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JDLangdon
Expert
Expert

Move ESXi to new vCenter Datacenter

I'm in the process of upgrading to ESXi 5.1.  As part of the upgrade I'm also trying to create some new datacenters, clusters, and folders.

Is there any awy to move an ESXi server to a different datacenter without removing it from vCenter?  I know I can move the ESXi server between clusters within the same datacenter simply by putting it in maintenance mode but when I attempt to move it between datacenters I get an error indicating that the operation is not supported on the object..

I also know that I can disconnect and remove the ESXi sever from vCenter and than reconnect it where I want but removing the host from vCenter will delete all historical data from the database and I'd rather not do this if it can be helped.

Thanks,

jd

5 Replies
JDLangdon
Expert
Expert

Ok, after further investigation I think I have a solution.

In order to move an ESX(i) host between datacenters your first have to take the host out of its cluster.  Then you can move it to another datacenter and then place it in the new cluster.

To caveats to this is the host either has to be in maintenance mode or disconnected.

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sparrowangelste
Virtuoso
Virtuoso

nice, I would have figured the hosts has to be in maintnenece mode, but didnt find anything that showed it possible to move between DCs, I only clusters.

good to know!

--------------------- Sparrowangelstechnology : Vmware lover http://sparrowangelstechnology.blogspot.com
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markdjones82
Expert
Expert

Yes you can disconnect the host to do that and still have the information in the old virtualcenter

http://www.twitter.com/markdjones82 | http://nutzandbolts.wordpress.com
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nharmer
Contributor
Contributor

This post just helped me put an end to a 30 minute road of frustration.  Moving the host out of its cluster first and then to another data center before adding it to the new cluster worked for me.  Thank you!

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joyb81
Contributor
Contributor

Yes All,

Even i face the same issue while moving host from one Vcenter to another this is the only solution were you can disconnect and reconnect to the another Vcenter.

If anyone looking for help in moving host with VCenter then there is a quick video which you can look at Smiley Happy Move ESXi From One Cluster to Another Cluster in VCenter 5.5 - AIK IT Support | AIK IT Support