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 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.

• 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 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. 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.