Patching ESXi 4.0

[esteban2800VBOX]

I don't have vCenter and I would like to patch a new ESXi 4.0 server (free license). What is the process? I see posts regarding the update host utility and I don't have that option either. Can someone shed some light? I used to use vCenter back in my old job. I'm trying to get a proof of concept together with all the free stuff.

[VTsukanov]

You can to use vSphere Host Update Utility. For more information, see the About Patching Hosts with vSphere Host Update Utility chapters of the vSphere Upgrade Guide.

[esteban2800VBOX]

That's the issue. I don't have that option. According to the ESX Guide, you can download available host patches and maintenance updates. The procedure is:

1 Select Start > Programs > VMware > vSphere Host Update Utility 4.0.

2 Select File > Download Patches from VMware.

vSphere Host Update Utility downloads patches and updates from the official servers.

I don't have that option.

[Dave_Mishchenko]

Run a reinstall of the vSphere client and choose the custom install. The host update utility doesn't get installed in a typical install. When you upgrade to ESXi 4.1 note that the host update utility is no longer available with that version and you'll have to use vihostupdate from the vCLI.




Dave

VMware Communities User Moderator

Now available - vSphere Quick Start Guide

Do you have a system or PCI card working with VMDirectPath? Submit your specs to the Unofficial VMDirectPath HCL.

[esteban2800VBOX]

Ok, I'll re-run the installation. Regarding the vihostupdate from the vCLI, is that command in the vmware directory?

[esteban2800VBOX]

Ok, thank you. I got it to work. In the future or if I end up upgrading to ESXi 4.1, I will check out the vihostupdate from the command line.

[Dave_Mishchenko · Accepted solution]

The vCLI is a seperate download. It's available for windows, linux or as a bundle linux VM appliance called the vMA. You can download it here - http://www.vmware.com/support/developer/vcli/. Here's a sample for running the command - http://www.vm-help.com/esx/esx3i/esx_3i_rcli/vihostupdate.php.




Dave

VMware Communities User Moderator

Now available - vSphere Quick Start Guide

Do you have a system or PCI card working with VMDirectPath? Submit your specs to the Unofficial VMDirectPath HCL.

[esteban2800VBOX]

Awesome! Thank you. Yes, got the host update to work. I never saw it when I installed the client. This is a clear indication that I need to get some rest. Thank you anyway.