Installation guide

Upgrading to vCenter Server on a
Different Machine and Keeping the
Existing Database 7
When you upgrade to vCenter Server, you can install vCenter Server on a new machine. One common reason
for doing this is to run vCenter Server on a 64-bit machine.
Preparing the database for any type of upgrade always means creating a full backup. In addition, you have
the following options:
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After you create a full backup of the database, leave it where it is. This option makes sense if your database
is remote from VirtualCenter, and you want it to remain remote after the upgrade to vCenter Server.
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After you create a full backup of the database, restore it onto the machine on which you are installing
vCenter Server. This option makes sense if the database is local to VirtualCenter and you want it to be
local after the upgrade to vCenter Server.
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For Microsoft SQL Server databases only, create a full backup of the database, detach the database, and
attach it to the machine on which you are installing vCenter Server. This option makes sense if the database
is local to VirtualCenter and you want it to be local after the upgrade to vCenter Server.
For Microsoft SQL Server databases, when you decide between the backup/restore option or the detach/attach
option, consider the downtime required. For guidance on these options, consult your organization's database
administrator.
This chapter includes the following topics:
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“Back Up and Restore a Microsoft SQL Database,” on page 49
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“Detach and Attach a Microsoft SQL Server Database,” on page 50
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“Back Up and Restore an Oracle Database,” on page 51
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“Create a 32-Bit DSN on a 64-Bit Operating System,” on page 52
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“Upgrade to vCenter Server on a Different Machine,” on page 52
Back Up and Restore a Microsoft SQL Database
Before you perform an upgrade to vCenter Server on a different machine, you might want to move the database
as well. Moving the database is optional. To move a Microsoft SQL Server database, you can perform a backup
and restore operation.
Consult your database administrator or see your database documentation about backing up and restoring
databases.
The machine with the VirtualCenter 2.x database is referred to as the source machine. The machine on which
the vCenter Server 4.0 database will reside is referred to as the destination machine.
Prerequisites
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You must have a VirtualCenter 2.x system running with a local or remote Microsoft SQL Server database.
VMware, Inc.
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