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Upgrade ESX 3.5 to ESXI 4.1?

We have 2 existing ESX hosts running 3.5. One host is not in use so I can wipe the drives and install ESXi4.1 fresh. I know ESXi is the future so should we take this oppertunity to go to ESXi or just go from 3.5 to 4.1 ESX?

The live ESX server running 3.5 is booting from fiber storage if that makes any difference.

Is ESX 3.5 to ESXi 4.1 possible? If so how?

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Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)

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bgoering

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Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)

Here's a link to the upgrade guide

http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vsphere4/r41/vsp_41_upgrade_guide.pdf

So you need to make a choice,

ESX 3.5 to ESX 4.1?

ESX 3.5 to ESXi 4.1 (new install)?

and do you want to keep boot from SAN or USB?

jcwilets

ASKER

Thanks everyone.

There is no vcenter server we are just putting one in so thats a clean 64bit vcenter server. So to clarify.

Server A - 3.5 ESX ( all VMS and ESX is boot from the DAS, SAN)
Server B - Standby server nothing running on it 3.5 ESX (easy wipe and load ESXi 4.1
Server C - Brand New easy load ESXi 4.1

So maybe the best route is to use USB to a clean 4.1 ESXi. I can really just use a USB key and change the boot point?

Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)

Yes, I would recommend the use of USB Flash Drives, easy install and backup.

jcwilets

ASKER

Any USB drive recommendation?

So I change the boot point and boot my USB ESXi 4.1 and I have an all ESXi 4.1 environment. Which is ideal. I will probably have to re-import the VM's then migrate them to version 7 machines but that should all be pretty doable.

Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)

oh yes, does use cheap Walmart ones, HP or SANdisk. (4GB should be fine).

Version 4 VMs will run in an ESX 4.1 environment, you'll just not have access to the newer features.

So upgrade VMware Tools, and then later Upgrade Virtual Hardware.

Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)

Yes, change the Boot Priority to USB, Removal Drive etc

bgoering

Any quality USB drive should be fine, and 4GB is more than adequate (I think my USB install is on a 2GB key).

Any new servers I have ordered the last year or so I always get with the embedded ESXi which comes on an internal USB or Compact Flash media - no install is even required, just set EFI boot option to boot your ESXi.

jcwilets

ASKER

Thanks everyone