How to move VM machine from ESX v3.5 to Vsphere v4.1 ?

[fm76fm76]

Hi,

I would like to move our Virtual Machines on ESX v3.5 to a new VShere v4.1.

The VMs are Windows 2003 , RedHat 4 and 5.

I would like no impact from th esource machine.

Methods:

1) Stop VMs, copy the Folder with vmdk from old DataStore to new DataStore + Start new + install new VmWare Tols

OR

2) Use the Migrate Option (change Host + Datastore) , does it work for RedtHat Machines

Thanks for reply

[weinstein5 · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the Forums - Both will work but I woudl use the cold migrate method changing host and datastore -

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[TheSMO]

I think there is an other way using VMWare Converter Standalone :

     The bad points are that you need a good machine to run it, and that it might be a little bit longer than copying

     The good point is that your VMs will be securely migrated

     Clues for an easy VM migration with VMWare Converter :

          - Stop your VM

          - Use VMWare Converter to "migrate" it, but keep the VM in version 4

          - Boot the VM and install the new VMWare tools and stop the VM

          - Upgrade virtual hardware and boot the VM

          - Logon and wait new hardware detection (for Windows only) and reboot your VM