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vmware0
Contributor
Contributor

adding an existing -flat.vmdk to a virtual machine.

As i understand *-flad.vmdk is virtual disk which has some data ( may be iam wrong here).

My scenario is , I want to have two VMs identical to each other and it is across different v-centre servers.

So, we have copied the base image from one V-Centre server and Created a VM in another V-centre server.

Now , in order for both VMs to have identical data , is it ok , if i copy the flat.vmdk of one vm and add it to the another vm?

Please suggest me on this.

Regards.

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vmroyale
Immortal
Immortal

Hello.

Yes, you can do this. When you add the flat VMDK to the VM in vCenter, it will take care of everything.

Good Luck!

Brian Atkinson | vExpert | VMTN Moderator | Author of "VCP5-DCV VMware Certified Professional-Data Center Virtualization on vSphere 5.5 Study Guide: VCP-550" | @vmroyale | http://vmroyale.com
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vmware0
Contributor
Contributor

Ok, it looks like my thoughts on that were correct.

Now the actual question. How do i go about adding it to the existing virtual machine?

When i start the new hardware wizard it looks only for the .vmdk files and it doesnot find the flat.vmdk file from the wizard.

Please suggest on this.

Regards.

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vmroyale
Immortal
Immortal

I wasn't as clear as I should have been in the last post - you will need the descriptor file for the flat file as well. If you don't have it, there is a kb 1002511 that details the process for recreating the descriptor file.

Brian Atkinson | vExpert | VMTN Moderator | Author of "VCP5-DCV VMware Certified Professional-Data Center Virtualization on vSphere 5.5 Study Guide: VCP-550" | @vmroyale | http://vmroyale.com
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vmware0
Contributor
Contributor

Thanks for the quick help. I will try this.

Regards.

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continuum
Immortal
Immortal

the kb only describes a sunny weather-scenario Smiley Wink

here is another howto for recreating the vmdk-descriptor-file if only the flat.vmdk is present

http://sanbarrow.com/vmdk-howtos.html#restorefromlog




_________________________

VMX-parameters- WS FAQ -[ MOAcd|http://sanbarrow.com/moa241.html] - VMDK-Handbook


________________________________________________
Do you need support with a VMFS recovery problem ? - send a message via skype "sanbarrow"
I do not support Workstation 16 at this time ...

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petedr
Virtuoso
Virtuoso

As posted you would need to create a descriptor (stub file) as well.

Two files make up a disk.

name-flat.vmdk ( the actual data file )

name.vmdk ( the descriptor or stub file)

We have a utliity as well on our web site to create stub files.

http://www.phdvirtual.com/thankyou_vmdkstubgenerator

www.phdvirtual.com, makers of PHD Virtual Backup for Vmware and Xen Server, formally esXpress

www.thevirtualheadline.com www.liquidwarelabs.com
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Mohammad1982
Hot Shot
Hot Shot

The best option would be Vmware converter. Use converter to convert the VM and you have the identical Vm on the other Virtual center.

This is the easiest way.

If you found this information useful, please consider awarding points for "Correct" or "Helpful". Thanks!!! Regards, Mohammad Wasim

If you found this information useful, please consider awarding points for "Correct" or "Helpful". Thanks!!! Regards, Mohammad Wasim
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continuum
Immortal
Immortal

Don't know why folks always recommend Converter for tasks like this.

Converter is unreliable compared with other tools - and I would not call a procedure where you have to cross fingers the best option.




_________________________

VMX-parameters- WS FAQ -[ MOAcd|http://sanbarrow.com/moa241.html] - VMDK-Handbook


________________________________________________
Do you need support with a VMFS recovery problem ? - send a message via skype "sanbarrow"
I do not support Workstation 16 at this time ...

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vmware0
Contributor
Contributor

Great, this was helpfull. Thanks a lot.

This KB was very helpful.

Regards

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petedr
Virtuoso
Virtuoso

good to hear.

www.phdvirtual.com, makers of PHD Virtual Backup for Vmware and Xen Server, formally esXpress

www.thevirtualheadline.com www.liquidwarelabs.com
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