VCenter server 5.1 Update 1 upgrade to Update 3 ?

[AlbertWT]

Hi People,

Does anyone here know what is the best way to perform Windows VCenter Server 5.1 Update 1 into Update 3 with no issue ?

Because previously there are so many problem in SSO JRE so upgrading it won't be a smooth sailing.

If anyone here know what else to do please share it here.

Thanks.

[rcporto]

Any reason why not upgrade to version 5.5, this way you will avoid some SSO version 1 problems? Anyway, I "think" if follow the best practices you will avoid a lot of problems: VMware KB: Upgrading to vCenter Server 5.1 best practices

[AlbertWT]

Richardson,

The reason is that because we are not ready from the HP Blade firmware stand point, because from what I heard upgrading to ESXi 5.1 to 5.5 needs some specific firmware and driver level (not to mention some buggy HP drivers Re: Vsphere 5.5 and Emulex OneConnect 10Gb NIC trouble) therefore I just go with the stable option first while still under support.

ESXi 5.5 Update 2 is also known to have issue with HP hardware so I'm still not convinced yet for the stability.

[rcporto]

Ok, but remember that you can have your vCenter at version 5.5 and let your hosts on version 5.1 without any problems, because of this my recommendation is upgrade directly to vCenter 5.5 and when your host are ready to upgrade to version 5.5 you will avoid upgrade your vCenter again.

[AlbertWT]

Hi Richardson,

So in my case here, I can do inline upgrade of my VCenter 5.1 update 1 into VCenter 5.5 Update 2 ?

I've never done this major upgrade and wondering if there is any caveats or pitfalls that I need to be aware of.

[rcporto · Accepted solution]

So in my case here, I can do inline upgrade of my VCenter 5.1 update 1 into VCenter 5.5 Update 2 ?

Yes, you can go directly to version 5.5 Update 2 on the same way you will to version 5.1 Update 3... just launch the installer and the old version will be detected and the installer will suggest the upgrade.

To avoid caveats, make sure follow the best practices: VMware KB: Upgrading to vCenter Server 5.5 best practices

[AlbertWT]

Thanks for the suggestion Richardson.

I've just completed the ESXi 5.1 update 1 to update 2 while still on VCenter 5.1 U1, all seems to be running well.