vCenter Server 5.1 with SSO 5.5

This blog describes how to install vCenter Server 5.1 with SSO (Single-Sign-On) 5.5

In my case, it’s not possible to upgrade to vCenter Server 5.5 because of the fact that the vendor doesn’t support a higher version (yet).

SSO 5.1 (and i will say it very nice) is not the best product VMware has ever made.
It has several bugs and is not very stable.
But VMware made a more stable version for 5.5, and i recommend everyone to use that version.

Ok, this is the procedure to install all needed vCenter components:

– install .NET 3.5
– install SQL server (updated)
– create the vCenter SQL database: (you can use this query to do it automated !! change the filename paths before run !!)

USE MASTER
GO

CREATE DATABASE vCenter ON PRIMARY(
    NAME='vCenter-data',
    FILENAME='D:\MSSQL11.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\vCenter-DATA.mdf',
    SIZE=10MB,
    MAXSIZE=UNLIMITED,
    FILEGROWTH=10%)
LOG ON(
    NAME='vCenter-translog',
    FILENAME='E:\MSSQL11.MSSQLSERVER\MSSQL\DATA\vCenter-translog.ldf',
    SIZE=10MB,
    MAXSIZE=UNLIMITED,
    FILEGROWTH=10% )
GO

ALTER DATABASE [vCenter] SET AUTO_SHRINK ON
GO
ALTER DATABASE [vCenter] SET RECOVERY SIMPLE
GO

CHECKPOINT
GO

It’s important that you tweak the database settings reflecting your own standards.

– create a SQL user and set the vCenter database as default.
– create a 64-bit DSN (use native SQL driver), name it for example vCenter and use the created SQL user.

Okay basics are done.

– Start with the vCenter Server 5.5 ISO
– Install Single Sign On 5.5
– change ISO with 5.1 version
– Install inventory services 5.1
– change user admin@System-Domain to administrator@vsphere.local (and the password you used when installing SSO)
– Install vCenter Server 5.1
– change user admin@System-Domain to administrator@vsphere.local
– change ISO with 5.5 version
– Install Web Client 5.5 (this version is recommended with SSO 5.5)
– and… change user admin@System-Domain to administrator@vsphere.local

If you remember to change all admin@System-Domain users to administrator@vsphere.local, your fine.
The vCenter Server setup gives you the option to choose a user group for administration, but i advise you to choose administrator@vsphere.local and add other groups later.

Perhaps i will extend this blog with more detailed information later.