HOW TO: Update VMware vSphere vCenter Server 8.0.2 (8.0u2d) to 8.0.3 using RDU (Reduced Downtime Upgrade)

If you’re running VMware vSphere vCenter Server 8.0.2 (8.0u2d) and are looking to update to the latest version, specifically 8.0.3, then you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll be walking through the steps to perform a Reduced Downtime Upgrade (RDU) from 8.0.2 to 8.0.3 using the VMware vSphere CLI.

Before we dive into the upgrade process, let me first give you a brief overview of what’s new in vCenter Server 8.0.3. This release includes several bug fixes and improvements, including better support for VMware Tools on Windows Guest operating systems, improved performance when managing large numbers of virtual machines, and enhanced security features such as better support for SSH keys.

Now that you know what’s new in vCenter Server 8.0.3, let’s get started with the upgrade process. As mentioned earlier, we’ll be performing a Reduced Downtime Upgrade, which means that the upgrade process will not require a full reboot of the vCenter Server Appliance. This is particularly useful if you have a busy virtual infrastructure and cannot afford any downtime.

Step 1: Backup your data

Before we begin the upgrade process, it’s essential to backup your data. This includes backing up your vCenter Server configuration, virtual machines, and any other critical data that you don’t want to lose during the upgrade process. You can use the VMware vSphere CLI to perform a backup of your data.

Step 2: Check for updates

The next step is to check for any updates that may be available for your current version of vCenter Server. To do this, log in to the vSphere CLI and run the following command:

“`

sudo vcenter-client -l

“`

This command will display a list of all available updates for your current version of vCenter Server.

Step 3: Apply updates

Once you’ve identified any available updates, it’s time to apply them. To do this, run the following command:

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sudo vcenter-client -u

“`

Replace “ with the path to the update bundle file that you downloaded earlier.

Step 4: Upgrade to vCenter Server 8.0.3

Once you’ve applied all available updates, it’s time to upgrade to vCenter Server 8.0.3. To do this, run the following command:

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sudo vcenter-client -u https://my-vcenter-server.com/upgrade?build=24022515&edition=enterprise

“`

Replace `https://my-vcenter-server.com/upgrade` with the URL of your vCenter Server Appliance, and replace `build=24022515&edition=enterprise` with the build number and edition of your current version of vCenter Server.

Step 5: Monitor the upgrade process

Once you’ve initiated the upgrade process, it’s essential to monitor the progress. You can do this by running the following command:

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sudo vcenter-client -m

“`

This command will display the status of the upgrade process, including any errors or warnings that may occur during the upgrade.

Step 6: Verify the upgrade

Once the upgrade process is complete, it’s essential to verify that the upgrade was successful. To do this, run the following command:

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sudo vcenter-client -v

“`

This command will display information about your current version of vCenter Server, including the build number and edition.

That’s it! You have successfully upgraded from VMware vSphere vCenter Server 8.0.2 (8.0u2d) to 8.0.3 using RDU (Reduced Downtime Upgrade). As always, it’s essential to thoroughly test any upgrades before deploying them in a production environment to ensure that they do not cause any issues or disruptions to your virtual infrastructure.

If you have any further questions or concerns about upgrading from vCenter Server 8.0.2 to 8.0.3, feel free to leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to assist you.