Create VM from a linus live stick?

[wurzelsepp1]

I would like to create a VM from an existing USB stickt that contains a live system based on ubuntu for a standard intel pc.

I did the following:

- created an image from the stick
- created a new vm in fusion from that image
- selected linux / ubuntu as os, as it is not recognized automatically

after starting the vm, it says "no os found"

It's maybe not as easy, as I thought it could be ..

[scott28tt]

You might be able to use vCenter Converter Standalone for this: https://customerconnect.vmware.com/en/downloads/info/slug/datacenter_cloud_infrastructure/vmware_vce...

[wurzelsepp1]

Thanks, but this tool cannot convert usb-devices into something helpful for fusion

[Technogeezer]

Can you clarify what you did when you say "create an image from the stick"?

[wurzelsepp1]

Sure

I used the disk tool of Mac OS to create an image of the drive.

After that didn't work, I used a windows tool to create an iso image.

Both had the same "no os on disk" eroor when fusion tries to start it.

[RDPetruska]

So how about creating a VM with all the settings needed for that OS, including a blank hard disk.  Then boot the VM with the USB stick connected, and boot from it.  Then go through any install steps exactly the same as you would if you put the USB stick into a physical computer that you wanted to install the OS onto.

[wurzelsepp1]

That would be the normal way ..

The story behind: It's a highly customized linux build for a remot acedd scenario. and: it does not provide root access.

the purpose of that "project" is, to be able to run that live-system in a window on a desktop or notbook and not (as desired) on a dedicated machine.

[RDPetruska]

OK... so can you still run it off of the USB stick inside a 'shell' virtual machine?  If you can't install it to the virtual hard disk, then you wouldn't even need to create those files.

[wurzelsepp1]

I have no idea how to do that, sorry.

I guess it needs a linux machine. we have windows and mac only.

For that, I would need a simple guide

[RDPetruska]

Create a new VM.  Use "Custom" path in the Wizard, not "Standard".  Select a Linux guest OS that's close to what you run.  After going through the options, before powering on, tweak the virtual hardware - no need for hard disk, specify any particular network adapters, serial ports, etc.  Attach the USB stick and power on.  Click mouse inside the window as it boots, adn hopefuly a boot menu will come up .

[wurzelsepp1]

Thank you. I'll try that tomorrow and ask more stupid questions - e.g. how to make thatrun without the usb stick - after.

Have a nice evening

[wurzelsepp1 · Accepted solution]

Hi again,

that idea didn't work but I found a workaround:

I read the stick with a Windows image creator that makes VHM files. After that the image can be opened with Fusion. This VM starts as it should.

I have no idea why this is the only way to make it work ..