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attach_iso_to_vm

Mount a datastore ISO to a VM's virtual CD-ROM drive. Works on powered-on or off VMs, replacing any existing ISO or adding a new one on the IDE controller.

Instructions

[WRITE] Mount a datastore ISO into a VM's virtual CD-ROM drive.

Reconfigures the existing CD-ROM (replacing any currently mounted ISO) or adds a new CD-ROM on the VM's IDE controller if none exists; fails with a clear message if the VM has no IDE controller. Works whether the VM is powered on or off — the device is set connected and start-connected. Find ISO files first with browse_datastore using pattern "*.iso". Audited to ~/.vmware/audit.db.

Args: vm_name: Exact VM name as shown in vCenter inventory. iso_ds_path: Full datastore path in bracket format, e.g. "[datastore1] iso/ubuntu-22.04.iso" (datastore name in brackets, then the path relative to the datastore root). target: vCenter/ESXi target name from config.yaml; omit to use the default target.

Returns: Status string confirming attachment, or a VM-not-found / no-IDE-controller error.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
vm_nameYes
iso_ds_pathYes
targetNo

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Discloses write operation, replacement behavior, works on/off state, audit log location, and error conditions beyond annotations, which only indicate not read-only and open world.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Well-structured with clear sections: operation, behavior details, prerequisite, audit info, parameter descriptions. Efficiently uses space without redundancy.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given annotations and output schema exist, the description covers enough context: behavior, error cases, and parameter details. Complements structured fields well.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Adds detailed meaning for each parameter: vm_name as exact vCenter name, iso_ds_path with bracket format example, target as optional from config. Schema had no descriptions, so this is highly valuable.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool mounts a datastore ISO into a VM's virtual CD-ROM drive, and distinguishes from sibling tools like browse_datastore which is for finding ISOs.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Provides guidance to find ISOs first with browse_datastore, explains behavior with existing CD-ROMs and IDE controller requirement, and notes target can be omitted. Does not explicitly list when not to use.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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