ESXi to ESX Server VM copy

[locky2bme]

What is the best practice to copy my current VM's from an existing ESXi server to a new ESX server? I didn't have Vmotion available on the ESXi trial version and now I'm having to download the VM's from the data store of the ESXi server to an external device and then upload to the data store on the new ESX server or are there simply a set of files that I could copy instead?

Thanks,

[Troy_Clavell]

I would say the safest way would be to use VMware Converter.

http://www.vmware.com/download/converter/

You could enable SSH on the ESXi Host then use something like WinSCP or FastSCP to copy the file and the "add to inventory" the VM.

http://www.vm-help.com/esx/esx3i/ESXi_enable_SSH.php

[nsolop]

As recomended before VMware Converter is the best option because besides of the "copy" of the virtual machine it will adjust the virtual hardware to the new environment.

Hope this helps you.

Saludos/Regards

Nicolas Solop

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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[AndreTheGiant]

If you have VC and both VM are in the same datacenter (not necessary in the same cluster), the best solution is using "migrate" function.

Otherwise, as written before you can use Converter or SCP

Andre

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[locky2bme]

Will the converter tool only allow me to convert Virtual machines to Physical and Physical to Virtual machines? I'm trying to copy or move my Virtual machines from one physical ESXi server to another physical ESX server.

Thanks,

[Troy_Clavell]

I don't believe converter can do a v2p, you may have to use 3rd party products.

http://www.vmware.com/support/v2p/doc/V2P_TechNote.pdf

[AndreTheGiant]

Converter can do also V2V.

But "free" version is not able to do a ESX2ESX, you have to do in two step (ESX2File File2ESX)

Andre

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[Troy_Clavell]

can't you treat the ESXi VM as a "physical machine". You would have to install converter on the VM in which you want to convert, then you can go ESX to ESX, but I could be wrong.

[nsolop]

Yes, you can treat your VM's like physical machines and install VMware Converter locally. This works fine, I have been doing this since the earlier versions of converter.

Saludos/Regards

Nicolas Solop

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Mi empresa

Mi perfil en LinkedIn

Grupo de Virtualizacion en español de Linkedin

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[locky2bme]

I'm still a little cloudy, I've installed the Converter tool on my VC client now should I use the conversion tool on the VM's that are on the EXSi box and have my ESX box as the destination? Will this do the trick? I really appreciate everyone's help with this.

[Troy_Clavell]

if you have vCenter, it's even easier than that, even if you don't have vMotion. If using shared storage, just shutdown the VM in question, remove it from inventory, browse the datastore, find the .vmx and "add to inventory" on the other host.

you are using the vCenter Converter plugin, or stand alone install? If you want to do a v2v, the VM must be off. If you want to do a p2v, it can be on, but treat the conversion as a "physical server".

You're best bet if using the free standalone converter is to install it on the VM you want to convert.

Hope this helps.

[nsolop]

I think that you should download and install the converter on your computer and then launch de application (VMware Converter) select the "Import Machine" opntion. This will launch the converter wizard where you should use the ip address and User/Password of the system that you want to convert. Then it will ask you about the destination, there is where you have to select your host.

I don't have here a VMware converter installed so I can't help you more than this, but let my assure you that this works. I have done this several times.

Saludos/Regards

Nicolas Solop

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Mi empresa

Mi perfil en LinkedIn

Grupo de Virtualizacion en español de Linkedin

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[locky2bme]

Thank you all for your help because of you guys I will be able to enjoy the weekend!!!! Thanks a million!!

[Troy_Clavell · Accepted solution]

you're welcome!

please consider the use of the "correct" or "helpful" buttons to award points

[nsolop]

You're welcome, have a nice weekend!

Saludos/Regards

Nicolas Solop

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Mi empresa

Mi perfil en LinkedIn

Grupo de Virtualizacion en español de Linkedin

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