4.0 to 4.1 upgrade packages

[Alceryes]

We have a two host HA cluster and a seperate server we use for vSphere Client. We need to upgrade from ESXi 4.0 to 4.1. I am having a hard time finding the upgrade packages I need to perform this install. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Also, as I understand it, I will upgrade the vSphere client first and then push the update to the hosts from the Client. Does that sould right?

TIA!

[kjb007]

Are you referring to vCenter as opposed to vSphere Client?  If yes, then you are correct.  vCenter needs to be updated first, and then you can update ESX through update manager once that is complete.

-KjB

[Alceryes]

I'm a little fuzzy on the naming.

We use vSphere Client to manage our cluster of two hosts in a HA environment. Isn't vCenter the same thing?

[kjb007]

The vSphere client is used to connect to either a vCenter server, or an ESXi host.  vCenter is the server that allows you to create an HA cluster of more than one ESX host, and provides the centralized management of your vSphere infrastructure.

-KjB

[Alceryes]

Got it, thanks.

Would you happen to know where I can download the upgrade package from? vmware definitely doesn't make it easy...

[kjb007]

Just go to http://downloads.vmware.com/d/info/datacenter_cloud_infrastructure/vmware_vsphere/4_1

Scroll down to the license type you hold, and then select which products to download.

-KjB

[Alceryes]

So for a 4.0 to 4.1 upgrade I would just download the appropriate (essentials, standard, etc...) 4.1 update 2 install? Does the install process differentiate between 'clean install' and 'upgrade'?

[kjb007 · Accepted solution]

That is correct, you can use the downloadable iso.  There is also a specific upgrade package as well that can be used to upgrade from 4.0.

-KjB

[Troy_Clavell]

...and if you have VMware Update Manager (VUM) the upgrade can be automated through your cluster(s).  With that said, I would prefer a rolling rebuild to 4.1.  4.1 was a major release and would probably be a cleaner way of getting your hosts to 4.1 instead of an upgrade

http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1019239

[Alceryes]

I don't see the upgrade package you mentioned. Do you know where I could get it?

TIA!

NM, found it. You have to expand the download contents and it showed the 'upgrade from 4.0 ZIP,' Thanks kjb007.

[Troy_Clavell]

if you want the upgrade bundle, check http://www.vmware.com/patchmgr/download.portal

[Alceryes]

I just realized that we don't have the update manager installed on our vCenter server. Is this something that I can install now and then do the 'upgrade' or does it need to be done dirung vCenter installation?

[kjb007]

The installation program will allow you to install the Update Manager separately.  Just install it, run the task to download from the repository, and then update as needed.

-KjB

[Alceryes]

Since I will still be on 4.0 when I install the update manager I need to use the 4.0 version, right? Also, other than vm backups, are there any additional steps or caveats that you know of before upgrading vCenter from 4.0 to 4.1?

Edit - Actually, can the vCenter be upgraded to 4.1 before the upgrade manager is installed? Can I do the upgrade on vCenter first (to 4.1) then install the upgrade manager?

[kjb007]

vCenter should always be done first, and then the corresponding update manager from the same build should be updated, and then after that has been completed should you move to the ESX hosts.

-KjB

[Alceryes]

Okay, so I've got -

1) Using upgrade package 'upgrade-from-esxi4.0-to-4.1-update02-502767.zip,' I upgrade our current vCenter server from 4.0 to 4.1.

2) Install the 4.1 version of update manager from the 4.1 update 2 installation CD.

3) In update manager I just 'download from repository' and it will list all pertinent updates needed.

sound right?

(Thanks for all your help, BTW)

[kjb007]

That package is for ESXi upgrade, and that will be used with update manager, once it's up and running.

To upgrade, use the 4.1 U2 image, either ISO or zip format, and run through the install as if you were installing new.  It will detect you have vCenter running, and will ask if you want to upgrade, which you do.  Then will come the database, which will ask if you want to keep or overwrite, which you will keep.  Update the wizard as needed, and let it upgrade your vcenter.

Then you will upgrade update manager using that same install wizard, just selecting update manager.

Finally, after you have that done, you can import that upgrade package into update manager to update your ESXi hosts to 4.1

Here's the upgrade guide to help answer detailed questions:  http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vsphere4/r41/vsp_41_upgrade_guide.pdf

-KjB

[Alceryes]

I will be upgrading vCenter first but I don't have update manager currently installed. So after I upgrade I can just install a fresh update manager from the install disc, right?

[kjb007]

Correct.

-KjB