Need help migration from vcenter 4.0U2 with SQL 2005 express to vcenter 4.1 and SQL 2008 R2 X64

[davidb1234]

We currently have a Windows 2008 x64 VM running VCENTER 4.0U2. The database is the default internal database for a small deployment(sql2005 express I think).

I would like to upgrade to Vcenter 4.1 in place but we also want to upgrade our database to sql 2008 x64.

What process should I follow to do this upgrade?

Can I perform an over the top upgrade of sql 2005 express to sql 2008 standard x64 or sql 2008 R2? Then once that upgrade is complete proceed with the vcenter upgrade over the top?

[RAMESA]

Here is the guide which will give information about this migration -

http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vsphere4/r41/vsp_41_upgrade_guide.pdf

Section - Upgrading to vCenter Server 4.1

Page 37, section - Back Up VirtualCenter or vCenter Server Configuration with the Data

Migration Tool

Regards,

Ramesh

[davidb1234]

I read the section you referred to and can't find any relevant information. The migration tool only backs up the configuration and restores to another server with the same type of database.

We are already running on 2008 x64 bit server. We want to upgrade vcenter from 4.0U2 to to 4.1 AND sql from 2005 express to 2008 R2 x64 instead of using the embedded database.

I am unsure and can't locate any information on how to upgrade or change database from bundled to non bundled on either the same server or a different server.

[JGP]

Have a look at this: http://vmetc.com/2009/01/11/how-to-upgrade-the-virtualcenter-sql-2005-express-database/

[AndreTheGiant]

In you case you have to move the DB to the new SQL server.

Reconfigure the ODBC driver.

Then perform an installation by specify existing DB... this will upgrade the DB structure and the vCenter Server.

About the DB, first check: http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vsphere4/r40/vsp_compatibility_matrix.pdf

I do not see SQL 2008 R2 as a supported DB.

Andre