How can I clone/copy VM without using VM Console

[Levadmin]

I have a single ESX 3.0 Sever setup in a Lab without a Console server. I want to clone servers that I have setup, but cloning is not available without the console server.

Can I manually copy a server (files) to a new directory using SCP or other utility, rename and configure to startup as a new server?

Any idea how this could be done.

[waynegrow · Accepted solution]

Yes, you could manually copy the files, rename, and create a new VM. If this is Windows you will need to run something like NEWSID or sysprep on the OS.

Also, instead of SCP, I would use vmkfstools -i /source/../.. /dest/../..

Message was edited by:

waynegrow

[Levadmin]

Do I need to copy all files and rename or just the disk file?

*.log

name.nvram

name.vmdk

name.vmsd

name.vmx

name.vmxf

name-flat.vmdk

Should the new server be created in VM first and then copy the disk file (.vmdk) over the exisiting?

[VirtualNoitall]

Hello,

I would just copy over the disk files (vmdk) and then create a new virtual machine and point to the existing disks.

Message was edited by:

VirtualNoitall

[waynegrow]

Just the .vmdks. You would then create a new VM (create it with a small 4MB drive). Then remove the 4MB drive and point it to those .vmdks. At least that is what I do.