Adding the VM from ESXi 6.5 Export files (vmdk & ovf)

[jack8899]

Hi,

I had a Linux VM on ESXi 6.5 and wanted to move to other/new ESXi Host.

As the VMware vSphere Client is removed from ESXi 6.5 ,

I tried with the Export option from ESXi Host Client Web Interface and saved 2 files. (disk-0.vmdk & vm.ovf)

So, now without having the flat.vmdk file , is this possible to restore my VM on new ESXi host ?

(Please note the old server is canceled.)

1. Restoring only possible on ESXi 6.5 & 6.7 ?

2. We have to rename the disk-0.vmdk to disk-0-flat.vmdk ?

3. We have to use a software to converting the disk-0.vmdk file ?

4. create a new disk with the same specifications, and then use that new descriptor file to point to the original data disk ?

Regards

[a_p_]

Welcome to the Community,

You can either import the OVF from the GUI, or use the ovftool command line utility.

Simply renaming the file may not work, because of the format used for exported virtual disks.

André

[diegodco31]

Hi

There are a few ways to migrate VMs around between VMware products:

https://sostechblog.com/2011/03/30/moving-vms-from-esx-to-workstation/

You can also export the VM from your ESXi host or vCenter by using the OVF Export option in the vSphere client.

[jack8899]

(Please note the old server is canceled.)

[jack8899]

5. can anyone confirm that is possible (in our case) to import the VM ?

6. Actually i don't have access to new ESXi Host, and new provider say that not possible to restore this VM with (disk-0.vmdk & vm.ovf), is this correct?

[a_p_ · Accepted solution]

I'm afraid that nobody except your provider will be able to help in this case.

From a technical point of view, it should be possible to import a previously exported VM, assuming that the export worked correctly.

André