VMware Cloud Community
edmundlp
Contributor
Contributor
‎06-29-2007 05:33 AM

How to manage ESX 3.0 File System using a GUI

Can someone please tell me how to manage the ESX Server File System using a GUI instead of a shell. We're a Windows shop and do not have 5 1/2 years to learn Linux Shell Commands.

ex. I want to rename a virtual machine.

PS No bashing Smiley Happy

Thanks, Ed.

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25 Replies
oreeh
Immortal
Immortal
‎06-29-2007 05:35 AM

If you mean the VMFS - try the datastore browser (to open it right click a datastore)

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VMKR9
Expert
Expert
‎06-29-2007 05:36 AM

Download WinScp...

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VMKR9
Expert
Expert
‎06-29-2007 05:37 AM

you will need to enable root access to SSH or use anther account.

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edmundlp
Contributor
Contributor
‎06-29-2007 05:43 AM

I have it and cannot rename a vm. I can create a dir, etc...

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edmundlp
Contributor
Contributor
‎06-29-2007 05:44 AM

I have Putty, but only get so far in Linux.

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Chris_S_UK
Expert
Expert
‎06-29-2007 05:45 AM

Try FastSCP from Veeam....

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edmundlp
Contributor
Contributor
‎06-29-2007 05:46 AM

I'm logging in as Root.

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VMKR9
Expert
Expert
‎06-29-2007 05:51 AM

Is the vm powered off? why cant you rename it using the VI Client?

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oreeh
Immortal
Immortal
‎06-29-2007 05:52 AM

Don't want to bash or something similar...

but you have to learn the Unix basics anyway - so better start right away

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VMKR9
Expert
Expert
‎06-29-2007 05:58 AM

I agree, you have to learn the basics, this will help: http://www.rtfm-ed.co.uk/docs/vmwdocs/ESX3.x-VC2.x-ServiceConsole-Guide.pdf

edmundlp
Contributor
Contributor
‎06-29-2007 05:58 AM

I can rename the Virtual Machine, but not the actual files located on the Physical Machine within VMFS.

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VMKR9
Expert
Expert
‎06-29-2007 06:00 AM

If you do start renaming files on the VMFS it will mess the machine up, the vmx will be looking for the files as they are named, so if you do change the filenames make sure you update the vmx

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oreeh
Immortal
Immortal
‎06-29-2007 06:01 AM

You can only rename the files when the VM is powerd down

You also need to unregister the VM AND[/b] modify some files - otherwise your VMX file might point to no longer existing VMDKs.

edmundlp
Contributor
Contributor
‎06-29-2007 07:54 AM

Pefect.

T.Y.

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VMKR9
Expert
Expert
‎06-29-2007 07:59 AM

No points for my posts??

:smileyshocked:(

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edmundlp
Contributor
Contributor
‎06-29-2007 08:07 AM

How do I assign points?

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oreeh
Immortal
Immortal
‎06-29-2007 08:09 AM

you already did it with one of my answers - click helpful/correct button

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edmundlp
Contributor
Contributor
‎06-29-2007 08:14 AM

Where is the DataStore Browser located? Take me through step by step.

Thanks again...

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oreeh
Immortal
Immortal
‎06-29-2007 08:16 AM

In the VI client select the ESX host, then right click the storage (in the right pane).

This pops up a context menu containing (besides other entries) "Datastore browser"

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