Nutanix - Updating a Golden Image

It is essential that each Golden Image registration uses a unique machine name (computer name or host name). If a Golden Image is already registered with a specific machine name, any subsequent attempt to register another image with the same name will be rejected by the Connection Server.

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

• Machine name (serves as the primary key, must be unique)

• Pairing key

Registration Rules

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

  • Horizon uses the active recovery point on a template. After setting a new recovery point to active on a Golden Image template in Prism Central, ensure the Horizon Admin console reflects the new active recovery point (the Snapshot in the Add, Edit, and Push Image workflows) before proceeding with creating a pool or farm or pushing an image. This can take up to 10 minutes.

  • Important: Do not change the active recovery point 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.

• Every agent change requires a new Golden Image registration.

• Every new Golden Image registration requires a new 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 Pool Deployment - Nutanix.

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. Change the machine name (computer name or host name) (required for new registration).

3. Modify the Horizon Agent installation (add/remove features, upgrade, or reinstall). This results in a new, unique Golden Image registration with Horizon Connection Server.

4. Install applications and updates.

5. Power off the VM.

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

7. Push the image to the pool.

   Note: A new Golden Image registration is required because the pairing key has changed.