VMware GSX 3 - Manual (Page 93)

C H A P T E R 3 Upgrading VMware GSX Server
93
Using Virtual Machines Created
with Version 2 under Version 3
The following sections describe how you can set up older virtual machines under
VMware GSX Server 3 and how to upgrade the virtual hardware.
• Creating Everything New from the Start on page 93
• Using an Existing Virtual Machine without Upgrading the Virtual Hardware on
page 93
• Using an Existing Virtual Machine and Upgrading the Virtual Hardware on
page 94
• Upgrading Virtual Hardware in the Guest Operating System on page 94
Creating Everything New from the Start
Set up a new virtual machine and install a guest operating system in the virtual
machine as described in
Creating a New Virtual Machine in the VMware GSX Server
Virtual Machine Guide. Creating all new virtual machines is the easiest way to use the
latest technology and enjoy the best possible virtual machine performance.
Using an Existing Virtual Machine without Upgrading
the Virtual Hardware
Upgrade VMware Tools to the new version, following the instructions in Installing
VMware Tools in the VMware GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide. 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 do
not have the benefits of certain new features, including better performance,
improved networking, the ability to take a snapshot while the virtual machine is
running and improved virtual disk formats. Also, the console interface changes to
accommodate older virtual machine features. For more information, see
Connecting
to Older GSX Server and ESX Server Systems and Older Virtual Machines in the VMware
GSX Server Virtual Machine Guide.
Note: The first time you power on the virtual machine under GSX Server 3, GSX
Server updates the CMOS. As a result, your guest operating system may detect
hardware changes and install new drivers for the new hardware even if you do not
upgrade the virtual hardware. Similarly, if you switch back to GSX Server 2, your guest
operating system may detect hardware changes and install the appropriate drivers.