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IB_IT
Expert
Expert

new to converter

Hi all,

I have been reading through the documentation on converter (v3.0.2) and trying to use the "hot" or live cloning feature. Is it just me or is it not overly obvious on how to use this? The help files give an example of using a hot clone, but they don't give a "how to". Here is my situation:

I am trying to make a replica of a production VM for testing purposes. This VM MUST stay online and I was under the impression that I could use converter to make a copy and change some of the specifics (hostname, IP, etc). I installed converter on the VM in question and ran through the import wizard to import "this machine" (seemed to be the only way I could proceed as I could not choose my VM if doing this remotely). Am I in the wrong place for hot cloning? Am I in the wrong app? Am I crazy? Nowhere in the setup did it tell me the source VM would stay online, nor did it refer to anything about a hot or live clone. I got scared and backed out and decided to take a few deep breaths and do a little more research before I proceeded? Can anyone help me out here? Thanks!

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gautam
Expert
Expert

I recommend you start your research with the user manual: http://www.vmware.com/support/pubs/converter_pubs.html

Some extracts from there: -

1) Section: Virtual Machines and System Images That Can Be Imported

"Note the following limitations:

  • Virtual machines must be powered off before you import them. You cannot import suspended virtual

machines."

2) Section: Cloning and System Reconfiguration of Physical Machines

This section has information about local and remote hot cloning.

I'm also confused by your question, do you ned the source o remain onlint or not? If you do then you are going about it the right way, install converter inside the VM and then clone "this machine" as if it were a physical machine and it should work...without requiring deep breaths Smiley Happy

IB_IT
Expert
Expert

Thanks,

I actually just talked to VMWare about this. They recommended this

action for anyone else who is interested in HOT CLONING a VM:

-Install converter on the VM

-log in with local admin account

-Click in Import and start wizard

-Select "physical machine"

-select option for "this local machine" (may not be verbatum,

sorry...pulling from memory)

-run through the rest of the wizard

Just did it and works like a charm. What threw me off was the "physical

machine" part...they should really include a line in there to choose

this option for hot cloning a VM or something. Thanks for your input.

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theanykey
Virtuoso
Virtuoso

>they should really include a line in there to choose this option for hot cloning a VM

good suggestion - I believe the idea in cloning a VM is to use the standalone image. If you install directly inside a running VM then converter sees a physical machine - the terminology is correct but i agree it can be somewhat confusing to those new to virtualization.

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