VMware vSphere

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  • 1.  Moving VCS from one server to another along with DB

    Posted May 07, 2015 09:43 AM

    Hi,

    I've just inherited a ESXi5 and Vcenter 5.5 environment. 

    Vcenter is running on a server 2008r2 server with an SQLexp Db, the server is very cluttered with other management tools and applications.

    What would be the easiest way to move my VCS (and SQLexp Db) onto a new dedicated server?  I would prefer if possible to not to have to start all the configuration from scratch.

    Thanks



  • 2.  RE: Moving VCS from one server to another along with DB

    Posted May 07, 2015 09:47 AM

    you can add the new host and migrate the VCS vm onto the new added ESXi host datastore.

    This operation is supported on power on virtual machine.



  • 3.  RE: Moving VCS from one server to another along with DB

    Posted May 07, 2015 09:49 AM

    Sorry Coolram,

    I may not have been clear, I want to move the Vcenter from one Windows 2008r2 server, to a new dedicated Windows server.  I'm not adding any new ESXi Hosts.

    Thanks



  • 4.  RE: Moving VCS from one server to another along with DB

    Posted May 07, 2015 09:58 AM

    Are you planning to migrate the vCenter from the window machine or you are planning to move the VM(window server 2008r2) where you keep your vCenter.

    If you are planning to migrate the VCenter from One version 5.5 to 6.0 then you just have to upgrade the VCenter.

    If you are planning to migrate the Window machine to some other esxi host then you have do svmotion.

    if you are planning to migrate vc from one vm (window 2008r2) to some other machine then you need to consume the same Db or migrate he old db to newly installed machine where you want to move the Vcenter.

    I may not be clear what exactly the scenario you are targeting.



  • 5.  RE: Moving VCS from one server to another along with DB

    Posted May 07, 2015 10:03 AM

    Hi

    "if you are planning to migrate vc from one vm (window 2008r2) to some other machine then you need to consume the same Db or migrate he old db to newly installed machine where you want to move the Vcenter."


    I'm looking to move the VC from one Server 2008r2 to a new server Possibly Win2012.


     



  • 6.  RE: Moving VCS from one server to another along with DB

    Posted May 07, 2015 10:06 AM

    Hi,

    I've not done this before, but at a very high level, I'd do the following:

    1) Build a new windows server and get it up to date.

    2) Install SQL Express (same version).

    3) Backup your SQL ExpresS DB on your old server. Restore it into the new server.

    4) Backup your SSO and Inventory Service databases on your existing vCenter server

    http://blog.mwpreston.net/2013/04/22/backing-up-your-vcenter-db-all-three-ofem/

    http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2057353

    4) Stop the vCenter Services and Database on the old server.

    5) Install vCenter software (Same version) onto your new server.

    6) Restore the SSO and Inventory Service database back to your new server.

    7) Check DNS and ensure records are correct, if you have any CNAMES or A records for a service name such as "vCenter.my.domain" make sure they are correct.

    8) Check and test vCenter services on new server.

    Happy to go in depth further or add to it based on any other opinions.