Joining or isolating a vCenter Server instance from a Linked Mode Group when protected by vCenter Server Heartbeat (1022869)

Purpose

This article provides steps to:

• Join a vCenter Server instance to a Linked Mode Group protected by vCenter Server Heartbeat 
• Isolate a vCenter Server instance from a Linked Mode Group protected by vCenter Server Heartbeat

Resolution

To join a vCenter Server instance to a Linked Mode Group that is protected by vCenter Server Heartbeat:

1. Set the server pair into maintenance mode. From the vCenter Server Heartbeat Console
   1. Click Application > Summary tab.
   2. Click the Configure button and select Unprotect services and stop monitoring all applications (for manual application maintenance)
   3. Click OK.
      
2. On the active server, follow the steps described in the ESX and vCenter Server Installation Guide for joining a Linked Mode Group after installation.
3. Once the operation finishes successfully, open the Service Management Console and set the Startup Type for service VMware VCMSDS to Manual.
4. Remove vCenter Server Heartbeat pair from maintenance mode. From the vCenter Server Heartbeat Console:
   1. Click Application > Summary tab.
   2. Click the Configure button and select Protect services and monitor all applications (recommended).
   3. Click OK.

To isolate a vCenter Server instance from a Linked Mode Group that is protected by vCenter Server Heartbeat:

1. Set the server pair into maintenance mode. From vCenter Server Heartbeat Console:
   1. Click Application > Summary tab.
   2. Click the Configure button and select Unprotect services and stop monitoring all applications (for manual application maintenance)
   3. Click OK.
      
2. On the active server, follow the steps described in the ESX and vCenter Server Installation Guide for isolating a vCenter Server instance from a Linked Mode Group.
3. When the operation finishes successfully, open Service Management Console and set the Startup Type for service VMware VCMSDS to Manual.
4. Remove vCenter Server Heartbeat pair from maintenance mode. From the vCenter Server Heartbeat Console:
1. Click Application > Summary tab.
2. Click the Configure button and select Protect services and monitor all applications (recommended).
3. Click OK.

Source:-

http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?cmd=displayKC&docType=kc&docTypeID=DT_KB_1_1&externalId=1022869