Chapter 5. Updating VMs

Table of Contents

5.1. Updating paravirtualized drivers for Windows VMs
5.2. Updating Linux kernels and guest utilities

This chapter discusses updating VMs with new Linux kernel revisions, applying Windows Service Packs, and updates to XenSource paravirtualized drivers and VM utilities.

Upgrades to VMs are typically required when moving to a new version of XenServer. The following are current issues involving upgrading VMs running on XenServer to this version:

XenMotion of Windows VMs is not supported until the paravirtualized drivers are upgraded.
Suspend/Resume of Windows VMs is not supported until the paravirtualized drivers are upgraded.
The use of certain anti-virus and firewall applications may crash the Windows VM unless the paravirtualized drivers are upgraded.

5.1. Updating paravirtualized drivers for Windows VMs

The paravirtualized drivers are present on the built-in xs-tools.iso (if using the CLI), or in XenCenter via the Install XenSource Tools command from the VM, which will attach a CD image containing the drivers to the VM. Either wait for the auto-run facility, or manually click on the xensetup.exe program. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the new drivers, which will automatically deactivate and upgrade the old drivers.

When updating Windows 2000 SP2 VMs from XenServer 3.2 to the current version, you may occasionally see a dialog popup containing “the xennet.sys device driver could not locate the entry point __XenTrace in driver xevtchn.sys”. This warning message is harmless and installation will continue normally after clicking past the dialog.