How to use update manager to update from 5.1.0a to 5.1.0b ?

[adrianych]

Sorry, I am quite a newbie.

Can someone kindly advise me on how to update my ESXi from either 5.1.0 & 5.1.0a to 5.1.0b using the update manager ?

Is there a way to update without having to use the ISO (by means of installing patches) ?

I have 2 main issues :

1. Cannot upgrade from update manager (someone helped me create a baseline using downloaded "VIMsetup" ISO)

- Hosts get disconnected with weird error from console (sorry no screenshot as I found out that this was a NIC driver issue much later)

- Stuck at 26% (if using update manager)

- some weird message at console, can only display or list some config

2. Cannot perform direct upgrade from iso or bootable discs on Dell 12G servers (Dell R320 & R620)

- No NIC found (if using discs or virtual discs via iso mount)

[a_p_]

From what I understand, you are trying to patch the hosts using a Host  Upgrade baseline which is not what you want to do in this case!?

With Update Manager you can basically create two types of baselines. A "Host Upgrade" baseline which may be used to upgrade hosts from e.g. version 5.0 to version 5.1 and "Patch Baselines" which applies patches for a given version of a host. The patches can either be downloaded directly by the Update Manager or you can download them from the Patch Portal and upload them to the Update manager in case you don't have Internet Access. Depending on how the Dell NIC drivers are provided, you may also be able use Update Manager to install/patch them.

André

[adrianych]

Thanks for your reply....

I was not sure how the previous setting to the update manager was setup but I remember it required to down the ISO from VMware. So it was more like a "upgrade" than update. And the Dell 12G servers (R320 at least) are not supported by VMware.

In short, I can patch

- ESXi 5.1.0a to ESXi 5.1.0b ?

- ESXi 5.0.0 to ESXi 5.1.0b ?

Are there links with step by step on how to use the update manager and which patches are required ?

[a_p_]

In short, I can patch

- ESXi 5.1.0a to ESXi 5.1.0b ? --> Yes, a "Patch Baseline" can be use to apply patches for the same version of ESXi.

- ESXi 5.0.0 to ESXi 5.1.0b ? --> No this is not considered a Patch but an Upgrade, so this will require a "Host Upgrade" baseline

A quick note just to clarify, there are no 5.1.0a and 5.1.0b versions available for ESXi, these version numbers only apply to vCenter Server.

In addition to the official documentation (http://www.vmware.com/support/pubs/vum_pubs.html) you can find lots of blog posts and videos on the Internet about how to use Update Manager. To determine which upgrades and patches you want/need to install you'll need to read the Release Notes and check the compatibility lists for your host (in case individual packages are needed for e.g. the network adapters). Supported drivers - which are no inluded in the base image - can be found at https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/info/slug/datacenter_cloud_infrastructure/vmware_vsphere/5_1#driver... (Driver CDs)

André

[adrianych]

Then the 3TB file I downloaded actually consists of the ESXi 5.1.0 + vCenter 5.1.0b files ?

Then can the update manager update vCenter ? Or would I do it in windows ?

I am competent in Windows but not in VMware yet....

[a_p_ · Accepted solution]

The ~3.4GB file (arther than 3TB ) you mention is most likely the vCenter Server installation package (VMware-VIMSetup-all-5.1.0-947939) and does not contain the ESXi installation (VMware-VMvisor-Installer-5.1.0-799733.x86_64.iso).

Update Manger cannot be used to upgrade or patch vCenter Server, but only the ESXi hosts (and/or virtual appliances).

André

[adrianych]

Sorry...3GB....feels like 3TB when downloading from the Internet....

I ususally get the 3GB file then mount it using magicdisk then copy the files out.

I will see how to update the vCenter....at least back to Windows (i feel like lost at see but now see dry land).

i will find out how to use update manager to learn how to install patches on to the ESXi....

- lost with terms like "baselines", "remidiate"

Thanks for all your help.....

[nzorn]

"A quick note just to clarify, there are no 5.1.0a and 5.1.0b versions available for ESXi"

Actually ESXi 5.1.0a does exist: VMware-VMvisor-Installer-201210001-838463.x86_64.iso

https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/details?productId=285&downloadGroup=VCL-VSP510-ESXI-510-EN