Prefix: We have been planning to upgrade our Citrix XenServer from 5.0 to the latest version 6.0.

XenServer only permits upgrades from the last major release. For example, in order to upgrade from version 5.0.0 to version 5.6, you must first upgrade version 5.0.0 to version 5.5, and then upgrade version 5.5 to version

5.6, and to 6.0 and so on.

As I couldn’t find a straight forward upgrade only documentation online. I am creating one. This can be used for a full upgrade from 5.0 to 6.0.1 or any of its subsets independently

If you are upgrading to a feature pack, XenServer permits a direct upgrade from the preceding release. For

example, you can upgrade directly from version 5.5 to version 5.6 Service Pack 2

Ps: I tried these steps last week. It worked perfectly fine, up until 5.6 to 6.0. The pool master upgrade worked fine too, but the member upgrade got messed up probably because of licencing issue.  I need to try it again.

What to download:

This documentation is tested with upgrade from XenServer 5.0.0 Update3 to   XenServer 5.5 Update

Iso image used for upgrade was obtained from the following links

XenServer 5.5 Update 2 Base Installation ISO and

XenServer 5.5 Update 2 Linux Pack

The following documents has been followed and used as a reference

XenServer-5.5.0-Update2-installation.pdf (Installation Guide)

XenServer-5[1].5.0-Update2-reference.pdf (Administration Guide)

Before you start also make sure you download and install the latest version of XenCentre and check your XenServer connectivity. You probably need to login for that.

Backup Backup Backup

First of all backup the state of your existing pool using pool-dump-database

TO make a backup run in the xen console

xe pool-dump-database file-name=<backup>

To check the backup file and do a dry run. Use this command in xen console

xe pool-restore-database file-name=<backup> dry-run=true

To backup host configuration and software

xe host-backup host=<host> file-name=<hostbackup>

Make sure you take these backup and store them in a safe location before starting the up-gradation process

For restoration use xen 5.5 administrators guide and refer to the backup section

Rolling pool upgrade

Step1 Preparing for pool upgrade

1. Disable HA functionality before performing a rolling upgrade
2. Eject any CDs from Virtual Machines before starting
3. Make sure all VM can be to other pool hosts
4. Upgrade your XenCentre to the latest version
5. Verify there is no VM in the Suspended state

Step2 Preparing pool master upgrade (always upgrade master first)

1. Migrate all VMs running on the pool master to other XenServer hosts using XenMotion. The pool master is identified in XenCenter as being the topmost server in the pool, and shows Server type: Master in the General tab when selected.
2. Shut down the pool master using XenCenter or the CLI. This will cause your pool to enter emergency mode. VMs will continue to run, but you will be unable to perform control operations. This is expected behavior

Step3 Running upgrade process on the pool master

1. Make sure you have downloaded and burned CD of the following two images:  XenServer 5.5 Update 2 Base Installation ISO and XenServer 5.5 Update 2 Linux Pack
2. Boot the pool master using your XenServer installation media Next, the Welcome to XenServer screen is displayed. If you have been provided with any driver disks, select Driver Disks. You will then be lead through the process of installing the necessary drivers.
3. Once you have installed all necessary drivers, select  Upgrade XenServer host and choose OK to proceed
4. If anything interrupts the upgrade of the pool master or if the upgrade fails for any reason, do not attempt to proceed with the upgrade. Reboot the pool master and restore to a working version of the master. For details on restoring a XenServer host, see the XenServer Administrator’s Guide
5. You will not be required to re-enter any settings during the setup procedure. The upgrade process follows the first-time installation process but several setup steps are bypassed, and the existing settings for networking configuration, system time, and so on are retained. Once your pool master restarts, normal service is restored after a few minutes. XenCenter is then able to contact the pool master.

Step4 Post upgrade on pool master and prepare pool members for upgrade

1. On restarting your pool master, after a few minutes your pool will leave emergency mode and normal service will be restored.
2. Now you may start migrating VMs back to this VM Host.

Step5 Upgrading pool members (repeat on all pool members)

You are now ready to upgrade a second XenServer host (Not a pool master).

1. You should select a XenServer host still running an old version of XenServer and migrate the VMs running on this XenServer host to the one you have just upgraded.
2. Do not attempt to migrate a VM from an upgraded XenServer host to one that has not yet been upgraded. You will see an error message if you attempt to do this, and your VM will continue running without being migrated
3. Upgrade the member XenServer host you have just freed up following a similar procedure as for the master; shut down the host using XenCenter or the CLI (your pool will not enter emergency mode this time), then upgrade the server software using your product media or remote installation repository

No license upgrade / or license re installation is required XenServer 5.5 support “.xslic” license file

Upgrading LVM storage from XenServer 5.0 or earlier

Next thing after the upgrade we can do is to take advantage of LVM feature available in XenServer 5.5

The LVM, LVM on HBA (LVMoHBA), and LVM on iSCSI (LVMoISCSI) storage types have new functionality in XenServer 5.5.0 including fast clone and snapshot support. You will need to upgrade your storage to the new format to take advantage of these new features – this can be done using XenCenter and the xe CLI. This upgrade is a one-way operation and upgraded storage cannot be used with older versions of the XenServer software.. Upgrading storage to the format is an off-line operation.

Acknowledgement

Realizes re-enforcing his behaviors by reacting to it every time

What to download:

This documentation is tested with upgrade from XenServer 5.5.0 Update3 to   XenServer 5.5 Update

Iso image used for upgrade was obtained from the following links

XenServer 5.6 Service Pack 2 Base Installation ISO and

XenServer 5.6 Service Pack 2 Linux Supplemental Pack

The following documents has been followed and used as a reference

Citrix XenServer ® 5.6 Service Pack 2 Installation Guide (Installation Guide)

Citrix XenServer ® 5.6 Service Pack 2 Administrator’s Guide (Administration Guide)

Before you start also make sure you download and install the latest version of XenCentre and check your XenServer connectivity. You probably need to login for that.

Backup Backup Backup!

First of all backup the state of your existing pool using pool-dump-database

TO make a backup run in the xen console

xe pool-dump-database file-name=<backup>

To check the backup file and do a dry run. Use this command in xen console

xe pool-restore-database file-name=<backup> dry-run=true

To backup host configuration and software

xe host-backup host=<host> file-name=<hostbackup>

Make sure you take these backup and store them in a safe location before starting the up-gradation process

For restoration use xen 5.6 administrators guide and refer to the backup section

Rolling pool upgrade

Step 1. Preparing for pool upgrade

1. Disable HA functionality before performing a rolling upgrade
2. Disable WLB.
3. Eject any CDs from Virtual Machines before starting
4. Make sure all VM can be to other pool hosts
5. Upgrade your XenCentre to the latest version
6. Verify there is no VM in the Suspended state

Step 2. Preparing pool master upgrade (always upgrade master first)

1. Migrate all VMs running on the pool master to other XenServer hosts using XenMotion. The pool master is identified in XenCenter as being the topmost server in the pool, and shows Server type: Master in the General tab when selected.
2. Shut down the pool master using XenCenter or the CLI. This will cause your pool to enter emergency mode. VMs will continue to run, but you will be unable to perform control operations. This is expected behavior

Step 3. Running upgrade process on the pool master

1. Make sure you have downloaded and burned CD of the following two images ready with you:   XenServer 5.6 Service Pack 2 Base Installation ISO and XenServer 5.6 Service Pack 2 Linux Supplemental Pack
2. Boot the pool master using your XenServer installation media Next, the Welcome to XenServer screen is displayed. If you have been provided with any driver disks, select Driver Disks. You will then be lead through the process of installing the necessary drivers.
3. 3.     Once you have installed all necessary drivers, select Upgrade XenServer host and choose OK to proceed
4. If anything interrupts the upgrade of the pool master or if the upgrade fails for any reason, do not attempt to proceed with the upgrade. Reboot the pool master and restore to a working version of the master. For details on restoring a XenServer host, see the XenServer Administrator’s Guide
5. You will not be required to re-enter any settings during the setup procedure. The upgrade process follows the first-time installation process but several setup steps are bypassed, and the existing settings for networking configuration, system time, and so on are retained. Once your pool master restarts, normal service is restored after a few minutes. XenCenter is then able to contact the pool master.

Step 4. Post upgrade on pool master and prepare pool members for upgrade

1.  On restarting your pool master, after a few minutes your pool will leave emergency mode and normal service will be restored.
2. Now you may start migrating VMs back to this VM Host.

Step 5. Upgrading pool members (repeat on all pool members)

You are now ready to upgrade a second XenServer host (Not a pool master).

1. You should select a XenServer host still running an old version of XenServer and migrate the VMs running on this XenServer host to the one you have just upgraded.
2. Do not attempt to migrate a VM from an upgraded XenServer host to one that has not yet been upgraded. You will see an error message if you attempt to do this, and your VM will continue running without being migrated
3. Upgrade the member XenServer host you have just freed up following a similar procedure as for the master; shut down the host using XenCenter or the CLI (your pool will not enter emergency mode this time), then upgrade the server software using your product media or remote installation repository

You need to upgrade your license from “.xslic” to “.lic” file and install them with the licensing server license file

Upgrading LVM storage from XenServer 5.0 or earlier

Next thing after the upgrade we can do is to take advantage of LVM feature available in XenServer 5.5

The LVM, LVM on HBA (LVMoHBA), and LVM on iSCSI (LVMoISCSI) storage types have new functionality in XenServer 5.5.0 including fast clone and snapshot support. You will need to upgrade your storage to the new format to take advantage of these new features – this can be done using XenCenter and the xe CLI. This upgrade is a one-way operation and upgraded storage cannot be used with older versions of the XenServer software. Upgrading storage to the format is an off-line operation.

Acknowledgement

Realizes re-enforcing his behaviors by reacting to it every time

What to download:

This documentation is tested with upgrade from XenServer 5.6 to   XenServer 6.0.2

Iso image used for upgrade was obtained from the following links

XenServer 6.0.2 Base Installation ISO

The following documents has been followed and used as a reference

Citrix XenServer ® 6.0 Installation Guide (Installation Guide)

Citrix XenServer ® 6.0 Administrator’s Guide (Administration Guide)

Before you start also make sure you download and install the latest version of XenCentre and check your XenServer connectivity. You probably need to login for that.

Note: New Citrix XenCenter (6.0) Supports Rolling Pool Upgrade Wizard, which allows you to upgrade with minimum effort from 5.6 to 6.0, however, we shall not describe that in this document. Please refer to CiritixXen Server installation guide “Upgrading XenServer Hosts Using the XenCenter Rolling Pool Upgrade Wizard” section for more information

Backup Backup Backup!

First of all backup the state of your existing pool using pool-dump-database

TO make a backup run in the xen console

xe pool-dump-database file-name=<backup>

To check the backup file and do a dry run. Use this command in xen console

xe pool-restore-database file-name=<backup> dry-run=true

To backup host configuration and software

xe host-backup host=<host> file-name=<hostbackup>

Make sure you take these backup and store them in a safe location before starting the up-gradation process

For restoration use xen 6.0 administrators guide and refer to the backup section

Rolling pool upgrade

Step 1. Preparing for pool upgrade

1. Disable HA functionality before performing a rolling upgrade
2. Disable WLB.
3. Eject any CDs from Virtual Machines before starting
4. Make sure all VM can be to other pool hosts
5. Upgrade your XenCentre to the latest version
6. Verify there is no VM in the Suspended state

Step 2. Preparing pool master upgrade (always upgrade master first)

1. Migrate all VMs running on the pool master to other XenServer hosts using XenMotion. The pool master is identified in XenCenter as being the topmost server in the pool, and shows Server type: Master in the General tab when selected.
2. Disable the master by using the host-disable command. This prevents any new VMs from starting on the specified host
3. If you still have any VM running in the pool master you can live migrate all VMs to other hosts in the pool, use the host-evacuate command. By using the hostevacuate
4. command, you leave the distribution of migrated VMs to XenServer
5. Shut down the pool master using XenCenter or the CLI. This will cause your pool to enter emergency mode. VMs will continue to run, but you will be unable to perform control operations. This is expected behavior

Step 3. Running upgrade process on the pool master

1. Make sure you have downloaded and burned CD of the following two images ready with you:  XenServer 6.0.2 Base Installation ISO
2. Boot the pool master using your XenServer installation media Next, the Welcome to XenServer screen is displayed. If you have been provided with any driver disks, select Driver Disks. You will then be lead through the process of installing the necessary drivers.
3. 3.     Once you have installed all necessary drivers, select Upgrade XenServer host and choose OK to proceed
4. If anything interrupts the upgrade of the pool master or if the upgrade fails for any reason, do not attempt to proceed with the upgrade. Reboot the pool master and restore to a working version of the master. For details on restoring a XenServer host, see the XenServer Administrator’s Guide
5. You will not be required to re-enter any settings during the setup procedure. The upgrade process follows the first-time installation process but several setup steps are bypassed, and the existing settings for networking configuration, system time, and so on are retained. Once your pool master restarts, normal service is restored after a few minutes. XenCenter is then able to contact the pool master.

Step 4. Post upgrade on pool master and prepare pool members for upgrade

1.  On restarting your pool master, after a few minutes your pool will leave emergency mode and normal service will be restored.
2. Now you may start migrating VMs back to this VM Host.

Step 5. Upgrading pool members (repeat on all pool members)

You are now ready to upgrade a second XenServer host (Not a pool master).

1. You should select a XenServer host still running an old version of XenServer and migrate the VMs running on this XenServer host to the one you have just upgraded.
2. Do not attempt to migrate a VM from an upgraded XenServer host to one that has not yet been upgraded. You will see an error message if you attempt to do this, and your VM will continue running without being migrated
3. Upgrade the member XenServer host you have just freed up following a similar procedure as for the master; shut down the host using XenCenter or the CLI (your pool will not enter emergency mode this time), then upgrade the server software using your product media or remote installation repository

No license upgrade / or license re installation is required XenServer 5.5 support “.xslic” license file

Upgrading LVM storage from XenServer 5.0 or earlier

Next thing after the upgrade we can do is to take advantage of LVM feature available in XenServer 5.5

The LVM, LVM on HBA (LVMoHBA), and LVM on iSCSI (LVMoISCSI) storage types have new functionality in XenServer 5.5.0 including fast clone and snapshot support. You will need to upgrade your storage to the new format to take advantage of these new features – this can be done using XenCenter and the xe CLI. This upgrade is a one-way operation and upgraded storage cannot be used with older versions of the XenServer software. Upgrading storage to the format is an off-line operation.

Acknowledgement

Realizes re-enforcing his behaviors by reacting to it every time