If you are logged into the VC server and you are trying to upload a file(s) to a VMFS using the Datastore Browser and you receive the error “Failed to log into NFC Server”. THe fix is a simple one, you must restart the “VMware VirtualCenter Server” service. This should clear up your issue.
When upgrading a VMware Virtual Infrastructure 3.5 cluster to a vSphere 4.0 cluster, at some point after the upgrade you will have to upgrade the virtual machines from version 4 to version 7 machines. This process is relatively easy but the steps must be followed in order for it to work successfully.
First the operating system needs to be identified. If the operating system is Windows Server 2008 Enterprise or Datacenter editions there is a known bug. This issue is due to the operating systems default SAN policy, which will cause additional virtual disks to go offline during the upgrade process which could drive you crazy if it is a Domain Controller, SQL server or Exchange server.
To fix this issue, you must use the diskpart utility to adjust the SAN policy with the following steps:
1. Log on to the system with administrative rights.
2. Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then press ENTER.
3. In the command line window, type diskpart, and then press ENTER.
4. Type SAN, and then press ENTER. This command will return the current set SAN policy.
5.Type SAN POLICY = Online, and then press ENTER. The SAN policy is now set not to automatically mount SAN hosted volumes.
6. Type exit, and then press ENTER.
The next step in the process is to verify that we are at Version 4 and that the latest VM Tools is installed on the virtual machine. This can be verified in vCenter by selecting the virtual machine and looking at the summary tab, it will list the VM version and it will also tell you if VM tools is installed, out of date or OK.
Provided the latest VM tools are installed we can now upgrade the hardware. Warning, this upgrade process is a one-way upgrade, there is no reversal. A snapshot is not going to work to rollback the upgrade if something goes wrong. If the data is that important a back up should be created either by exporting the VM someplace safe or by creating a clone, before you start the upgrade process.
Shutdown and power off the virtual machine, the upgrade cannot happen while it is on or suspended.
From the vCenter console right-click on the virtual machine. From the context menu, you should see an option enabled called “Upgrade Virtual Hardware”, click on this with the mouse.
You will be prompted if you want to proceed with the upgrade click the “Yes” button to proceed.
Startup up the virtual machine. After a few minutes the server will need to be rebooted as the Windows operating system should detect all the changes and add the new drivers. Reboot the server and your upgrade is complete.
When performing a physical to virtual migration (P2V) there are many steps that need to be done. A checklist is needed in order to assure quality assurance and that nothing is skipped.
1. Establish a remote desktop connection to the server that will be migrated. Log in with local administrator user provided by administrator.
2. If remote migration is used, establish a remote desktop connection to the Converter Server.
3. Establish a connection to vCenter Server.
4. Reboot source server.
5. Open Event Viewer. Review the application, system, and security logs for new errors.
6. Stop application services on the source server.
7. Gather IP information
8. Review hardware to make sure that external hardware is NOT needed.
Feb. 8 is Clean Out Your Computer Day: “
It can be hard to remember to routinely clean out your computer — whether that means running virus scans or organizing your files. That’s why having a day devoted to making sure that your computer is working well and that you can find anything you need on it is a good idea. The Institute for Business Technology originally sponsored a National Clean Out Your Computer Day several years ago, assigning it to the second Monday in February. It’s a holiday well worth adding to your calendar.
It seems to be a fact of life that the longer your operating system has been installed on your computer, the slower it gets. I recently had to back up all my data and reinstall my operating system, and the difference it made is incredible. Even if you aren’t prepared to completely wipe your system, there are some things you can do to speed things up.
Microsoft recommends running built-in utilities, like Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter, on a regular basis. There are comparable utilities in every operating system. You can also use an external tool, like Iolo Technologies’ System Mechanic, which can fix common problems and reduce demands on your system, like unused background programs.
Even as hard drives keep getting bigger, we keep coming up with files to fill them up. While sorting through all your files may not be necessary, doing a little spring cleaning can make them easier to manage. Personally, I try to get the files I don’t think I’m going to need again off my main computer and on to a separate hard drive every so often, if only to make sure that I have space for more.
It may not be a bad idea to go through what you have on other storage media. I recently ran across a stack of floppy disks, only to realize that I didn’t have access to anything that could actually read them at this point. There are a few files there that I’d like to have, but otherwise, there’s no reason to cart around old floppy disks.
Even if the only part of your computer that you can actually see is the monitor, it’s worthwhile to occasionally knock the dust off. We’ve discussed cleaning laptops before, and cleaning desktops isn’t too different. Wipe down those monitors, clear out vents and maybe even clean your keyboard and mouse while you’re at it. Just getting rid of the dust can extend your computer’s life.
Once you’ve gotten your computer cleaned out, it’s worth taking a little time to make sure that it stays that way. One of the best options is to make sure that any tools you’re using are set up to run automatically — virus scanners, backups and so forth should be running regularly without you needing to remember to start them up.
Don’t forget to mark Clean Out Your Computer Day on the calendar for next year!
Photo by Flickr user PhotoOptik, licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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(Via WebWorkerDaily.)