VMware Converter "Starter" for moving Windows server to ESX Server

[shannonadams]

Running VI3 Enterprise Edition. I am trying to convert my first physical Windows server to a VM on ESX Server version 3.5.0. I am using the VMware Converter Starter since I not have VirtualCenter Management Server. VMware ESX is the destination, but it looks like VMware Converter Enterprise is required to import directly into the server. Can I still use VMware Converter Starter and move the server over to ESX Server as a VM?

Thanks,

Shannon

[shane_presley]

You don't need Virtual Center.

Just use VMware Converter, and when it asks for the destination you select "VMware ESX Server or VirtualCenter virtual machine".

Then on the next page, you enter the hostname/IP of your ESX Server, and a username/password to log into it. That'll be root if you haven't added other accounts. It'll place the virtual image directly onto your ESX server (skipping anything to do with VirtualCenter).

-Shane

[ctfoster · Accepted solution]

You can convert direct to ESX with the standard converter. However you have to install Converter on the machine to be imported if you want to send it direct.

[ |http://kb.vmware.com/kb/10107]

[shannonadams]

My option for "VMware ESX server" is greyed out. It says a licnese is required to import a remote machine to an ESX server. My only option is "VMware standalone virtual machine (VMware Workstation, Fusion, Server, or Player).

[Dave_Mishchenko]

You might want to take a look at this tool - http://sanbarrow.com/moa.html. It'll allow you to perform a cold clone of a server with the free edition of VMware Converter, but it eliminates the need to install converter or an agent on the host you plan to convert.

[shane_presley]

As ctfoster said, the VMware Converter tool has to be installed directly on the host you're trying to import. Then the option to place it on ESX directly should be allowed.