VMware Host migration
Over the coming weekend we are planning to migrate two servers from one ESX host to another, one of them is Exchange and other is FileServer. Exchange server is around 800 GB, we don't have a single host that has access to both, so the best way to move them across will be by using vStorage?
So the plan is to move them across to NFS share, and then move storage vmotion to new ESX host.
I haven't done this before, so if anyone has done it, and know where I can find steps on how to accomplish this task it will be great.
thanks.
So the plan is to move them across to NFS share, and then move storage vmotion to new ESX host.
I haven't done this before, so if anyone has done it, and know where I can find steps on how to accomplish this task it will be great.
thanks.
SOLUTION
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I would say the easiest way to move them is connect the two ESX Hosts to the same vCenter Server. You can easily do a migration from within vCenter and it will update your settings in the process. Literrally drag and drop the VM from one host to another and it should prompt you to start the migration wizard. You can do this with them on, I recommend turning them off.
Alternatively, I would suggest copying the VMDKs from each machine to a External USB Drive. You'll need to know how to mount them in Linix but it's easy enough... 10 secs on google can teach you. Then copying them to the External. (It creates a backup at the same time) and then mounting and copying off the VM on the new host.
The first option is by far the easiest.
Alternatively, I would suggest copying the VMDKs from each machine to a External USB Drive. You'll need to know how to mount them in Linix but it's easy enough... 10 secs on google can teach you. Then copying them to the External. (It creates a backup at the same time) and then mounting and copying off the VM on the new host.
The first option is by far the easiest.
Alternatively, I would suggest copying the VMDKs from each machine to a External USB Drive.
this is not supported!
No need to turn them off, that is what Storage vMotion does! Live MIgration no downtime!
@ Andrew: Supported or not, it's 10x Faster and easier than NFS transfers. Mount USB, Copy VMDK from shell or console, move them, open of ESX and reattach. You can't do it through vSphere or ESX though.
ASKER
@ Andrew, is there any article which will list the steps/instructions on how to do this?
Do you have ESX or ESXi ?
Is this 4.x or 5.x, 6.x ?
Do you need steps to create the NFS datastore, Mount the NFS datastore ?
Is this 4.x or 5.x, 6.x ?
Do you need steps to create the NFS datastore, Mount the NFS datastore ?
ASKER
how i will know the difference if its ESX or ESXI :-)
with the version its 5.5
i need steps to create NFS datastore, mount the NFS datastore (Exchange Server) and then move it to new ESX host.
with the version its 5.5
i need steps to create NFS datastore, mount the NFS datastore (Exchange Server) and then move it to new ESX host.
ASKER
i found it, its esx....
ASKER
Also i have posted one more question, can you please have a look at it.....
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/28686716/Linux-ESX-host-unpingable.html
https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/28686716/Linux-ESX-host-unpingable.html
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ASKER
then how do we transfer it back to ESX host?
You right click the VM, and select Migrate, and select the datastore.
You do have vCenter Server ?
You do have vCenter Server ?
ASKER
yes we have vcentre
Okay, so Right Click VM Migrate.
Are the hosts in question not connected in any way?