You may try following this:
Steps in Order | Estimated Time Completion |
Check if the vCenter Server is in previous version | |
Verify vCenter Server meets the hardware and software requirements | |
Backing up your vCenter Server, View Composer, View Events, Update Manager databases | |
Backup SSL certificates | |
Backup vpxd.cfg file | |
Take a snaphot of the vCenter Server VM after the View upgrade | |
Stop the VMware VirtualCenter Server service | |
Update the DNS | |
Install the vCenter Server Upgrade to new version | |
TOTAL | 1 hour and 35 mins |
Sources for Minimum and Software Requirements refer to http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2003866
Follow the steps below on how to check the vCenter Server version:
- Access the vCenter Server Guest OS and open a Command prompt.
- Locate the installation folder of vCenter Server and open a command prompt.
Run this command: cd <vCenter Server installation folder> vpxd.exe -v
- Validate if the build number is the Build Number of the expected version.
sample: vCenter Server 5.0 Build number sample: vCenter Server 5.0|Build 455964
Backup Data Base steps:
- Open MS SQL 2005 Express. Right-click your database, Task – Click Back Up.
- Then select type and add the path and filename of the backup.
- After clicking the last OK, it should proceed with the backup and notify you if it succeed or failed.
Backup SSL and vpxd.cfg:
- Go to C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\VMware\VMware VirtualCenter.
- Look for the SSL folder. Copy the folder and save a copy to your backup folder.
Note: You have to verify if there are View components in your vCenter. A different procedure is followed.