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Robert_M
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Changing a vm from 4 processors to one

I have a vm running W2K3 SP1 that was created as a 4-proc vm. It is just a file server. I would like to convert it to a single-proc machine.

It is running on ESX 3.0.2 / VC 2.0.2.

What is the best way for me to go about this?

Thanks in advance...

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atzi
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I don't have don this in production. But I have tested this.

Give the VM only one vCPU. Start your VM. Change the HAL in the Hardware manager under Computer from ACPI Multiprocessor to ACPI Uniprocessor. Reboot. Maybe a second time.

This have don it in my test.

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joergriether
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didn´t tried that by myself but i imagine vmware converter is worth giving it a try.

If it fails you´ll have to manually replace the HAL but I´d give it a try.

best regards

Joerg

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java_cat33
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Check the following thread - this contains the information you require.

http://communities.vmware.com/thread/29415

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atzi
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I don't have don this in production. But I have tested this.

Give the VM only one vCPU. Start your VM. Change the HAL in the Hardware manager under Computer from ACPI Multiprocessor to ACPI Uniprocessor. Reboot. Maybe a second time.

This have don it in my test.

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Robert_M
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When I get to the point of upgrading the HAL I have the following options (I don't see Uni-Processor):

**

ACPI Multiprocessor PC

Advanced Configuration and Power Interface PC

MPS Multiprocessor PC

Standard PC

**

Am I looking in the wrong place or do I pick "Advanced Configuration and Power Interface PC"?

Thanks!

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fatih
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You're correct. You shall choose "Advanced Configuration and Power Interface PC".

I have done this in many servers and its works perfect. The "Uni" is for Windows 2000.

Regards

christianZ
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CPU downgrade on Windows 2003 is only supported with SP2, witch SP1 a special patch from MS is needed !

Once I did that with SP1 and got an abnormal cpu configuration - with SP2 no problems.

In addition vmware converter can't do that - Platespin PowerConvert can.

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fatih
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I'm sure you right. Haven't looked that up. But for me CPU downgrade has worked for me without any hassle on any of the 40+ vms I converted and I have done it on Windows 2000 SP3/4 and Windows 2003 without SP and also with SP1 and SP2..

Maybe it has to do something with the ESX version also, all these conversion and downgrades I have done in either 3.01 or 3.02.

Regards

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Robert_M
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Well it seemed to work - even though the server I converted was Server 2003 SP1.

I can't upgrade the server right now to SP2 because of compatibility with an app on the server.

When you said you had problems with SP1 what should I be looking out for? And can you tell me the KB number of the fix you downloaded.

Thanks in advance...

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glynnd1
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http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923425

But you have to call MS to get it.

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Robert_M
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How do I know if I need the patch or not? Everything seems fine so far....but I don't want trouble down the road.

Thanks!

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christianZ
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Mentioned link, search for "Status"

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Robert_M
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13 months later the vm is still running fine and still on sp1...

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