VxRail: How To Convert an Internal VMware vCenter Server to an External VMware vCenter Server

Summary: The procedure is for converting a VxRail-managed VMware vCenter Server to a customer-managed VMware vCenter Server

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Instructions

Consider the following instructions before conversion: 

  • This is a one-way conversion. The customer cannot convert back to a VxRail-managed VMware vCenter Server once it has been converted.
  • After the conversion, the customer may need to use a customer-supplied VMware vCenter Server license to manage the external vCenter Server. The external vCenter Server is not supported by the embedded VxRail license.
  • After the conversion, VxRail Manager is not responsible for the life-cycle management of the external VMware vCenter Server.


If the above condition is happy, follow the below procedure for converting an Internal VMware vCenter Server to an External VMware vCenter Server:

  • Take an online VM snapshot (no memory) and a file-based backup of VxRail Manager and VxRail-managed VMware vCenter Server.
    • To create a backup of VxRail Manager:  
      cd /mystic/vxm_backup_restore

For versions earlier than VxRail 8.0.300, enter: 

python vxm_backup_restore.py -b --keeplog

For VxRail 8.0.300 and later, enter:

mcp_python vxm_backup_restore.py -b --keeplog
    • To create a backup of VMware vCenter Server:
      1. In a Web browser, go to the vCenter Server Management Interface: 
        https://appliance-IP-address-or-FQDN:5480
      2. Log in as root.
      3. In the vCenter Server Management Interface, click Backup.
      4. The table under Activity displays the most current backup version taken of the vCenter Server.
      5. Click Backup Now.
  • Perform the prechecks, skyline health checks, and ensure there are no critical issues or alerts on vCenter or cluster:  
    Inventory--> VxRail Cluster--> Monitor--> VSAN--> Skyline Test
  • Navigate to:  
    Inventory--> VxRail Cluster--> Configure--> VxRail--> System
  • Under VxRail tab, Select:  
    Actions--> Convert to external vCenter

Picture of VxRail Cluster

  •  Add the Administrator credentials for authentication and submit:

Picture of Convert vCenter Mode

 

  • The conversion process with take couple of minutes to complete. Once the VMware vCenter Server is converted, the VxRail manager services will be restarted
  • Perform skyline health checks, and ensure there are no critical issues or alerts on vCenter or cluster:  
    Inventory--> VxRail Cluster--> Monitor--> VSAN--> Skyline Test)

Products

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Article Properties
Article Number: 000242846
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 05 Nov 2024
Version:  1
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