P2V then install ESXi on old svr

[BobSimon]

My boss wants to virtualize our Windows 2008 server then use that computer as our ESXi host.  Is it possible to convert the server to a VM storing the resulting files, then install ESXi on the former server and import the .vmdk and other files into the datastore?

[weinstein5 · Accepted solution]

The easiest way to do that would be P2V to either VMware Workstation/VMware Player using VMware Converter - install ESXi and then V2V to the new ESXi host

[BobSimon]

Before converting, I'll make a backup image so if anything goes wrong, we can restore and try again.

What are some of the most likely potential problems so I can be prepared if they occur?

Will the vmdk file be about the same size as the used space of the server's %systemdrive% (C:)?

[admin]

Before converting, I'll make a backup image so if anything goes wrong, we can restore and try again.

A : yes it is advisable to take a back-up.

What are some of the most likely potential problems so I can be prepared if they occur?

A : Nothing P2V does not change the original files.Its copies them

Will the vmdk file be about the same size as the used space of the server's %systemdrive% (C:)?

A : Yes the C: drive would remain the same size , but you do have an option on the P2V to change to a different value on the destination end.

Links of the KB article’s below which would help you to increase the performance of the converter and speed up the process.

http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1004588

http://kb.vmware.com/kb/2020517

Thanks,
Avinash

[Michelle50]

Hi

Welcome to the communities.

you can do it easily using P2V of vmware product ,

Please let us know if need any more infor or facing any challenges.

If I have lost confidence in myself, I have the universe against me.