VMware GSX 3 User Manual
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C H A P T E R 3 Upgrading VMware GSX Server
103
Using Virtual Machines Created
with Version 1 under Version 3
If you use an existing VMware GSX Server 1 virtual machine under VMware GSX Server
3, the virtual hardware is upgraded automatically. The upgrade gives you access to
new features, but the process is one-way — you cannot reverse it.
Start by using an existing configuration file (.vmx or .cfg) and virtual disk (.dsk or
.vmdk
).
The first time you power on the virtual machine under GSX Server 3, a dialog box
appears, offering the choice of upgrading the virtual hardware or powering off. If you
want to make a backup copy of the virtual machine before upgrading the virtual
hardware, power off and make the backup. Otherwise, allow VMware GSX Server to
upgrade the virtual hardware. See
Upgrading Virtual Hardware in the Guest Operating
below.
Note: If you are upgrading a virtual machine that runs from a physical disk, rather
than a virtual disk, you may see the following error message while VMware GSX Server
is upgrading the virtual hardware: “Unable to upgrade <drivename>.
One of the supplied parameters is invalid.”
You may safely
ignore the error message, then click OK to continue the upgrade process.
Upgrade VMware Tools to the new version following the instructions for your guest
operating system in
Installing VMware Tools
in the VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine
Guide. You should not remove the older version of VMware Tools before installing the
new version.
Upgrading Virtual Hardware in the Guest Operating System
After upgrading the virtual hardware, you may need to take several steps to be sure
the new virtual hardware is recognized properly by the guest operating system. If you
are using a Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows Me virtual machine created under
VMware GSX Server 1, take the steps listed under the name of your guest operating
system.
If you are using other guest operating systems, you do not need to take these special
steps. Plug and Play should recognize the new virtual hardware and install any needed
drivers smoothly.
In any case, you should verify the guest operating system selection in the virtual
machine settings editor. See