Any way to move hosts w running VMs to a new vCtr/Cluster?

[vSANity]

Hello Forum,

Is there any way to move hosts to a new cluster/vCtr with VMs running?

Thanks for Helping!

Juha

[mbufkin]

Here is one way but not the only way. Method 2 might work. Method 1 requires maintenance mode so that will require vm's to be powered off. https://www.vmwarearena.com/moving-esx-hosts-between-clusters/

If you can vmotion the vm's to another host then move the host and migrate the vm's back that would work too.

[vSANity]

Thanks.   

Method2:  Do you think one can add a non-maint mode host to a cluster?

[a_p_ · Accepted solution]

You cannot add the host directly into a cluster without maintenance mode, but you can add it on the datacenter level, and then move it into the cluster.

I assume that you do not use any advanced features like distributed switches, etc.

André

[vSANity]

Tried adding a host w running VMs:   It says host will be placed in Maint Mode before adding.

I suppose there is no way to add w/o Maint Mode?

[vSANity]

Andre, thanks!

If I add it at the dataCenter level, could I then migrate VMs to other hosts in the DC?

Juha

[a_p_]

Assuming a proper configuration (network etc.) that should work.
Not sure if you missed it in my reply, you can manually move the host into the cluster after adding it to the datacenter.

André

[vSANity]

Thanks again!   Migrating a few VMs and then will try.

Juha

[vSANity]

Andre, Thank You!   

I tried with one host.   It worked!    This is great!

Juha

[mbufkin]

Glad you got it working.