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NathanEly
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Move VMs to new datastore

This should be a simple question for all y'all experts (and regular-types) out there.

I added a new LUN / VMFS datastore to my 4-node cluster and would like to move a few of my existing VMs to that new datastore. What is the easiest method? I know you can't just copy the VM files over and re-regstier...

Thanks

Nathan

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esiebert7625
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If you do not have VC you can use VMware Converter or scp/Fastscp/vmkfstools to do this.

Converter download - http://www.vmware.com/download/converter/

FastSCP (file transfer) - http://www.veeam.com/veeam_fast_scp.asp

I have some documentation on doing fromServer to ESX here which is similar to ESX to ESX moves.

http://vmware-land.com/Vmware_Tips.html#VM1

Also check out this script:

Script for moving a VM to different storage - http://www.vmware.com/community/thread.jspa?threadID=89885

Fyi…if you find this post helpful, please award points using the Helpful/Correct buttons.

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Thanks, Eric

Visit my website: http://vmware-land.com

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Dave_Mishchenko
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If you're using VirtualCenter, you can shut down the VM and then right click and select Migrate. You'll then have the option to relocate your VM's files to the new data store.

esiebert7625
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If you do not have VC you can use VMware Converter or scp/Fastscp/vmkfstools to do this.

Converter download - http://www.vmware.com/download/converter/

FastSCP (file transfer) - http://www.veeam.com/veeam_fast_scp.asp

I have some documentation on doing fromServer to ESX here which is similar to ESX to ESX moves.

http://vmware-land.com/Vmware_Tips.html#VM1

Also check out this script:

Script for moving a VM to different storage - http://www.vmware.com/community/thread.jspa?threadID=89885

Fyi…if you find this post helpful, please award points using the Helpful/Correct buttons.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Thanks, Eric

Visit my website: http://vmware-land.com

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

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tbrouwer
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I'm interested to know why you cant just copy the VM files over and re-register? I have done this before ...

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esiebert7625
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You can effect the VM's performance by just copying with scp because the vmdk will be fragmented, using vmkfstools prevents this.

http://www.vmware.com/community/thread.jspa?messageID=704200&#704200

http://www.vmware.com/community/thread.jspa?messageID=669133&#669133

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RParker
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Because VMFS maintains links to the files, and if you simply copy the file, and you don't delete the old one.. if you were to delete the new copy the old one would ALSO be deleted.

VMFS file system and ESX is unique, and you must follow certain protocols, otherwise you are going to be looking at disaster.

I did this by accident one day, and I forgot, and I said same thing "I can just ftp/cp it to another LUN". Big Whoop.

Then I deleted the original....

Yeah, my VM, deleted! Good thing it was a test VM.

NathanEly
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Thanks everyone. Your input has been extremely helpful for a N00b like me.

-N

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