Update 5.1 U1 to Update 2

[basheerptm]

Hi,

I have a 4 hosts in a cluster implementation of Vsphere 5.1 Update1 (1065491). I want to update it to 'Update2'. I like to hear from experienced hands the procedures, risks and other details to get it done successfully.

Some facts:

I dont have VMware update manager installed in my environment, so the installation is to be manual. The database is built-in sql database. The datastore goes to Dell Equallogic.

Kindly provide the support including link to the exact update file that i have to use.

Thanks to all

[Sreejesh_D]

Are you going to upgrade only the hosts? or vCenter as well?

[rcporto]

First, make sure your host are on the HCL for Update 2 and the follow link shows many ways of upgrade, incluiding if you don't have Update Manager: Methods for upgrading to ESXi 5.1 (2032757)

And the link to download ESXi 5.1 Update 2: Download VMware ESXi 5.1 Update 2 Installable

[basheerptm]

@Yezdi,

Primarily i need to update the hosts. As the VCenter server is part of the host's Virtual machines, i guess i have to update Vcenter also. I would like to know:

- All my settings of DRS and rules can be retained after update2? I dont want to loose them and do it again.

@Richardson,

Thanks for the links, but they are a lot. What is the exact one i have to use? There are Offline bundle etc. what are the right file i have to use or i have to use them all?

Thanks for a major step-by step procedure that i have to follow to update to 'U2'

Thanks again

[vThinkBeyondVM]

Along with whatever is suggested earlier.

As you have cluster implementation in place:

1. First upgrade your vCenter server.

2. Upgrade will not disturb your cluster settings, so no worry. (If you are installing vCenter from scratch , then you will have to configure cluster again).

3. You will have to upgrade ESXi host one by one to avoid downtime. You can vMotion VMs from the host to be upgraded to other hosts in the cluster. (If DRS is configured in fully automated way, you can just keep host in maintenance mode, VMs will migrate to other hosts in the cluster automatically.

4. Upgrade the host 1 & add/connect it back to the cluster, if DRS is there, VMs will be migrated to upgraded host.

5. Repeat the step 3 & 4 for all the hosts.

[basheerptm]

Hi Vikas,

Thank you for the helpful reply. Just some concerns:

Do I need to update the license information again?

My Vcenter server is Virtual. Doe is matter? Upgrading VC server means, update the VSphere client on it, right?

Is there any concern with pool master?

Will the update affect the Networking or SAN configuration?

Do I need to update the VM tools in each of the Virtual machines or it will be automatically updated?

Overall, are there any practicatal risks on this update?

Sorry for excess questions, thanks for your support

[rcporto · Accepted solution]

Do I need to update the license information again?

No, the same license from 5.1U1 will work to 5.1U2.

My Vcenter server is Virtual. Doe is matter? Upgrading VC server means, update the VSphere client on it, right?

No, this will only make the upgrade easy And you will need update the vSphere Client too.

Is there any concern with pool master?

No, another host will be elected the master.

Will the update affect the Networking or SAN configuration?

No, it is transparent

Do I need to update the VM tools in each of the Virtual machines or it will be automatically updated?

You will need upgrade the VMware Tools manually or automatically if you have vCenter Update Manager.

[rcporto]

Upgrade the vCenter Server in this case is optimal (but recommended) since the vCenter Server 5.1 Update 1 is compatible with ESXi 5.1 Update 2:

[basheerptm]

Hi Richardson,

Thanks a lot. I will be updating once i work on it today.

Thanks to all.

[basheerptm]

Thanks to all,

I could successfully update to U2 last night. Your answers were helped to do this in peace of mind! Thanks a lot..

Regards