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How to move a web server VM from one ESXi 4.1 server to another?

Hi,
I am new to VMWARE but I need to move a live web server (VM) from one ESXi 4.1 Server to another. I would like to copy the VM from the old server on to the new host server, take it to another datacentre and patch it in. I would like the origional VM to remain up while I drive to the other datacentre to keep the downtime to a minimum. When the new VM is up and running I would change the DNS to point to the new/copy VM. Is this possible?

Thanks,
Jaime

coolsport00

If you have both ESXi hosts up and going and configured, to minimize downtime, you can use vCenter Converter Standalone (http://downloads.vmware.com/d/info/datacenter_downloads/vmware_vcenter_converter_standalone/4_0) to convert/move/copy the VM to the new location. While it does so, the orig VM stays up and going. Upon completion of the conversion/move process, you will then need to take down the orig VM and power up the new one.

Hope that helps.

Regards,
~coolsport00

jamwalk123

ASKER

Thanks CoolSport,
After using the vCenter Converter Standalone tool to copy the VM onto the new host, would I be able to leave the original on-line for as long as I wanted and switch to the copied VM at my conveniance?
Thanks for your quick responce,
Jaime

Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)

Jamie

Have you considered another approach, and rather than moving the VM, migrating the Web Server data?

If the Web Server is static pages?

Is it IIS? (Windows)

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coolsport00

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jamwalk123

ASKER

I will give this tool a try. Thanks CoolSport for the mind-blowing speed of responce!

coolsport00

Another option for you is, if you have a 'paid' version of ESXi, you could then use a 3rd-party Backup/Replication tool to replicate your VM offsite. Veeam Backup/Replication is $495 per CPU socket. You could replicate your orig VM offsite to your new host. If your orig VM crashes, all you need to do is power on the replicated VM. You can trial Veeam for 30days.

Glad to help. :)

Regards,
~coolsport00

jamwalk123

ASKER

Unfortunatly we don't have have a paid version of VMWare but thanks for the additional info.
cheers,
Jaime