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4 Replies Last post: Jan 27, 2009 3:34 AM by indisent

converting Physical machine to a virtual machine

Jan 6, 2009 11:38 PM

indisent 17 posts since
Feb 11, 2008

Hey Everyone,

I searched but could not find an answer to my question. So here goes.

I have a laptop that i want to convert to a virtual machine. My concern is that i use this laptop to connect to my company VPN. I wonder if it will show up on their end as a VMware adapter? Basically i want the virtual machine to look exactly like the laptop in every way from software to hardware. Can this be done? Am i making sense?

Reply Re: converting Physical machine to a virtual machine Jan 7, 2009 12:22 AM

AWo 2,910 posts since
Nov 27, 2003

By just looking at the machine from the network you can't tell it is a virtual one. Like using shares, looking at the domain computer account etc.
But of course, there are some things where it can be identified as such:

1. The MAC address, if somebody knows which number range is assigned to VMWare.
2. The name of the (virtual) network interface (not the connection in Windows, as this can be named as you like it).
3. The processes which run (VMware Tools).

If one of these information appears somewhere you can guess that this is a virtual machine.

But, if you use the VMware NAT service to connect to the outside world or VPN, the virtual network interface does not appear to the outside but the host physical adapter does (like it does it, now).
So 1. and 2. does not apply anymore. Only point 3. can be used to identify it as a virtual machine then.

If you found this information useful, please consider awarding points for "Correct" or "Helpful" answers/replies. Thanks!!

Reply Re: converting Physical machine to a virtual machine Jan 16, 2009 4:46 PM

ZKrieger 6 posts since
Jun 23, 2008

by your post, your intent is to misuse the company provided laptop+ vpn solution, and instead use a VM off your home desktop.

assuming you treat the VM with the same level of security that you are supposed to be giving the laptop, you are fine.

Reply Re: converting Physical machine to a virtual machine Jan 17, 2009 3:00 AM

davismisbehavis 46 posts since
Jan 13, 2007

The only thing I would add to this is that if your company do any perimeter auditing on entry to the company network or any asset auditing once connected. they may well pick up the change in underlying hardware. Remember a virtual machine uses older / standardised devices for things like display and network in order to ensure compatibility. It would be highly likely to be flagged as a major change of underlying hardware if hardware auditing is in place. Companies usually use this alerting feature to find out if hardware has been removed, i.e. people stealing memory DIMMs, or a CD-Rewriter drive, etc

I'd keep your laptop configured as is until your sure this virtual machine isn't a problem. As Virtual to Physical conversion requires specialist products from companies such as Platespin and that ain't cheap or easy

Reply Re: converting Physical machine to a virtual machine Jan 27, 2009 3:34 AM

in response to: davismisbehavis

indisent 17 posts since
Feb 11, 2008

Thanks everyone. I got the VM setup and have been using it for a few days now. My intent is not malicious in any way. I'm avoiding using the piece of crap laptop that they gave me. My laptop has drive encryption and i treat is just like it was a coporate machine with respect to security. Thanks again.

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