Migrating Linux Guest VM from XenServer to ESXi host

[GMSS_LLP]

Hi,

I'm looking for a way to migrate a linux debian VM from Xenserver to ESXi 6.0.

Here is what I've tried so far but am unsuccessful.

Unsuccessful tries:

1. Export the Linux VM from Xenserver to an OVA file format

2. Import OVA file into ESXi 6.0

Error: "Could not parse the document: 'encoding specified in XML declaration is incorrect"

Unsuccessful tries:

1. Export the Linux VM from Xenserver to an OVF file format

2. Import OVA file into ESXi 6.0

Again the Error: "Could not parse the document: 'encoding specified in XML declaration is incorrect"

Unsuccessful tries:

1. Used VMware Converter Standalone software

2. Went through the whole process, the LInux VM appears on the target ESXi host, it then boots and VM helper is now asking for "Converter Login: "

3. Tried using both the source and target logins without any success.

4. The process than fails after running about 1%

If I don't type in the credentials for the converter login it stalls and fails at 1%.

Basically can someone guide me as to how can I migrate the Linux debian VM from Xenserver host to ESXi 6.0 host?

Kind Regards

GMSS_LLP

[daphnissov]

What exact version of Debian is your source and what version of VMware Converter have you tried?

[GMSS_LLP]

Hi,

Many Thanks for your response.

The source is running on Debian version 7 (Debian Wheezy) and  VMware Converter is version 6.2.

Kind Regards

GMSS_LLP

[daphnissov]

Debian isn't a supported OS for conversion according to the latest release notes. You may need to rebuild and migrate data manually.

[GMSS_LLP]

Hi Daphnissov,

That's a shame -  I've got a 3 Debian servers that need migrating from Xen to Vmware.

Many thanks for your response and help with this query.

Kind Regards

GMSS_LLP 

[cernyj · Accepted solution]

Hello,

problem with ova from XenServer is that it uses vhd as disk format, but VMware/Virtualbox vmdk.

So, there is another option for you. Extract content of ova (it's just tar/gzipped archive) and convert vhd file to vmdk. Than move that vmdk to VMware datastore, deploy the new Debian VM and connect vmdk as existing disk.

For example:
https://www.vladan.fr/free-tools-to-convert-vhd-into-vmdk-and-vice-versa/

But there is one problem. If your Debian VM on XenServer is in PV mode, you have to switch it to HVM mode to succesful boot on ESXi.

Jiri

[GMSS_LLP]

Hi Jiri;

Many thanks for support and contribution with this.

I'm glad to say that your suggestion has worked and the Linux Debian VM is now migrated successfully on my ESXi host.

I did however get this coming up:

INIT: Id "co" respawning too fast: disabled for 5 minutes  

So decided to comment out the line this line in /etc/inittab

#co:2345:respawn:/sbin/getty hvc0 9600 linux

and all appears to be fine now.

Thanks once again for this

Kind Regards

GMSS_LLP

[cernyj]

Hello. You are welcome.

I found in my upgrade notes:

"Comment co:2345:respawn:/sbin/getty hvc0 9600 linux".

So sorry that I forgot to tell you this.

I am glad to see I some way helped you;)

Jiri

[SWoolley]

GAMES_LLP, you mentioned . . .

"I'm glad to say that your suggestion has worked and the Linux Debian VM is now migrated successfully on my ESXi host."

---What was the suggestion that worked? I searched the webz for any Debian-specific migration plans and have found none.

You also marked "You may need to rebuild and migrate data manually." as the correct answer.

---Was this the solution that worked? And by manually, did you have to install debian from scratch, migrate/copy data, and reconfigure all settings and reinstall apps on VMWARE?

Note migrating

My VMWARE converter standalone process did create the guest VM on ESXi6.0 . it does'nt fully boot but instead comes into a black screen with a blinking cursor in upper left corner. I have a feeling it's a controller-related issue. That avenue went nowhere.