This post describes how to configure a FreeBSD virtual machine on VMware ESX(i).

Install the Open Virtual Machine Tools

The Open Virtual Machine Tools are the open source implementation of VMware Tools.

# cd /usr/ports/ports-mgmt/portmaster
# make clean all install
# make clean
# rehash
# portmaster -d emulators/open-vm-tools

Modify some system files

# vi /etc/rc.conf
------------------------------ cut here ------------------------------
vmware_guest_vmblock_enable="YES"
vmware_guest_vmhgfs_enable="YES"
vmware_guest_vmmemctl_enable="YES"
vmware_guest_vmxnet_enable="YES"
vmware_guestd_enable="YES"
------------------------------ cut here ------------------------------

# vi /boot/loader.conf
------------------------------ cut here ------------------------------
kern.hz=100
------------------------------ cut here ------------------------------

# vi /etc/sysctl.conf
------------------------------ cut here ------------------------------
kern.cam.da.retry_count=100
------------------------------ cut here ------------------------------

Disable time synchronization

Refer to the VMware KB Timekeeping best practices for Linux guests article.

# rehash
# vmware-toolbox-cmd timesync disable
# vmware-toolbox-cmd timesync status

Modify the ntp configuration

# vi /etc/ntp.conf
------------------------------ cut here ------------------------------
tinker panic 0
------------------------------ cut here ------------------------------

Note: The directive tinker panic 0 must be at the top of the ntp.conf file.