VMFS5 vs VMFS3: How do VM's behave?

[Maelito]

Hi

With the advent of VMFS5 I have a few questions so maybe you guys can help?

• If I create a VM on VMFS3 and move it to VMFS5:
  • Will the VM work OK on VMFS5?

• If I then move the VM from VMFS5 to VMFS3:
  • Will the VM work OK on VMFS3 again?

• If I create a VM on VMFS5 and move it to VMFS3:
  • Will the VM work OK on VMFS3?

• If I then move the VM from VMFS3 to VMFS2:
  • Will the VM work OK on VMFS5 again?

I just want to be sure that the old VM's (created on VMFS3 on ESX3.x/4) hosts will be OK on the VMFS6 datastores?

Thanks, Maelito

[helltejas]

I don't think there is any issue of moving VMs form VMFS3 to 5..

post if any issue occurs:smileymischief:

[continuum]

YES to all your questions

only "issue" with VMFS 5 at the moment - you can only read it with ESXi.
VMFS 3 can also be read with Linux which is a major advantage in case you come across corrupt or partial corrupt VMFS volumes

[esnmb]

Just so I understand, VM's running hardware version 4 will be, as will the tools they are running?

[continuum]

sorry - I cant follow you.
What is your question ?

[esnmb]

LOL!  I think I was interupted during the post and submitted by mistake...  Sorry about that.

VM's running hardware version 4 and whatever tools they happen to be running will run on VMFS 5?

[continuum]

yes - but doing so does not really make sense - because you will not get any of the advantages of the newer virtual hardware

[esnmb]

Right. I just have close to 400 VM's and it will take time to get to all of them.  I'll most likely just move everything to hardware version 8 once all hosts and VMFS volumes are updated....

[danzig69]

I did your first 3 first question in the last 2 week and they all work. "VMFS3 and move it to VMFS5:" you will have the possibility to upgrade virtual hardware with a right click on the VM

I never try the last one VMFS3 to VMFS2.

I think you write a mistake " will be OK on the VMFS6 datastores?" maybe you want to write VMFS5