VMware GSX Server 2.5.2

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Upgrading on a Windows Host

Upgrading to the Latest Version

The Upgrade Process

Upgrading your GSX Server software is a four-step process.

Uninstall the current version. If you are uninstalling an earlier version of GSX Server 2, see Uninstalling GSX Server on a Windows Host. If you are uninstalling GSX Server 1, see Removing Version 1 below.
Reboot your computer.
Install the latest version. See Installing VMware GSX Server on a Windows Host.
Reboot your computer.

If you have virtual machines you created under GSX Server 1 you want to keep using with GSX Server 2, see Using Virtual Machines Created with Version 1 under the New Version.

Upgrading from GSX Server 1

Removing Version 1

To uninstall GSX Server 1, use Add/Remove Programs in the Windows Control Panel. Be sure to uninstall GSX Server, the VMware Management Interface and the VMware Remote Console.

After you remove the three packages, reboot your host and follow the instructions in Installing VMware GSX Server on a Windows Host.

Note: If you have VMware Workstation installed on your host system, you must remove it before you install GSX Server. See the VMware Workstation product documentation for information on how to remove Workstation.

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 New Virtual Machine 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 (.vmx) 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. Do 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 USB ports.
Note: On Windows hosts, GSX Server 2 offers to convert virtual disk .dsk filenames to use the new .vmdk extension at the time you install GSX Server. The .vmdk extension can be used for virtual disks under any VMware product. GSX Server automatically updates references to the virtual disk files in configuration files on the host computer. If you are using the same virtual disk file from any other computer, you need to update the configuration files with the new filename. For details, see Updating Filenames for Virtual Disks Created with Earlier VMware Products.
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 (.vmx) 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. Do 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.
Note: On Windows hosts, GSX Server 2 offers to convert virtual disk .dsk filenames to use the new .vmdk extension at the time you install GSX Server. The .vmdk extension can be used for virtual disks under any VMware product. GSX Server automatically updates references to the virtual disk files in configuration files on the host computer. If you are using the same virtual disk file from any other computer, you need to update the configuration files with the new filename. For details, see Updating Filenames for Virtual Disks Created with Earlier VMware Products.

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