Convert VM's from GSX to ESX Server ...

[bncsd]

Hi all,

I was able to convert a VM in GSX to ESX serer by SCP the VMDK files (C:\ drive) and use "vmkfstools -i" to import it into /vmfs/vmhba folder.

Now, I need to copy other VMDK files, as this VM has 4 partitions (C:\,D:\, E:\, F:\ drives). I use SCP and copy the Test_D_Drive.vmdk and Test_D_Drive-flat.vmdk files to /vmfs/vmhba folder. And use the "vmkfstools -i " to import the vmdk file. But, I got an error:

"Disklib Open () failed. The file specified is not a virtual disk (13)"

I am NOT sure I should use the vmkfstools -i to import the non-OS vmdk files? If not, how should I import sub-sequent vmdk files?

TIA

[cheeko]

Make sure that you run vmkfstools against your XXX.vmdk and not XXX-flat.vmdk file.

If that doesn't work, free VMware Converter might be an option.

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

[bncsd]

Thanks Cheeko. I did run it against the vmdk descriptor and not the flat one.

I do have a converter 3.0 but the serial number that VMware sent is not valid. I will need to talk to VMware and get the correct ones. But, it might not help as I need to migrate from production ESX server to an ESX server in the "isolated" LAB - no direct network connection.

Cheers,

[cheeko]

As long as you can reach both ESX servers from your computer (where converter is installed on), it might work with the migration. For Starter version you do not need a serial.

http://act.vmware.com/servlet/campaignrespondent?_ID_=vmwi.2720&email=email&code=

[acr]

Done this many times, the Converter is definaltely worth a try, nice and easy..

Will do ESX to ESX, etc etc..

Starter Edition is free and requires no serial..

[bncsd]

Well, I have another question. One of the drive, drive F:\ in GSX, it current size is 7.1GB and max is 14GB. And I look at where is located there only one VMDK file called, Test_F_Drive.vmdk and the size is 7.1GB. I don't see the flat VMDK file?

So, can I just copy this file to the target ESX server and run vmkfstool -i to import it?

TIA

[cheeko]

It seems that this disk was created on GSX without preallocating disk space (14GB?). Therefore you only see the 7.1GB that are actually used by the guest OS.

I warmly recommend using VMware Converter as it let's you move the disk files around from product to product and even re-sizing vmdks and stuff. It's lot easier than doing it from console and the result is identical.

Save some time and use the converter.

cheeko

P.S.: If something was correct or helpful please award points. It's saturday, you know ...