Unable to start cloned vm

[toxkdjs]

hello,

I'm new in the IT world and I have some trouble cloning a VM.

So I have a sentinel one vm working on an ESXI and i want to backup it.

I choosed to use the vmkfstools command to clone it and then reinstall it.

My command is like

vmkfstools -i path1/vmfile.vmdk -d thin path2/vmfile.vmdk

Im using this command twice because i have 2 disks on this vm, one someting.vmdk and an other someting_1.vmdk

I also copy paste the VMX file which i think is needed to start the config.

When everything is done I try to start the cloned vm and it doesnt work, the vm stays at Starting up.

Do you have any idea what is wrong ?

Thank you and sorry for bad english.

[Wonlliv]

Hello!

You cannot use the .vmx to clone a VM.

After cloning die .vmdk files, create a new VM and choose the existing files in the new path.

Best regards!

[toxkdjs]

Thanks you for your quick answer.

I missclicked and deleted my backup, i'll keep you in touch tomorrow when i have the new one to tell you if it worked.

Thank you again

[admin]

can you share screen shot with error .....

Regards,

Randhir

[toxkdjs]

Hello,

I just tryed to create a new VM then add the backuped files but I still have the same issue

here is a screen of the vm :

Any idea ? I dont really know what to do now

thank you

[admin]

Can you try to take new clone and please confirm the OS .....

Regards,

Randhir

[toxkdjs]

I have to wait till tonight to take a new clone.

The os is Ubuntu 64

thank you

[toxkdjs]

tried with a new clone, still have the issue

[toxkdjs]

Hi, I'm still having the same issue with my clones

If anyone can help me.

Thanks.

[RAJ_RAJ · Accepted solution]

Could you please confirm you have followed below method or any changes was there

# vmkfstools -i /vmfs/volumes/Storage1/examplevm/examplevm.vmdk /vmfs/volumes/Storage2/examplevm_clone.vmdk -d thin

[toxkdjs]

I give it a try tonight,

thank you

[RAJ_RAJ]

Note that  , if your VM has  snapshot and you are trying to do clone  , snapshot won't be available with after cloning . But VM will power on .

[unsichtbare]

1. Clone the Virtual Disk (vmdk) with vmkfstools (as defined by RAJ_RAJ)
2. Create a new VM in the client
3. Choose "use existing disk" in the new VM wizzard
4. Boot

THX

[toxkdjs]

hi,

I dont know what is different from last time but the last clone worked, thanks you all for your help