ESX Server and VirtualCenter Upgrade

Keys for upgrade or migration success

• Each step of the process is irreversible
• The order of steps is very significant
• Some Virtual Machine downtime is mandatory and unavoidable
• Make thorough backups before beginning
• In order to protect aganist error
• Prepare your environment for change

IMPORTANCE: Upgrades or migrations to ESX Server 3 and VirtualCenter 2 are irreversible and must be performed in the correct order.

Steps in a successful upgrade

Step 1: Make backups; choose a strategy; prepare for changes

Step 2: Upgrade VirtualCenter components

Step 3: Upgrade ESX Server hosts and datastores

Step 4: Upgrade virtual-machine hardware

Step 5: Upgrade VMware Tools inside virtual machines

 

DO remember:

Upgrades or migrations ESX3/VC2 will succeed only if they have been planned and prepared for.

Protect against error by making backups.

Inspect your environment and make a plan before beginning.