Duplicate a virtual machine, is it possible?

[simo79]

I have just created a virtual machine with windows xp pro, and i would be duplicate this machine, so I can use this when the first has some problem..

Is it possible or I have to install a new one virtual machine from the cd rom.. ?

Which is the best way?

[happyhammer]

you can simply clone this machine, by right click and clone, also you could turn the clone into a template to deploy further copies from it if required

[jayolsen]

Not sure if ESXi is different but with ESX you need to have Virtual Center to do a clone. If not you could power down the guest and copy the vmdk files, create a new vm and use the copied disk files, run sysprep and you should be good.

[simo79]

In my esxi , there isn't the choice to clone the machine...

Where you find this choice?

[javelin]

Is "clone"ing a basic function of ESXi or is it an added(lincensed) feature?

I "right click" on a VM and doesn't show the "clone" function as you have indicated.

Thanks,

jav

[jayolsen]

Think you need to have Virtual Center and connect your client to it instead of the individual hosts.

or I guess vCenter its called now

Message was edited by: jayolsen

[simo79]

Can you explain to me what is a Virutal center ?

otherwise the solutions is to make a snapshot...

[jayolsen · Accepted solution]

It is a separate product for managing multiple hosts from one central interface.

[weinstein5]

As others have pointed out you will need Virtual Center to clone a VM - also with you virtual center you can create templates - it is a seperate product allowing you to manage multiple ESX and ESXi Servers and their VMs - without Virtual Center you will need to manually copy the files that make up the VM - but do not forget you will need to sysprep each copy -

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[lamw]

Take a look at this script, it might be an option: http://communities.vmware.com/docs/DOC-9321

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--William

VMware ESX/ESXi scripts and resources at:

[APanian]

Regarding whether you can copy VM's on ESXi? You can by opening up the VMware Infrastructure console then double-clicking your datastore. Then a second window will pop-up titled Datastore Browser.

Next if you right-click you can copy/paste/move etc... Enjoy,

[dinnu]

Thw best and free way is to use a Vmware Converter. Use the latest version which is version 4 and called as Converter Standalone Client.

Select the VM you want to clone in the source option>select the destination type as Vmware Workstation or Vmware Appliance>select the location you want to save this file and there you go.

I guess this helps you.