I’m open to any suggestions. Also, how does the upgrade affect the data stores? Do the Volumes need to be updated to VMFS 5.
Thanks again for any help.
In this case, I'd probably do a clean installation of all the components. First free up one of the hosts and disconnect/remove it from the current vCenter Server. Then upgrade it's firmware (if applicable), install and configure ESXi 5.1 and then setup vCenter Server 5.1 (unless you need Update Manager, you may consider the vCenter Server Appliance).
Once done disable HA/DRS on the old vCenter Server, disconnect/remove the hosts from it and add the host to the new vCenter Server. If the hosts have similar hardware, you should be able to vMotion the VMs and this way do a rolling reinstallation of the hosts.
André
PS: Regarding VMFS. Although it is possible to upgrade VMFS3 to VMFS5 on the fly (after all hosts are running the new version), I usually tend to create new datastores and migrate the VMs rather than to upgrading VMFS.
Some questions for clarification:
André
Thanks for the prompt reply. Here are the ansers to your questions:
Some questions for clarification:
In this case, I'd probably do a clean installation of all the components. First free up one of the hosts and disconnect/remove it from the current vCenter Server. Then upgrade it's firmware (if applicable), install and configure ESXi 5.1 and then setup vCenter Server 5.1 (unless you need Update Manager, you may consider the vCenter Server Appliance).
Once done disable HA/DRS on the old vCenter Server, disconnect/remove the hosts from it and add the host to the new vCenter Server. If the hosts have similar hardware, you should be able to vMotion the VMs and this way do a rolling reinstallation of the hosts.
André
PS: Regarding VMFS. Although it is possible to upgrade VMFS3 to VMFS5 on the fly (after all hosts are running the new version), I usually tend to create new datastores and migrate the VMs rather than to upgrading VMFS.
Thanks again. This is definitley how I will proceed. I read up on the vCenter Server Appliance and I'm starting to lean in that direction. If I need to use update manager I can install that on a Windows based VM right?
Thanks again for your help.
Yes, you can install Update Manager separately (see e.g. VMware KB: Services bundled with vCenter Server Appliance) However, patching an ESXi 5 host is very easy and basically only requires a single command from the console, so it might be not worth installing it for only 3 hosts.
André