Upgrading the ESX 4.0 environment to ESXi.4.1

[Kapil84]

Hi,

In our environment we are using VMware ESX 4.0.0 but now we are trying to upgrade our Environment from ESX 4.0.0 to ESXi.4.1.0

All ESX host are in bladecenter and they are using Share storage (SAN).  All ESX are in one cluster in vCenter.  In vCenter Vmotion, DRS and HA of that cluster is on.

If any on has upgraded their VMware environment from ESX 4.0 to ESXi 4.1.0 then please let me know all upgrade process.

what are the important things I need to take care. Also I want to know what documentation i need to do before upgrading to ESXi 4.1.0

Can I add both ESX hosts and  ESXi hosts into one cluster and create mixed environment?

If there is any suggestions, process , material or screen shots then please let me know.

Thanks & Regards,

[Troy_Clavell]

there is no upgrade path for ESX 4.x to ESXi 4.1.x, you'll need to rebuild.  If you have vCenter and vMotion, you can do a rolling rebuild.  However, remember in order to manage ESXi 4.1, your vCenter Server and modules must first be upgraded.

[Kapil84]

Hello Troy,

Thank you for the quick response.  Our VMware vCenter Server is already upgraded to  4.1.0 U1 version.

I have figure out some important steps for rebuilding the ESXi from ESX host. Please let me know iwhether this will help me or i need to do some other way.

1) Check vCenter is upgraded to 4.1U1 or not.

2) Migrate VMs from one host to another

3) Put Esx host into maintenance mode.

4) Boot form ESXi installer disc for ESXi installation

5) Reconfigure the host setting

6) Move all VMs from other host to back to the new ESXi.

Q 1) Also I want to know , if I dont want to wipe out any shared data  store then what precaution do I need to take?

Q 2) After migration of all VMs from one host to another do I need to take out that host from vCenter and then I need to install ESXi or I can install ESXi without removing the host from vCenter.

Q3)Also what critical documentation do I need to do before rebuilding the ESXi 4.1.0 so it will help me for reconfiguration after installation of ESXi?

Thanks & Regards

[Troy_Clavell · Accepted solution]

Q 1) Also I want to know , if I dont want to wipe out any shared data  store then what precaution do I need to take?

For us, when you do rebuilds we pull the fiber cables out of the back of the Hosts, this way you protect yourself from any chance of formatting a shared LUN.

Q 2) After migration of all VMs from one host to another do I need to  take out that host from vCenter and then I need to install ESXi or I can  install ESXi without removing the host from vCenter.

you will need to remove the host from vCenter. Once the host has been rebuilt, "add host" back into vCenter.

Q3)Also what critical documentation do I need to do before rebuilding  the ESXi 4.1.0 so it will help me for reconfiguration after installation  of ESXi?

I would start with the ESXi Installable and vCenter Server Setup Guide

All can be found at

http://www.vmware.com/support/pubs/vs_pages/vsp_pubs_esxi41_i_vc41.html

[Kapil84]

Hi Troy,

Thank you for the answers & document link.

Regards

Kapil.