Converted vmdk file, but Windows does not boot in ESXi

[BlackBare]

I have a vmdk file that boots Windows Server 2016 fine in VMware Workstation Player.

I converted the vmdk file to be compatible with ESXi. 

I used the command, vmkfstools -i source.vmdk new_esxi_compatible.vmdk -d thin

When I boot the Windows Server 2016 in the ESXi, it goes into "Preparing Automatic Repair", and I can't get it to boot into Windows.

I've tried,

bootrec /fixmbr

bootrec /fixboot

bootrec /rebuildbcd

... but to no avail.

Anything else I can try?

Am is using the vmkfstools correctly?

[admin · Accepted solution]

Try using Vmware V2V Converter as per your requirement.

https://my.vmware.com/group/vmware/info?slug=infrastructure_operations_management/vmware_vcenter_con...

Regards,

Randhir

[BlackBare]

Ah, thanks!  I forgot VMware's converter also does V2V.  My brain was stuck on it being only used for P2V.

So the converter will convert the vmdk file to a live running ESXi server ...

Is it possible to convert the vmdk file to an ESXi-compatible vmdk file, without needing a running ESXi server?

I would then manually move the ESXi-compatible vmdk file to the ESXi server myself at a later time.

[admin]

So the converter will convert the vmdk file to a live running ESXi server ...

yes , Once you use Converter to move VM on esxi . Your disk will be vmdk.

Is it possible to convert the vmdk file to an ESXi-compatible vmdk file, without needing a running ESXi server?

No, you have to select your ESXI host name when  you are going to covert VM on esxi .

I would then manually move the ESXi-compatible vmdk file to the ESXi server myself at a later time.

No, It will create VMDK file along with other supported file . you no need to move any file manually.

Regards,

Randhir

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[BlackBare]

VMware Converter worked.  I was concerned it would take too long, converting and transferring over the network, to the ESXi server. 

It showed it would take 5-6 hours to complete, but it only took 1-2 hours.