vCenter Server 4 as VM under vSphere ESX4 host

[bxnguyen]

Hi,

I would like to ask if anyone ever tried to do this.

I am creating a VM to run my vCenter Server 4 under a brand new vSphere ESX4 host with others VM.

My question is, can I use vCenter Server 4 and managed the same vSphere ESX4 host where the vCenter Server 4 is being host? Is it possible.

[osha]

i didn't actually do this, but in the ESX and vcenter 4 installation guide document its clearly stated in page 16 that:"The vCenter Server system is a physical machine or virtual machine with access to a supported database. The vCenter Server system must meet specific requirements. Also make sure that the vSphere Client machines meet the hardware requirements."

here is the link to the document: http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vsphere4/r40/vsp_40_esx_vc_installation_guide.pdf

but if you are planning to do this you have to ensure three points(stated in this link: http://www.vladan.fr/three-main-reasons-to-run-virtual-center-server-as-a-virtual-machine/):

1. Disable DRS(Change Automation Level!) for your VirtualCenter VM and make sure to document where the VirtualCenter server is located (My suggestion would be the first ESX Box)

2. Enable HA for the VirtualCenter server, and set the startup priority to high

3. Make sure the VirtualCenter server gets enough resources by setting the shares

there is also another useful post that describes the advantages of running virtual center as a virtual machine:

http://www.vmwareinfo.com/2009/01/vmware-virtualcenter-as-virtual-machine.html

[geddam]

Answer to your question...

"My question is, can I use vCenter Server 4 and managed the same vSphere ESX4 host where the vCenter Server 4 is being host? Is it possible."

Yes, it is possible and fully supported.

Thanks

Ramesh. Geddam

VCP3&4, MCTS(Hyper-V)

[rManic]

yes you can use to manage the same ESX on which the VM runs.

I am using in that way

regards

Manic

[PaulSvirin]

I think in this case auto-start should be efinitely enabled. Otherwise the VM has to be started manually.

Look here for tips on this feature:

---

iSCSI SAN software

http://www.starwindsoftware.com

[bxnguyen]

Hi All,

Thank you very much for all the tips and information.

Since then I have install vCenter Server 4 as a VM and found another issue. Once the vCenter Server 4 is up and running validating with vSphere Client and I am able to login. Upon rebooting the server the vCenter Server Services is not starting. I have read several articles regarding services is not starting but can be started manually.

Check the dependencies on MSSQL$SQLEXP_VIM and still the services not check. I am lost on why the services will not restart upon reboot.

Any advice on how to fix the issue.

Link below regarding the services will not start and still not working.

http://communities.vmware.com/thread/194328

http://www.yellow-bricks.com/2009/02/12/vcenter-and-sql-service-dependencies/

http://blog.vmpros.nl/2009/09/04/vmware-updated-troubleshooting-the-vmware-virtualcenter-server-service-when-it-does-not-start-or-fails-1003926/

[rManic]

I too experiance the same with Virtual Center 2.5(both as VM and on Physcial server ) but not with vCenter 4.0 or later.

regards

Manic