Hello beautiful people! Today, we’re embarking on a crucial journey – upgrading our vCenter from version 7.0.3 to the latest 8.0.1. The updated version brings a host of enhancements, improved security, and new features, ensuring that our virtualized environments remain at the cutting edge of technology.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the upgrade process using the Windows UI Installer. But remember, every environment is unique, so make sure to tailor these steps to fit your own needs and to refer to VMware’s official documentation for any clarifying points.

Before You Start

Ensure you have a backup of your vCenter Server. An upgrade process usually goes smoothly, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Step 1: Download the Installer

The first step is to download the latest vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) ISO file from the VMware website. This ISO file includes the Windows UI Installer we’re going to use for the upgrade process.

Step 2: Mount the ISO

Once downloaded, mount the ISO file on your Windows machine. Navigate to the “vcsa-ui-installer\win32” directory and run the installer.exe file.

Step 3: Upgrade vCenter Server

In the installer window, you’ll see several options. Choose the “Upgrade” option.

The upgrade process is broken down into two stages:

Stage 1: Deploy vCenter Server Appliance

This stage involves deploying a new vCSA with a temporary network identity.

1. Click on “Next” and accept the End User License Agreement.
2. Enter the details of your existing vCenter Server and the ESXi host or vCenter Server that manages it.
3. Specify the VM name and root password for the new vCenter Server.
4. Choose a deployment size and storage size based on your environment’s needs.
5. Configure the temporary network settings for the new vCenter Server.

Review your settings and click on “Finish” to deploy the new vCenter Server. This can take some time, so be patient.

Stage 2: Copy Data

This stage involves migrating data from the old vCenter Server to the new one.

1. Once Stage 1 completes, continue to Stage 2. The installer will run a pre-upgrade check. Review the results and resolve any issues.
2. Select the data you wish to copy from the old vCenter Server. You can choose between configuration, configuration plus events and tasks, or everything, including historical performance data.
3. Confirm the new vCenter Server’s network settings.

Review your settings and click on “Finish” to start the data copying process. This process can take quite a bit of time depending on the amount of data you’re transferring.

After the upgrade process is complete, you can log in to your shiny new vCenter Server using your previous credentials. Remember to validate all settings and functionality after the upgrade process.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Your vCenter has been successfully upgraded from 7.0.3 to 8.0.1. Keep in mind this is a simplified guide. For more details, always refer to the official VMware vCenter documentation. Enjoy exploring the new features and enhancements that come with vCenter 8.0.1!

Remember, the key to a successful upgrade process is preparation and understanding your unique environment. Happy upgrading!