ESXi to ESXi Enterprise - No Upgrade For You?

[adminatater]

I have several hosts running the free version of ESXi 4.0 (recently purchased some enterprise licenses).  I'm now faced with updating the hosts appropriately.  I've heard from some folks say that you cannot simply update hosts from ESXi 4.0 to ESXi 4.1 Enterprise.  Meaning I cannot apply the 'ESXi 4.1 Update 1 (upgrade ZIP from ESXi 4.0) Enterprise' .zip file to a no- Enterprise installation of ESXi.  That doing so you wouldn't get the additional features you paid for.  Leaving you stuck with the free version's features.

If anyone could shed any light on if this would happen I'd appreciate it.

[Troy_Clavell · Accepted solution]

I'm not sure I quite understand the question.... Features are controlled by licensing keys.  So, if you have new Enterprise Keys, you just need to add them in by going to the Configuration Tab--Licensed Features--edit.

As an Enterprise Customer you'll have access to download all the upgrade bundles

http://downloads.vmware.com/d/info/datacenter_downloads/vmware_vsphere_4/4_0

[DEVAXTATOR]

i've upgraded from the free version to a standard to a enterprise plus.

if you a cluster i sugest you use vmotion first just update the license and it will activate this feature then upgrade the server one by one.

i've version 4.1 update one the only bug i foud was in vmware view vmware tools it deactivates the pcoip.

but never the less vmware rules.. vmotion is the best feature.

[AndreTheGiant]

As written by Troy features are enable by the license key.

In fact, when you are in trial mode the product is the same as a fully licensed Enterprise Plus.

Andre

[adminatater]

I apologize for my confusing post; my eyes may have been awake but not my brain.

Thanks for the feedback everybody, I'm glad to hear that once I install the proper upgrade bundle & license I'll be ready to roll.