Convert SBS 2003 32-bit to VMware vSphere 5.0

[PatricNIX]

Hi,

I have a Small Bussiness Server 2003 and a new server which I just installed vSphere 5 on (Free license).

I want to convert that SBS2003 machine to a virtual machine and put it on the vSphere host.

How do I do that? I've seen something about vCenter Converter, is that what I should install on the SBS2003 machine?

How do I get it on the vSphere host?

Thanks for any information!

[arturka]

Hi

Of course you could install converter on SBS server but better option is to install VMware converter 5 standalone on your workstation, in migration wizard as a source server point out your SBS and as destination ESXi host

Cheers
Artur

Please, don't forget the awarding points for "helpful" and/or "correct" answers.

[Virtualinfra]

Download Vmware standalone converter from the below linnk

http://downloads.vmware.com/d/info/infrastructure_operations_management/vmware_vcenter_converter_sta...

Refer the user guide how to use vmware standalone converter.

http://www.vmware.com/pdf/convsa_50_guide.pdf

Install standalone converter on your 2003 server or on your desktop were you will be able to access both 2003 server as well as esxi.

and for the instruttion in the user guide.

Award point for the helpful and correct answer by clicking the below tab .

[PatricNIX]

Woow that was fast replys! haha

Thanks a lot for the information! I will try that and see how it goes :smileygrin:

[continuum]

I would not even consider to do a hotclone for an SBS-server - use Coldclone procedure instead

[PatricNIX]

That actually sounds more safer to me. Where can I get a Cold cloning CD to boot from?

[continuum]

several options:
- download the original VMware Coldclone CD from VMware if you have the license for it
- use a knoppix LiveCD + USB-drive
- use a Acronis LiveCD + USB-drive
- use a BartPE with ghost32 + USB-drive
or ask me nicely - so that I create a good MOA coldclone CD via a teamviewer session on your admin host

easiest - but not the best -  variant is the download from VMware

[AndreTheGiant]

If you plan to use a "hot" clone, use this procedure:

• install the old standalone converter (v 3.0.3) in the SBS machine
• reboot the machine in AD restoration mode to stop all AD services
• use the converter
• power off the physical machine
• power on the virtual machine without the network
• fix the networ address and reconnect the network