Updating firmware and OS on ESXi 6.5 hosts
Afternoon all,
So, after finding out how bad it was at this new role when it came to updating their firmware and hosts, I've now got the pleasure of doing it. They have accepted that it's pretty bad but we're also running a version of 6.5 from November 2016........
So, my question is this, I need to know the best way to update these boxes, I'm doing the entire firmware stack for all the hardware and then grabbing the latest esx 6.5 version and then bashing through the entire cluster.
I'm thinking this
Drop the server into maintenance mode, actually, manually move off the VM's and then go to Maintenance mode. I put one in 3 days ago and it purple screened.
NExt up, update the hardware BIOS
Then update the OS
Bring it out of maintenance mode
Move the VM's back, move onto the next host. Rinse and Repeat.
Is this is the best way to do it or is there a better way?
Thanks
Alex
So, after finding out how bad it was at this new role when it came to updating their firmware and hosts, I've now got the pleasure of doing it. They have accepted that it's pretty bad but we're also running a version of 6.5 from November 2016........
So, my question is this, I need to know the best way to update these boxes, I'm doing the entire firmware stack for all the hardware and then grabbing the latest esx 6.5 version and then bashing through the entire cluster.
I'm thinking this
Drop the server into maintenance mode, actually, manually move off the VM's and then go to Maintenance mode. I put one in 3 days ago and it purple screened.
NExt up, update the hardware BIOS
Then update the OS
Bring it out of maintenance mode
Move the VM's back, move onto the next host. Rinse and Repeat.
Is this is the best way to do it or is there a better way?
Thanks
Alex
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With the current Intel flaws, all need to be addressed, otherwise you might as well not bother with anything!
You'll need to start with Upgrading vCenter Server anyway, if present.
and then... look at posts above, but update firmwares and BIOS first.
Rotation can be done, e.g. move/migrate/turn off/maintenance mode - apply fixes to host, then repeat.
BUT read all above, as to what you need to do....it's not really just apply fix and run away at preset....
You'll need to start with Upgrading vCenter Server anyway, if present.
and then... look at posts above, but update firmwares and BIOS first.
Rotation can be done, e.g. move/migrate/turn off/maintenance mode - apply fixes to host, then repeat.
BUT read all above, as to what you need to do....it's not really just apply fix and run away at preset....
ASKER
OK so lets say I'll get everything updated including all the firmware, OS and spectre/meltdown etc. What would be the best way to do it? I'm thinking BIOS first, then the OS.
Thanks
Alex
Thanks
Alex
cross posted.. see above.
ASKER
Oh wonderful :D thank you so much as always :D
Legend..... wait for it..... DARY!!!!!
Legend..... wait for it..... DARY!!!!!
ASKER
Would it be an idea to push through to VCSA 6.7 or is that licenced separately from 6.5
Andrew said it best, "DO NOT RANDOMLY APPLY VMWARE VSPHERE PATCHES WITHOUT A PLAN!!!!"
All 6.x use the same license.
Unless you have a valid reason for moving up to 6.7, I would stick with VCSA 6.5 for the time being, plenty of life in 6.5, which has the same end of support date as 6.7.
Unless you have a valid reason for moving up to 6.7, I would stick with VCSA 6.5 for the time being, plenty of life in 6.5, which has the same end of support date as 6.7.
ASKER
Essentially, I want it updated to a stable version. I'd like to get the spectre and meltdown patches as well. Updating to ESX 6.5 update 2 would be fine to be honest. However if you have a more reliable option I'd happily take a look.