asked on

windows server 2008, 2012, vmware

there are 2 file servers which are windows server 2008 and these servers are on virtual machine.
VMware.

I have been told to migrate 2 file servers from windows server 2008 to windows server 2012.

1) can I migrate these 2 file servers from VMware to physical server?
2) also it is possible to install windows server 2012 on new VMware and copy the virual disk or clone the vm's if possible.

3) is there any difference between cloning or copying vm's

thanks

carlrjr

If 2008 servers are 32-bit then a fresh 2012 server is the best path.
if OS virtual disk is separate from data virtual disks then they can be attached to the 2012 server.

If 2008 servers are 64-bit then consider simply upgrading to 2012 in place.

Copying VM is best for backup; cloning offers a chance to change the identity of the VM so it can run on the same network as the source.

bbao

1) can I migrate these 2 file servers from VMware to physical server?

yes, you can. but why?

2) also it is possible to install windows server 2012 on new VMware and copy the virual disk or clone the vm's if possible.

yes. basically a VMware VM can be copied or cloned by copying the VM's .vmx and vmdk files

3) is there any difference between cloning or copying vm's

i don't see any technical difference there.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

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

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pramod1

ASKER

To carlrjr

can I know the reason

If 2008 servers are 32-bit then a fresh 2012 server is the best path.-why?
If 2008 servers are 64-bit then consider simply upgrading to 2012 in place.-why?

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

can I know the reason

If 2008 servers are 32-bit then a fresh 2012 server is the best path.-why?
If 2008 servers are 64-bit then consider simply upgrading to 2012 in place.-why?

Off topic, and requires a new question I'm afraid.

Myself or other experts will be glad to assist with this new question.

pramod1

ASKER

I fully agree with Andrew and got a clear picture as to how to copy vm .

this is what I was looking for

thanks