Convert Physical Server (w/ HBA) to Virtual

[WeeWee]

Hello,

I need your help to convert a physical server connected to a HP Modular Storage Array 1000 through a HBA.

My doubt: what is the best practice to do this kind of convertion? When I select the physical server VMWARE converter will convert the storage to a virtual disk?

Thank you.

Pedro

[vmroyale]

Hello and welcome to the forums.

Note: This discussion was moved from Forums to Converter.

Do you want to convert and have VMDK files?  What are you going to house this VM on, and what kind of storage is available?

Good Luck!

[WeeWee]

Thanks and sorry for the wrong topic classification (newbie)

I have a HP Proliant Dl360 G5 with Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 and SQL Server 2005 with reporting services running, connected to a HP MSA1000  through fibre channel. So, I need to know if the best way is to convert the drive E:\ to a vmdk file or to configure the new converted virtual machine to have access to the previous LUN (accessed by the "old" physical server).

Thank you.

Pedro

[runclear]

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

This should take care of everything for you - the SAN disk will be created as a vmdk during the P2V process....

I personally use DoubleTake for these here at our office - but its not cheap... 

[MauroBonder]

How is a SQL, in my opnion better solutions is converter Cold (Boot CD) http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=102671...

[runclear]

I would just shut down SQL services during the conversion process... 

[WeeWee]

Thank you very much. I'm enlightened now with your opinion.

I will consider cold convertion (boot cd) or just stop SQL Services during off peak hour.

Thank you again.

Pedro

[DSTAVERT · Accepted solution]

The big question is how large is the storage. ESX(i) have a limit on disk size (2TB minus 512 bytes). If the MSA1000 is less than 2TB you should be able to run converter and create the virtual server including the E: drive. If the MSA is larger than 2TB but the used space is less than 2TB converter will allow you to create shrink the disk.