console

Fix for VM console error – unable to connect to the mks the operation is not allowed in the current state

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Bit of a strange one this – I have not dug deeper to find the root cause, but here is a quick fix for anyone with the issue.

mks-console-error-vm

 

I found we could not open VM console sessions in a vCenter 5.5 environment today. Usually one’s first thought is that it is a DNS or port issue when you see the classic MKS console error in a VM, but in this case I knew that DNS and ports were not an issue, as RDPing direct to the vCenter Server itself, logging in with the C# client and opening VM consoles from there were giving the exact same message. This was the case for the web client as well as the C# client.

The issue was either with the host that VMs were running on, or with the VMs themselves – the simple fix:

vMotion the VM to another host. As soon as this was done, I could open the console session. The underlying issue is still out there, but I have not had the time to dig any deeper to find out the root cause. More discussion and info available from this VMware communities thread: https://communities.vmware.com/thread/450294

Accessing network equipment via console cable from your ESX / linux server

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Ever wondered how you can access your Cisco router, switch, or other network device over console cable from your ESX host / other linux machine? Obviously you’ll need a COM port on the physical hardware to start… Here’s a guide I wrote for SysAdmin-Talk. Have a read if you are interested in finding out how to achieve this. They have some other great articles and how-to’s posted up there. I have already found some extremely useful Exchange how-tos and guides and am looking forward to writing more for SysAdmin Talk!

SysAdmin Talk – Don’t Tear your Hair Out over Access to Cisco Devices

Xbox 360

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The other day I decided it was time to get another Xbox 360. My original Core unit that I bought a couple of years ago was stolen in South Africa, and since then I have not been into console gaming. After playing Rock band, Geometry wars, and seeing the new Gears of War 2 previews, the temptation was too much, and we went out and got an Xbox 360 Premium, an extra wireless controller, play and charge kit, and a few games. I was pleasantly surprised to see an HDMI connector on the back of the console, and must say that 1080p, along with optical audio (using Logitech Z5500 speakers) equals an incredible gaming experience! All I need now is my own TV! (This one belongs to our housemate).

mediasetup1

So far we are playing :

PGR 4, Sonic, Ninja Gaiden 2, and a bunch of free demos from Xbox Live. Can’t wait to get hold of : Rockband / Rockband 2, GoW2, GTA IV, and Tomb Raider Underworld.

Here is my Gamertag for now. This should dynamically update as I get more gamerscore.