Installation guide

Microsoft SQL Server

Make sure that the database login has the db_owner fixed database role

on the vCenter Server database and on the MSDB database. The

db_owner role on the MSDB database is required for installation and

upgrade only. You can revoke this role after the installation or upgrade

process is complete.

Also review “Database Scenarios,” on page 26.

vCenter Server Database Patch and Configuration Requirements

After you choose a database type, make sure you understand the configuration and patch requirements for

the database.

NOTE vCenter Update Manager also requires a database. VMware recommends that you use separate

databases for vCenter Server and vCenter Update Manager.

vCenter Server databases require a UTF codeset.

If your VirtualCenter 2.5 database is not supported for upgrade to vCenter Server 4.1, first upgrade your

database (or import your database into a database that is supported for upgrade to vCenter Server) and then

upgrade to vCenter Server.

Table 3-2 lists the configuration and patch requirements for the databases that are supported for upgrade to

vCenter Server. If your database is not listed in this table, see “Database Scenarios,” on page 26.

For a complete list of database versions supported with vCenter Server, see the vSphere Compatibility

Matrixes on the VMware vSphere documentation Web site.

Table 3-2. Configuration and Patch Requirements

Database Type Patch and Configuration Requirements

Microsoft SQL Server 2005

Express

Bundled database that you can use for small deployments of up to 5 hosts and 50 virtual

machines.

You cannot install the bundled database during an upgrade to vCenter Server. If you want to

use the bundled database, Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express must be already installed or

you must perform a clean installation of vCenter Server.

Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Ensure that the machine has a valid ODBC DSN entry.

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Ensure that the machine has a valid ODBC DSN entry.

Chapter 3 Preparing for the Upgrade to vCenter Server

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