XenClient Tips and Tricks

22 Tips and Tricks for XenClient. *updated 31-03-2011
/Enjoy

  1. ctrl+0, ctrl+1, ctrl+2, etc: switch to xenclient, vm1, vm2, etc…
  2. ctrl+shift+t: launches a terminal window – necessary for troubleshooting ip address and network
  3. alt-tab: rotate between xenclient and terminal windows
  4. status-tool: run this command from the terminal window to gather stats – including screenshots – stored in /storage/status-report
  5. ifconfig brbridged: run this command to show the ip address for dom0 – physical adapter
  6. ifconfig wlan0: run this command to show the ip address for dom0 – wireless adapter
  7. xentop: run this command from the terminal window to view performance data
  8. vhd-util: run this command from the terminal window to change/check vhd
  9. xec: run this command from the terminal window to control vm’s
  10. touch /config/ssh_enabled: run this command to enable SSH on the XC Management Console – if not already installed
  11. ctrl+q: refresh hypervisor
  12. dmesg: show debug messages
  13. disktovhd: use this on old pc to make a vhd of your pc or laptop. Create new VM, replace .vhd in /storage/disks. Install XenTools.
  14. copy .iso to /storage/iso: mount the .iso in the virtual drive that normally mounts XenTools. Or use Virtual Clone Drive
  15. Enable SSH on the Management Console:
    Open the terminal on the console, press: ctrl+shift+t
    In the terminal type: touch /config/ssh_enabled
    IMPORTANT: In the RC there is NO ROOT PASSWORD… Enabling this is on your own risk!!!
    Press ctrl+q to refresh hypervisor
    Find the SSH Interfaces IP Address:
    1) Open the console window once again
    2) type ‘ifconfig | less’
    3) brbridged is the console’s listening IP
  16. Find full or half duplex speed for network
    # dmesg | grep -i duplex
  17. See performance data
    # xentop
  18. Copy your existing laptop or pc to XenClient
    Use disktovhd to make a vhd image of your pc or laptop. Create new VM, replace .vhd in /storage/disks. After that you need to install XenTools and also the appropriate drivers.
  19. Mounting an ISO to VM
    Copy the iso using WINSCP to /storage/iso .Push ctrl + q to refresh XenClient. Mount the .iso in the virtual drive that normally mounts the XenTools
  20. Soundcard not recognized in VM
    Install Realtek 97 Audio Driver
    http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downloadsCheck.aspx?Langid=1&PNid=23&PFid=23&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false
  21. Usb devices like fingerprint, bluetooth, webcam are not mapped in VM
    Go out in Dom0, edit the virtual machine. Under USB add the devices that you want to add to the VM.
  22. How to Install a Wifi Certificate in XenClient
    Use the following steps to complete the task:  Check CTX127333

    Copy the certificate using a program like WinSCP from Windows machine or SCP from Linux/Unix machine.

    Log on by pressing Ctrl+Shift+T within the XenClient Receiver and using the root password.

    Copy the certificate from dom0 to the service virtual machine by running the following command:
    scpv4v <certificate> 1.0.0.1:/root”

    (Make sure you cd to the directory where you copied the certificate in step1.)

    From the Network icon in the Receiver, the certificate should be available to make the connection.

Comments (2)

  • The tips are very useful, but there are some additional questions:
    ? is there a possibility to use a vm with lan cable directly to an appliance? no active connect for the xenclient-console seems to disrupt a connection for vm, even with static ip configured (network: brbridged)
    ? is there a chance to use the serial interface (RS.232) out of a vm?
    ? ssh_enabled worked fine, with version 1.0 sp1 the connection asks for the root-Password.
    ? any chance to reduce the size of the lvgroup xenclient without risk for loosing data??

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