move from vmware ESXi4.1 to HP branded ESXi4.1

[martyboy]

Hi!

I have a dl380G7 with local storage ( 12 disks ) running on vmware ESXi4.1. I would like to replace that 4.1 with HP´s branded 4.1. The ESXi is installed on an own raid1. Is this easy to accomplish? I would assume that since the datastore is located on a seperate raid10 a reinstall should not be affecting that raid.

[VMmatty]

That's correct - you should simply be able to reinstall ESXi using the HP branded version so long as you choose the right partition.  Obviously your VMs will have to remain down during this process.

Keep in mind you're going to lose all of your configuration data as part of this, so you'll need to reconfigure vSwitches and things like that (unless you use Host Profiles).

[MauroBonder]

you  need to make sure the correct amount in his case should have a big  difference in the size of the partition due to different raid. Note the size of the partition to not install the wrong partition and not lose the VM's.

After reinstalling you need to add the machines in inventory.

this can help http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=100616...

good luck              

[martyboy]

Thx guys, that was what i was hoping for. Another idea i have is to move to USB media instead and USE the 2 disks for data instead. That should be the same procedure right? Just boot the USB and add to inventory!?

[VMmatty]

You could potentially play it safe and simply install to your USB drive and boot from that, leaving the internal RAID-1 install of ESXi alone.  This way if you encounter an issue with the HP branded ESXi then you can easily go back by simply booting from the internal RAID-1.

If you're going to use a USB stick, make sure that it is an HP provided stick and not something you just bought off the shelf at Staples.  This KB from VMware spells out their support policies regarding USB and SD installations of ESXi:

http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=101057...

Matt

http://www.thelowercasew.com

[Nikhil_Patwa]

I recently installed ESXi 4.1 onto onboard USB drive that came with my dell server i guess purpose built for such installations only and my system is working fine, so I think there won't be any problems with installing ESXi 4.1 onto USB drives.

What's the reason of removing the previous ESXi 4.1?

Nikhil

[martyboy]

Well it´s the first release of vmwares esxi4.1 and i want HP´s latest branded build 4.1u1

[DSTAVERT]

If you leave the original RAID 1 and install to USB (You probably have the internal SD card slot as well) you will probably encounter the duplicate install  issue. When ESXi encounters two installs it will halt with a PSOD. Pull the RAID 1 drives and make sure your install is good and then clean the RAID 1 drives before making them into a datastore.

[idle-jam]

on top of that, you could backup esxi config and restore thereafter. http://professionalvmware.com/2010/05/how-to-backup-esxi-configuration-the-missing-piece/

[Josh26 · Accepted solution]

Hi,

The "HP Branded" ESXi is just ESXi with the additional drivers and plugins.

You can get these from HP's support page and install them in the same manner as a patch. This allows the "migration" without any sort of reinstall or major process. All you need is the "ESXi Offline Bundle", the "NMI Driver" and any 10GbE NIC drivers applicable to your hardware.

[martyboy]

Thanks for your answers!

I did a upgrade with the offline bundle and NMI drivers. Worked like a charm.