VMware GSX Server 2.5.2

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.