HW Version 4 upgrade path

[SteveWag]

We're looking to migrate to ESX 6 and as part of this have a handful of VMs that are Hardware version 4 that we need to drag into this century.

I'd like to upgrade the tools to the highest compatible to HW version 4, how can I work this out?

Then upgrade the hardware version to 10 then upgrade the tools 10.x that are out now.

Along the way I'll be swapping out the nic for vmxnet3 as well.

So how can I work out the highest compatible tools that where supported with version 4 of the hardware?

[Alim786]

First tell me what version are your ESXi Hosts ?

[SteveWag]

All hosts are currently 5.5.0 update 2.

[LucianoPatrão]

Hi

From 4?? This is ESX 3.x something. Really, really old.

First, you need to be aware that upgrade hw versions Guest OS can stop working(particularly Windows VMs) and a snapshot doesn't restore fix the issue. So you always should create some backups before doing this tasks.

Second, first the VMware tools, then upgrade the hw,

How to: https://kb.vmware.com/kb/1010675

More information's: https://kb.vmware.com/kb/1003746

https://kb.vmware.com/kb/1003746

[Alim786]

Based upon the article below, you should be able to upgrade the hardware version to 10 provided your Hosts are updated and VM Tools are updated :-

ESXi/ESX hosts and compatible virtual machine hardware versions list (2007240) | VMware KB‌

[SteveWag]

No tools first then hw version, your linked article even states this "

1. Upgrade VMware Tools. On Microsoft Windows virtual machines, if you upgrade the virtual hardware before you upgrade VMware Tools, the virtual machine might lose its network settings."

[Alim786]

You have misunderstood me. As the article says, upgrade tools first.

[SteveWag]

I wasn't sure if the current tools 10.x etc. would work on a hardware version 4 box or kill it.

I guess I could always do the tools upgrade via vsphere and hope it has some kind of intelligence it will work with the version it applies.

[SteveWag]

I was replying to Luciano Patrao but my reply came after yours

[Alim786]

Always take a snapshot first before any upgrades. If you have Update Manager, this can be incorporated into the Upgrade Task and you can do it for several VMs. However, to be on the safe side you can upgrade one at a time after doing full UAT or follow this for critical VMs.

[SteveWag]

The question still hasn't been answered what version of the tools is compatible with version 4 of the hardware.

I might just make a clone of one of the servers and test a tools 10.x update.

[pedrocalixto]

There are two distinct things. The HW version is related to hardware features and configuration maximums and should not have limitations about VMware Tools version.

Compatibility matrix of ESXi and VMware Tools: http://partnerweb.vmware.com/comp_guide2/sim/interop_matrix.php#interop&1=&39=

Compatibility matrix of ESXi and HW version: ESXi/ESX hosts and compatible virtual machine hardware versions list (2007240) | VMware KB

I hope it helps.

[LucianoPatrão]

Hi

Did you read all links that I have add above? Because the answer is inside.

Again keep in mind that snapshots a VM will prevent a Guest OS of crashing after hw upgrade. Snapshots are only for "freeze" a state in the Guest OS, upgrading hw version is in the VM itself, not Guest OS. So make a full backup of those VMs before upgrade them.