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VMware GSX Server 2.5.2


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 Upgrading on a Linux Host

Upgrading on a Linux Host

Removing the Existing Version

Removing the Existing Version

If you used the tar installer to install your current version of GSX Server, and you plan to use the tar installer for the new version, the only special step you need to take is to make sure the directory to which you plan to untar the tar archive does not contain any files from a previous GSX Server tar installation. You do not need to uninstall the older version. Just follow the installation instructions under Installing VMware GSX Server on a Linux Host.

If you used the RPM installer to install your current version of GSX Server, you need to uninstall the software before you upgrade to the new version. See Uninstalling GSX Server on a Linux Host.

Using Virtual Machines Created with Version 1 under the New Version

Using Virtual Machines Created with Version 1 under the New Version

There are, broadly speaking, three approaches you can take to setting up virtual machines under GSX Server 2. Choose the approach or combination of approaches that best suit your needs.

  • Create everything new from the start. Use the Configuration Wizard to set up a new virtual machine and install a guest operating system in the virtual machine as described in Creating New Virtual Machines. If you set up your virtual machines in this way, you will be using the latest technology and will enjoy the best possible virtual machine performance.

  • Use an existing configuration file (.cfg) and virtual disk (.dsk if you do not convert to new filenames when you install GSX Server or .vmdk if you do convert).

    Upgrade VMware Tools to the new version following the instructions for your guest operating system in Installing VMware Tools. You should not remove the older version of VMware Tools before installing the new version.

    A virtual machine set up in this way should run without problems. However, you will not have the benefits of certain new features. You will not have USB ports. You will not have the new BIOS, which makes it easier to use one of the operating systems on a dual-boot host machine as a guest operating system in a virtual machine. Also, you will not have the new unified virtual video hardware, which helps simplify the installation of VMware Tools.

  • Use an existing virtual machine and upgrade the virtual hardware. This gives you access to new features, but the process is one-way — you cannot reverse it.

    Start by using an existing configuration file (.cfg) and virtual disk (.dsk if you do not convert to new filenames when you install GSX Server or .vmdk if you do convert).

    Upgrade VMware Tools to the new version following the instructions for your guest operating system in Installing VMware Tools. You should not remove the older version of VMware Tools before installing the new version.

    Note: Upgrade the virtual hardware so you can use USB devices in your virtual machine. Power off the virtual machine. On the Settings menu in the local console window, choose Upgrade Virtual Hardware. A dialog box appears, warning that the upgrade process cannot be reversed. Click Yes to continue, then follow the directions.If you are upgrading the virtual hardware for Windows Me, Windows 98 or Windows 95 guest operating system, there are additional steps. See Upgrading the Virtual Hardware in Older Windows Guest Operating Systems.

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