Upgrading ESXi servers
I have a small VMWare installation. We currently have two HP Proliant G5 host servers running ESXi. We are looking to replace this with two new servers. Probably going to be HP Proliant G8 servers, most likely a DL560. I assume that we can't just move the keystick from the old servers to the new servers and be up and running. I don't know that for sure, but I suspect that to upgrade to new\different hardware, it will require a new ESXi installation. We are currently running ESXi 4.1
What is the easiest migration path for an environment with only two host?
What is the easiest migration path for an environment with only two host?
Yes it will work!
Meaning you can remove stick insert into new server and it will boot.
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Hello,
my suggestion are:
- make your new server ready and fixed to the latest ESXi level 5.1.x;
- set both in cluster if you like (and U have the money :) );
- DO NOT share the actual datastore ithe new farm;
- create a new datastore that share all 4 hosts;
- shutdown a virtual machine for test or very low impact;
- move it to the new datastore;
- start the test virtual machine on one of the new hosts;
- upgrade the VM tools (not HW upgrade) before U make any other changes;
- reboot the virutal machine and look I the virtual machine is ok.
Do not Upgrade the HW if is not needed, remember that this is a ONLY-FORWARD operation impossibile to recovery. Make a clone on the vitualmachine before you Upgrade the HW. If someting appends, you still have the original machine available.
Enjoy.
Saluti
MT
my suggestion are:
- make your new server ready and fixed to the latest ESXi level 5.1.x;
- set both in cluster if you like (and U have the money :) );
- DO NOT share the actual datastore ithe new farm;
- create a new datastore that share all 4 hosts;
- shutdown a virtual machine for test or very low impact;
- move it to the new datastore;
- start the test virtual machine on one of the new hosts;
- upgrade the VM tools (not HW upgrade) before U make any other changes;
- reboot the virutal machine and look I the virtual machine is ok.
Do not Upgrade the HW if is not needed, remember that this is a ONLY-FORWARD operation impossibile to recovery. Make a clone on the vitualmachine before you Upgrade the HW. If someting appends, you still have the original machine available.
Enjoy.
Saluti
MT
Question 1: Are you running vCenter?
Question 2: Are your VMs on shared storage?
Question 2: Are your VMs on shared storage?
Hello,
I hi has 2 hosts hope he share the storage... :)
I hi has 2 hosts hope he share the storage... :)
ASKER
Thanks Andrew
https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/info/slug/infrastructure_operations_management/vmware_vcenter_converter_standalone/5_1?rct=j&q=vmware%20vcenter%20converter%20standalone%205.1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCoQFjAA&url=http://www.vmware.com/go/download-converter&ei=OcbdUdGvD9fJ4AOGnID4BA&usg=AFQjCNG4C_NOLJ3eaX68A3n0TnD1Dbeleg&bvm=bv.48705608,d.dmg
It will prompt for source VM, destination VM and move those guest machines over.