how to convert VM offline backup esxi to wmware workstation or other?

[marcobaudo]

Hi everyone. I need to convert a VM from esxi (shut down) to a workstation or other platform to be able to start it. I can't use the ESXi converter because the server is down, I only have the backup VM available. How can it be done? Thank you

[MyBetaVmware101]

When you say, you have the backup with so it is some OVA/OVF format ? if you have all the virtual machine files you can try to import them in vmware workstation.

[marcobaudo]

Thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately not, I only have the VM as it is in the off state (vmdk) otherwise I would have already tried. It's a 2012 server coming from a dead host and I need to turn it on and then convert it back to esxi when the host is up and running again

[a_p_]

Which files do you have?

An ESXi virtual disk consists of two .vmdk files, a small descriptor file, and a large data file.
These can be used in VMware Workstation without the need to convert them.

If you don't have the VM's configuration (.vmx) file, you may simply create a new VM, and - instead of creating a new virtual disk - use the existing virtual disk.

André

[marcobaudo]

perfect,

I'll try it and let you know if it works. I hope it works also on Player and not on Workstation version.

Thank you

[marcobaudo]

Thanks!! Unfortunately only today I was able to turn on the virtual machine (backup) recovered from ESXi and I must tell you that it works as you indicated, therefore I can temporarily run this server on VMWare Player waiting to restore an ESXi server.

Now the real problem is being able to restart the ESXi server (it doesn't want to start up) or understand how to recover the virtual machines from within

[a_p_]

>>> it doesn't want to start up

Some more information would be helpful.
Doesn't the server power on at all (issue with power/power supply)?
If it powers on, how far does it go?

André

[marcobaudo]

Thanks for the reply.

No unfortunately  the server does not turn on at all! The PSU tries to start (feels fine for a few seconds) then slows down and shuts down. The server power button stays solid and if I press it it starts flashing as if it is preparing to boot but does nothing. I had a new PSU arrive and plugged it in but that's not the problem as the old one works too.

I've unplugged and removed all banks of RAM and tested them one by one but it doesn't seem to be a RAM problem. I disconnected the harddisk buses but it doesn't start either. I've already removed the processor and changed the thermal paste, but that doesn't work either. This model does not have a front display to view any problems, only inside I notice that a resistor (CR08) is flashing but I don't know if there is a connection with the problem. I honestly don't know what to try anymore...

Any suggestion?

[a_p_]

What vendor/model of server is it?

Does it have a management interface like iLO (HPE), iDRAC (Dell), XClarity (Lenovo), ... which can be accessed to find out about the issue?

André

[marcobaudo]

The server is an HP ProLiant DL360 Gen9 with iLO (HPE), unfortunately I can't figure out where this external interface is since I can't find panels that I usually find on other servers on the front or as a removable card: the worst thing is that I can't find (or there isn't) the SID panel that would help me understand the problem. Unfortunately for web access  IlO I can't do anything because the server is off

[a_p_]

iLO works as soon as the server is connected to power. No need to turn it on.

You'll find the dedicated "iLO" network interface on the back. By default, iLO is configured for DHCP, and you can find the default Administrator logon credentials on the plastic tag, that can be pulled out on the front of the server.

André

[marcobaudo]

This is good news😃, in truth I hadn't tried it since I'm working on the DC full time but now I'll certainly do this test you suggested, maybe so I can understand why the server doesn't start.

Thank you🙏, I will write the result here as soon as I finish the test.