Cisco Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure Software Configuration Guide, Release 26.2 and Later

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Cisco Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure Software Configuration Guide, Release 26.2 and Later

CDROM attachment and detachment

Updated: June 29, 2026

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Describes the process of attaching and detaching CDROM devices to and from Cisco systems, including the procedures and commands required for proper mounting and unmounting operations.

CDROM attachment and detachment

CDROM attachment and detachment is a VM management capability that

  • allows you to connect or disconnect ISO images to a VM

  • supports various use cases, including system recovery, operating system installation, and software deployment, and

  • enables the VM to access content from a virtual CDROM drive.

CDROM attachment and detachment process

Attaching a CDROM to a VM is a two-step process:

  1. Image Registration: First, you must register the desired ISO image using the existing image registration workflows provided by NFVIS. This makes the ISO available for selection. For information about ISO image registration, see Image Registration.

  2. CDROM Action: After registration, you can proceed to attach the registered ISO to the target VM by utilizing the dedicated CDROM actions available in the Manage Deployments page.

    To detach an ISO image, you would use the corresponding detachment action in the Manage Deployments page. Both attachment and detachment operations require the VM to be in a shutdown state.

Requirement: prerequisites for CDROM attachment and detachment

To successfully perform CDROM attachment or detachment operations, the VM must be in a shutdown state. These operations cannot be initiated or completed on an active VM.

Manage CDROM attachment and detachment

Attach or detach ISO images to and from virtual machines for recovery and maintenance operations.

CDROM attachment and detachment operations allow you to mount ISO images to virtual machines for recovery purposes or maintenance tasks. These operations can only be performed when the VM is in a shutdown state.

Before you begin

  • Ensure the ISO image you intend to attach is registered using the image registration workflows. For more information, see Image Registration.

  • Verify that the VM is in a shutdown state. CDROM attach and detach operations cannot be performed on an active VM.

Follow these steps to manage CDROM attachment and detachment:

Procedure

1.

From the Manage Deployments page, click the CD-ROM icon.
2.

Choose the operation you want to perform.

  • To attach an ISO image, click Attach.
  • To detach an ISO image, click Detach.
3.

Select the appropriate image or disk.

Table 1.

If...

Then...

You are attaching a CDROM

From the Images drop-down list, choose the desired recovery ISO from the list of registered ISO images.

You are detaching a CDROM

From the Disk Name drop-down list, choose the disk name corresponding to the recovery ISO you wish to detach.
4.

Click Submit.

A confirmation message appears indicating the CDROM operation is complete.

After attaching a CDROM, to use the attached recovery ISO, you must start the VM and access its boot menu to select the ISO disk for booting. After detaching a CDROM, you can start the VM for normal operation. To confirm detachment, click CD-ROM > Detach. The ISO image should no longer be listed in the Disk Name drop-down list.