Nutanix - Updating a Golden Image

Each Golden Image registration must use a unique machine name (computer name or host name). Golden images are identified by machine name during agent installation. If a golden image record already exists for a machine name, running the installer on another image with the same name will use the existing record rather than create a new golden image. To register a new golden image, use a unique machine name.

However, agent lifecycle operations on an existing registered Golden Image (such as upgrade, modify, repair, or uninstall and reinstall) do not require a new Golden Image registration, if the machine name remains unchanged. In these cases, the existing registration is preserved and updated.

A Golden Image registration in the Horizon ADAM Database (LDAP) utilizes a logical pair of:

• Machine name - Serves as the primary key for LDAP lookup and must be unique.

• Pairing key - Stored in the LDAP machine record when the machine is registered as a Golden Image.

Registration Rules

• Every pool change requires a new Nutanix Template for image push.

  • Horizon uses only the active version of a golden image template. You can’t select a non-active version. After you set a new version as active in Prism Central, wait until Horizon Console shows that version in the Snapshot field of the Add, Edit, and Push Image workflows before you create a pool or farm or push an image. This can take up to 10 minutes.

  • Important: Do not change the active version on a Golden Image template in Prism Central while an existing pool or farm is using it. Doing so will prevent successful edit or push image operations on the pool.

• A new Golden Image registration requires a unique machine name (computer name or host name).

Golden Image Registration Use Cases

The following examples provide use cases for registering golden images.

Create the Initial Pool

1. Create a Golden Image Virtual Machine (VM). For more information, see Preparing a Golden Image - Nutanix.

2. Install the Horizon Agent. This registers the Golden Image with the Horizon Connection Server.

3. Install applications and updates.

4. Power off the VM.

5. Create a Nutanix Template. For more information, see Preparing a Golden Image - Nutanix.

6. Create the pool. For more information, see Create a Nutanix Pool.

Update Applications/Windows Updates (No Agent Change)

1. Power on the original Golden Image.

2. Install applications and updates.

3. Power off the VM.

4. Create a new Nutanix Template. For more information, see Preparing a Golden Image - Nutanix.

5. Push the image to the pool.

   Note: No new Golden Image registration is needed (pairing key remains unchanged).

Update the Agent Feature Set or Upgrade Agent

1. Power on the original Golden Image (or clone a new VM from the template for the Golden Image).

2. Modify the Horizon Agent installation (add/remove features, upgrade, or reinstall).

3. Install applications and updates.

4. Power off the VM.

5. Create a new Nutanix Template. For more information, see Preparing a Golden Image - Nutanix.

6. Push the image to the pool.