Virtual to Virtual vmconverter Domain Controller

[marshall28]

I have a domain controller with 400gb thin disks which I zeroed out (sdelete -c) and now it looks to vmware like it's using all the space. My goal is to do a vtov conversion inside another vm using vmware converter and resize the partition slightly so it will use only do a file copy of the data which will shrink the vm in size.

What I'm wondering about is if there are an special considerations when this is a domain controller on a virtual to virtual conversion before I do this? should I take a system state (i'm using 2003) snapshot before and do a non-authoritative restore afterwards? What is your advice in this matter.

thanks

[MauroBonder]

Use the Cold, which is a bootable CD (http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1026714) l, you turn off the domain and it migrates to the cold that does not give details of timing issue.

Using converter you already can resize your disk.

First try power off this virtual machine and delete this snapshot.

KB also follows a basic to help you if you have a problem:

http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1006996

another option to migrate http://vknowledge.wordpress.com/2010/11/03/how-to-p2v-a-domain-controller/ (i preffer do p2v of domain with cold, it´s more safe)

[logiboy123]

I would not do a V2V or P2V of a domain controller if I could help it. There is just to much risk of causing a corruption in the DC database, which would then get replicate all around your environment.

Why not simply stand up an alternate DC and then decommission the old one?

Regards,

Paul

[marshall28]

let me ask this then. My goal is to shrink the vmdk files on the domain controllers so they don't use the full provisioned size of the disks. how can I do this on a domain controller and not decommision it? Is there an easy way on esxi 4.1 latest update?

[idle-jam]

what about converting it (storage vmotion) into thin provision disk to reclaim those wasted space?

[marshall28]

no vmotion license. I only have essentials

[cdc1]

I'd use one of the following two options (both options require that the VM be shut-down):

1. vmkfstools: http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1028042

2. Login to vCenter, shut-down the VM, right-click on it, then click on migrate and "move" it to another datastore.  One of the steps in the wizard will let you change the disk format.

Given that you're on Essentials, your options are limited.  Like what was previously stated, I would not attempt a V2V conversion of a domain controller either.

Also, make sure that regardless of which option you choose, there are no snapshots present for the VM prior to taking any action.