ZimaOS Installation Guide for Proxmox

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing ZimaOS on Proxmox Virtual Environment. ZimaOS is a modern NAS operating system that can be easily deployed as a virtual machine.

📋 Table of Contents

• Installation Methods
• ISO version - Super Easy
• Manual Installation
• Post-Installation Configuration
• Troubleshooting

Installation Methods

Choose the installation method that best suits your needs:

Method	Time	Difficulty	Description
*.iso	~2 min	Super Easy	New VM, download ISO, attach; you run installer
Manual	~5 min	Medium	Step-by-step, full control

ISO version - Super Easy

The ISO script (zimaos_zimacube_installer-iso.sh) is the easiest way to install ZimaOS using the official installer. It does everything for you:

1. Run the script on your Proxmox node (SSH):

   bash -c "$(wget -qLO - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/R0GGER/proxmox-zimaos/refs/heads/main/zimaos_zimacube_installer-iso.sh)"

2. Answer a few prompts (you can press Enter to accept defaults):
   • ZimaOS version (latest or a specific version number, e.g. 1.5.4)
   • VM ID (100–999)
   • Name (default: ZimaOS)
   • Disk size in GB (default: 32)
   • CPU cores (default: 2)
   • Memory in MB (default: 2048)
3. Confirm when the script shows the VM settings.
4. The script creates the VM, downloads the ZimaOS installer ISO, and attaches it as the boot CD/DVD.
5. Start the VM in Proxmox. It boots from the installer.
6. Run the ZimaOS installer in the VM (e.g. choose “Install ZimaOS”).
7. After installation: STOP (not poweroff) the VM, detach the ISO (set CD/DVD to “Do not use any media”), then start the VM again.

Manual Installation

For users who prefer more control over the installation process or need custom configurations.

Prerequisites

• Proxmox VE running on your server
• SSH access to your Proxmox node
• Basic understanding of VM creation in Proxmox

Step 1: Create VM in Proxmox

1. Open Proxmox Web Interface and navigate to your node
2. Create a new VM with the following settings:
   • OS: Do not use any media
   • System:
     • BIOS: OMVF (UEFI)
     • Choose an EFI storage (e.g., local-lvm)
   • Disks, CPU, Memory, Network: Use default settings or customize as needed
   • Confirm: Finish (do not check "Start after created")

Step 2: Run Installation Script

Execute the installer script on your Proxmox node (not inside the VM):

bash -c "$(wget -qLO - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/R0GGER/proxmox-zimaos/refs/heads/main/zimaos_zimacube_installer-iso.sh)"

Answer the prompts:

• Enter VM ID: [Your VM ID]
• Enter storage volume: [e.g., local-lvm]

Step 3: Configure VM BIOS

1. Navigate to the VM in Proxmox
2. Go to Console tab
3. Start the VM and immediately press ESC multiple times to access the virtual BIOS
4. Navigate to Device Manager → Secure Boot Configuration
5. Disable Secure Boot:
   • Select "Attempt Secure Boot"
   • Press Enter → Esc → Esc → Continue → Enter

Step 4: Install ZimaOS

1. Select "1. Install ZimaOS" from the boot menu
2. Complete the installation wizard following the on-screen prompts
3. After installation completes:
   • Stop the VM using Stop button in Proxmox (not Shutdown)
   • Disable scsi1 and enable scsi0 in VM hardware settings
   • Start the VM again

📹 Video Tutorial

Watch the complete installation process: ZimaOS Proxmox Installation Video

Note: The video is fast-forwarded in some sections for brevity.

Post-Installation Configuration

After successful installation, you may need to perform additional configuration steps:

Initial Setup

1. Access ZimaOS Web Interface using the VM's IP address
2. Complete the initial setup wizard
3. Configure storage pools and network settings
4. Set up user accounts and permissions

Network Configuration

• Ensure your VM has proper network access
• Configure static IP if needed
• Set up port forwarding for external access

Adding Additional Storage

To add more drives to your ZimaOS VM:

1. Stop the ZimaOS VM in Proxmox
2. Add new hard disk:
   • Go to Hardware → Add → Hard Disk
   • Set Bus/Device to SATA
   • Configure size and storage location
3. Start the VM and configure the new drive in ZimaOS

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

VM Won't Boot

• Check Secure Boot: Ensure Secure Boot is disabled in VM BIOS
• Verify EFI Storage: Confirm EFI storage is properly configured
• Check VM Settings: Ensure UEFI is selected as BIOS type

Installation Script Fails

• Check Internet Connection: Ensure Proxmox node has internet access
• Verify VM ID: Make sure the VM ID exists and is correct
• Check Storage: Verify storage volume is available and has space

Getting Help

• ZimaOS GitHub: Official ZimaOS Documentation
• Proxmox Documentation: https://pve.proxmox.com/wiki/Main_Page

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Inspired by bigbeartechworld - Thank you for the original tutorial!