ESX VM on a Workstation

[baro7]

Hello,

I created a virtual machine on an ESX server.

Can I use it on a VMware workstation on my PC ?



If so, what should I copy, only the ' VMDK or all files ?

In addition , the machine has some snapshots , can I keep them or should I consolidate them before?

thank you

regards

Barbara

[impranayk]

You can convert this Virtual machine to OVF and import in ESXi host exist in Workstation.

[baro7]

Many thanks,

but If I convert it, can I still use it also on the server?

[continuum]

OVF is widely over-rated.
Just copy the complete directory.
Read the Nested VMs Tips from jmattson in case the vmx needs finetuning - necessary only if you use ESXi as guestos.
You can even keep the snapshots - BUT in case you want to continue using the snapshots back on ESXi do not use them directly.
Instead add a protective snapshot to the existing snapshot-chain.
(ESXi and WS snapshots use slightly different formats)
Other than that WS can read all ESXi-vmdks without any need to convert them