How to download a VxRail's "Day 1" JSON Configuration file (Used to build the VxRail)

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Do you need a copy of the JSON configuration file used to build your VxRail cluster? Perhaps you're redeploying a proof-of-concept cluster, or additional clusters using the same configuration. Keep in mind, the Day 1 file is just that, day 1, any changes made to your VxRail's configuration after deployment are not reflected in the JSON file. Options for downloading the Day 1 JSON Configuration file:

1. Download the JSON configuration file from the VxRail Configuration portal [Must have been invited by your Dell Implementation team and have a login]. In the VxRail Configuration Portal, navigate to My Clusters, select the target cluster, and then select DOWNLOAD to get a copy of the JSON configuration file. This file will be in a pretty JSON format which means it contains whitespace for human readability. The file does not include any passwords.
2. Check the VxRail Manager VM itself. Either SSH or open a Console to the VxRail Manager VM. Login with either a root or mystic account. Navigate to the /var/lib/vmware-marvin directory. Download the config-initial.json file. Full disclosure, I am not sure at which VxRail version this became an option, but I know it was there as far back as VxRail version 7.0.132. This file is the same as the file from the VxRail Configuration Portal, but it is minified, which means there is no insignificant whitespace, i.e.: the file contents appear as a single string as opposed to the pretty JSON format which has copious insignificant whitespace. There are all sorts of options if you prefer your JSON to be pretty, just check the web. Pretty vs. Minified doesn't change anything from a functionality perspective, it just impacts the ease of human readability.
3. With VxRail version 7.0.410 we gained the ability to download the VxRail JSON configuration file via the VxRail Manager plugin for vCenter. In the vSphere Client, select your cluster, then the Configure tab, scroll down to the VxRail section and select System. On the System page click the ACTIONS drop-down menu and select Download Configuration Data > Day 1 configuration file. This file is also pretty JSON, just like the one from the VxRail Configuration Portal.

    

Regardless of which technique used, you need to provide passwords when deploying the cluster using the VxRail Deployment Wizard. If deploying a VxRail programmatically, place the passwords in the VxRail JSON Configuration file.

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