowerShell object to output the details in a structured format. This makes it easy to further process or display the information.
Upgrade Check
if ($vCenterServerBuild -lt $greatestKey) {
Write-Host "vCenter upgrade possible. `n" -ForegroundColor Red
} elseif ($vCenterServerBuild -eq $greatestKey) {
Write-Host "Latest version/ up to date. `n" -ForegroundColor Green
} else {
Write-Host "Update this script, looks like it's outdated. `n" -ForegroundColor Magenta
}
Finally, the script compares the retrieved build number with the highest build number in the mapping to determine if an upgrade is available, if the system is up to date, or if the script itself needs updating.
Example Usage
Example 1: Retrieve vCenter Version with Default Server
If you are already connected to a vCenter Server and set it as the default ($global:DefaultVIServer), you can simply run:
Get-vCenterVersion
Example 2: Specify a vCenter Server
To retrieve the version for a specific vCenter Server, provide the server’s name:
This will output detailed information about the vCenter Server, including its version, build number, and release date. If the vCenter Server is not on the latest version, the script will suggest that an upgrade is possible.
My homelab:
Conclusion
The Get-vCenterVersion script is a powercli function for anyone managing VMware vCenter Servers. By automating the retrieval and checking of vCenter versions, it helps ensure that your infrastructure is always up to date and secure. Whether you’re managing a single vCenter Server or multiple instances, this script can save you time and reduce the risk of version mismatches.
Feel free to customize the script to fit your environment, and remember to keep the version mapping updated as new vCenter Server versions are released!
Yesterday’s VMUGCZ event in Prague was a fantastic success, bringing together professionals and enthusiasts for a day filled with insightful sessions, engaging discussions, and valuable networking opportunities.
Agenda:
Welcome by VMUGCZ Leaders The event began with a warm welcome from the VMUGCZ leaders, setting the stage for an exciting day ahead. They provided an overview of the agenda, highlighting the key topics and sessions that attendees could look forward to.
Keynote: VCF, AI, and Other Things Joe Baguley from Broadcom kicked off the keynote with a deep dive into VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF), the evolving role of AI, and other emerging technologies. His presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session led by Vlastimil Horák from VMware by Broadcom, allowing attendees to ask questions and engage directly with the experts.
Understanding NSX in VCF: Best Practices for VCF Networking Karel Novak from VMware by Broadcom delivered a detailed session on understanding NSX within VCF. He shared best practices for optimizing VCF networking, providing practical insights and solutions for common challenges.
Coffee Break and Social Networking The first coffee break offered a chance for attendees to mingle, discuss the morning sessions, and network with peers and industry experts. It was a great opportunity to build connections and share ideas.
The Future is Here: ExaGrid Tiered Backup Storage Piotr Łukasiewicz from ExaGrid Systems introduced the latest innovations in tiered backup storage. His presentation highlighted the benefits of ExaGrid’s solutions, emphasizing how they can enhance data protection and recovery strategies.
Ootbi by Object First – Best Storage for Veeam Walter Berends from ObjectFirst discussed the optimal storage solutions for Veeam, focusing on the features and advantages of Ootbi by Object First. His insights were particularly valuable for those looking to improve their data storage and management practices.
Lunch Break A delicious lunch provided a welcome break and another opportunity for attendees to network and discuss the day’s topics in a more informal setting.
Google Cloud VMware Engine: AI-Assisted Automation for Your Workloads Agnieszka Koziorowska from Google presented on the integration of AI-assisted automation with VMware workloads on Google Cloud. Her session showcased practical applications and the significant benefits of this advanced technology.
AI for Accident Analysis and 3D Reconstruction Enrico Pittini and Pavel Kučera from DataVision demonstrated the use of AI for accident analysis and 3D reconstruction. Their presentation highlighted real-world use cases and the technological advancements driving these innovations.
Coffee Break and Social Networking Another coffee break allowed attendees to relax and continue their networking conversations, exchanging thoughts on the afternoon sessions.
Before Calling in the Backups Boris Mittelmann from Veeam discussed the importance of preparedness in backup management. He shared strategies and best practices to ensure effective and efficient backup processes.
VCF aka Virtuální Cloudová Fantazie A community session led by Martin Dimitrov, Libor Junek, and Josef Zach explored the capabilities of VMware Cloud Foundation. Titled “Virtuální Cloudová Fantazie” this session provided info from real-life VCF deployment.
Roundtable with VMUG Leaders and Speakers The roundtable discussion offered an interactive platform for VMUG leaders and speakers to engage with the audience. Attendees had the chance to ask questions, share insights, and discuss various topics in an open forum.
Social Networking: Grill, Beer, and Hockey The event concluded with a relaxed social networking session featuring a grill, beer, and watching the Hockey World Championship on big screen. (Czech Republic vs. USA. [1:0] ) It was a fun and enjoyable end to a day packed with learning and networking.
Overall, the VMUGCZ event in Prague was a resounding success, offering valuable insights, practical knowledge, and plenty of opportunities for professional growth and connection. Check out some photos from the event below!
Joe Baguley (VMware by Broadcom) Keynote
Karel Novak (VMware by Broadcom)
Piotr Lukasiewicz (ExaGrid Systems)
Martin Stetka (Object First)
Walter Berends (Object First)
Google Cloud
Pavel Kučera (DataVision)
Boris Mittelman (Veeam)
Libor Junek, Josef Zach, Martin Dimitrov (community session)