Cloning a Centos machine

[tractng]

What is the best method of getting a clone image from a Linux (centos) machine from a ESXi 5.5 with vCenter environment?  The developer needs to test some codes from the production machine before performing the actual upgrade.

On version 4 of ESXi standalone, we attempted shutting the production machine down and downloaded the image.  Then uploaded the image with a different name but the OS didn't load up.  We read the issue was that the Centos OS expected the old mac address of the NIC to be the same.  We didn't proceed further back then.

Thanks,

TT

[BerndtSchumann · Accepted solution]

Try exporting an OVF template and then importing it back.

[tractng]

I used a test machine last night.  I was able to export and import using the thick client (vSphere client) when the machine was off (didn't have any luck with the web client since the dam client integration plugin kept on asking to install again).

The OS loaded up and I was able to see the same IP address with a new mac address.