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scatee71
Contributor
Contributor

Import VM Server Image into ESX 3

I need to import a vm server image into an esx 3.x host. The host is not hooked into a san and the vmfs volume is local on the host. Do I need to use vmimporter to bring the guest in and bring it online? I have already zipped up the guest vm and moved it into the vmfs volume but esx does not see the vmdk's. I guess I am really looking for a push in the right direction...is this something I should be doing with vmimporter? Is there any good info on doing this with vmimporter? Any help is greatly appreciated.

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oreeh
Immortal
Immortal

If the VM uses virtual SCSI disks you can copy the disk in 2gbsparse format to ESX and import it there using vmkfstools.

If the VM uses IDE disks you should use VMware Converter.

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scatee71
Contributor
Contributor

Do I have to manually copy the vmx and other files over to the new location on the ESX box?

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oreeh
Immortal
Immortal

Y only need the vmdks.

After importing them create a new machine and attach the imported disk to the VM.

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esiebert7625
Immortal
Immortal

I have several methods documented here...

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

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