How to P2V a SQL Server the right way

[sarkmo]

So I've been tasked with converting our physical SQL server (with many databases referencing about 5 other virtual servers)  I have never converted a SQL server box and am looking for some Best Practices or known issues to watch out for. I've been reading about what to do, what NOT to do, etc. I am planning on using the VMware Converter Standalone to perform the conversion. I know I need to stop all SQL services, or pause the databases. But what is the best way, step-by-step, to do this? Should I use the "Synchronize" function in the converter? Do I need to restore each database from a latest backup to the converted VM? Or can I simply stop services, convert it then bring it online? Are there queries I need to run on the databases after the conversion? I am not a DBA.... !

Anyone else have experience in converting a SQL box?

[rcporto]

I will recommend you read this VMware KB article: VMware KB:     Best practices for using and troubleshooting VMware Converter

Here are some another tips:

Prepare for the conversion process – There are some thinks that you should not forget, and you should always check.

– Disable real time antivirus on the source
– Shut down any kind of Database or unneeded services and applications
– Use the latest version of VMware converter
– Install the VMware converter software directly onto the source OS if you can, if not go and do remote conversion (as last resort do cold clone)
– If the NIC of the source machine is compatible TOE (TCP offload engine) card, you must disable by “Netsh int ip set chimney DISABLED”
– 200 Megs of disk space is minimum requirement
– run MSconfig and disable every possible service and application which runs at startup (except all Microsoft services and converter service)
– If you’re converting server with static IP, reconfigure for DHCP, if you can (you’ll lose that conf. information during the conversion process. You can do “ipconfig /all >c:\ip.txt” to save your IP configuration into a text file on your C drive
– If you’re converting Virtual PC Virtual machine, remove the “Virtual PC additions”  first
– If the destination is ESX server, connect to it via IP address (not DNS name).
– Make sure that the ports 443 and 902 are opened
– use root account for the authentication
– use unique name for the target VM in order to avoid possible DNS resolving issues with converter ( make sure that there is not another VM with the same name)

And answering your questions:

Should I use the "Synchronize" function in the converter?

No, just follow the best practices and you will don't need this.

Do I need to restore each database from a latest backup to the converted VM?

No, all datafiles/logs will be intact on destination VM if you follow the best practices, that says to shutdown the database before start the conversion.

Or can I simply stop services, convert it then bring it online?

Yes, just stop all SQL related services and after the conversion, just start them again.

Are there queries I need to run on the databases after the conversion?

If you aren't the DBA, just ask the DBA if everything is working.

Anyone else have experience in converting a SQL box?

Yes, not only SQL but some big Oracle boxes too.

[sarkmo]

Thanks! I will post my results after I virtualize it.....

[PCPUK]

How did you get on with this?