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yeowkm2809
Contributor
Contributor

Export VM to another ESXi host for backup

how do I export decommissioned VM from one ESXi host to another host for backup?

my current host is using vsphere 5 essential.

can I export the VM to a NFS datastore for archive?

5 Replies
SatyS
Hot Shot
Hot Shot

Add both your ESXi hosts to a single vCenter Server.

Then Try a Clone/Migrate option. Clone will retain a copy in the original host as well. But Migrate will move the VM to the second host.

Or else you can Export a template from this VM and import it in the new host.

If you find this useful,please mark the answer as correct/helpful Regards, SatyS http://myvirtuallearning.wordpress.com/
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HawkieMan
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Browse datastore and download the Whole content of the vms folders to the NFS datastore. Easy and simple.

If you map up the NFS datastore to the esx host, you can just use the copy function on "browse datastore"

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vfk
Expert
Expert

Hi, you can export the VM as OVF and import into your destination esxi host.  Here is how to do it: vSphere 5.5 Documentation Center

--- If you found this or any other answer helpful, please consider the use of the Helpful or Correct buttons to award points. vfk Systems Manager / Technical Architect VCP5-DCV, VCAP5-DCA, vExpert, ITILv3, CCNA, MCP
yeowkm2809
Contributor
Contributor

copying to the NFS datastore method is good enough for me.

tks

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antonmajor
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

If the server is being decom'd and shutdown, just remove from inventory and cut/paste to the desired datastore.

If you want to easily spin this up in the future, export the entire thing to an ova file and upload to the desired location. Once it's there, you can safely delete the original files.

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