Is it necessary to maintain SQL Express database on vCenter?

[biokovo]

We have 6 hosts, about 50 VMs, and SQL 2005 Express database with  two database: one for vCenter and one for update manager.

A few days ago I have a problem with vSphere client, sometimes it works very slow, and sometimes it disconect from vCenter.

I didn't find reason for this behavior but I suspect on sql. That sql databases has a low available space, and at task manager sql service is about 900 MB (I suppose it's to much RAM).

I know vmware reccomend max 5 hosts and 50 VMs on sql express database, but I am interesting what can I do to increase performance and available space of this databases.

I already put database retention policy on 120 days, and heard it is possible to purge old data but I would like to hear some advice.

Thanks

[marcelo_soares]

If you can:

- Place vCenter DB on a different Windows (with an std/ent license)

- You can purge data using steps here: http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1025914

Express version sucks, don't use it for production, more if you have more than 5 hosts. It also have serious limitations on DB sizing.

Good luck,

Marcelo Soares

[biokovo]

Thanks.

I have already purge old data. This procedure is only for VC database, how can I purge old data on Updata Manager Database?

What are others limitations of SQL Express except database size? If I set retention policy and database is never going full, what else can be problem?

[arturka]

Ante wrote:

Thanks.

I have already purge old data. This procedure is only for VC database, how can I purge old data on Updata Manager Database?

What are others limitations of SQL Express except database size? If I set retention policy and database is never going full, what else can be problem?

VMware supports max 5 hosts and 50 VM's on SQLExpress - means in case of performance problems with vCenter or any other problems related with DB they will say that your config it's not supported and you will have to upgrade to full version (DB2, Oracle, MSSQL)

Cheers
Artur

Please, don't forget the awarding points for "helpful" and/or "correct" answers.

[marcelo_soares]

Update Manager database is small and don't keep historical data as vCenter DB does - there is no procedure on doing a purge on it. Regarding your question, the 5 host limitation, the fact that is not so performatic as std/ent versions (don't know why, need to check with MS), the limited DB size (q0 GB I think), and you can't have it on another server (stealing resources from the vCenter server) are the main disadvantages.

Regards,

Marcelo Soares

[biokovo]

Thanks.

Do I have to reinstall vCenter to change database on new sql or there is another way?

[arturka]

Ante wrote:

Thanks.

Do I have to reinstall vCenter to change database on new sql or there is another way?

Hi, If you don't wont to upgrade your current DB from SQLExpress to Standard or higher I'm affraid that you will have reinstall your vCenter because during installation vCener is creating tables inside DB.

Cheers
Artur

Please, don't forget the awarding points for "helpful" and/or "correct" answers.

[marcelo_soares · Accepted solution]

You don't need to reinstall. Here (http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1028601) you have instructions in an example of migration from Express to Enterprise - just need to point the DSN to the right place.

Good luck!

Marcelo Soares