VM file server migration by removing/adding disks
I have a VM that is acting as a file server currently running server 2003. This server holds about 7 TB worth of files over several data disks. As part of our windows server 2003 retirement plan I need to get these files onto a 2008 or 2012 server.
In the past I have used robocopy to do do a copy and then delta copy right before cutting the server over. Due to the size of this data I was thinking rather than using robocopy to move the data I would build a new 2008 r2 server and then remove the data disks within vmware and simpy attach them to the new server. At this point I would only need to set the drive letters correctly and everything should be there for data, permissions, etc. I would need to recreate the shares but that would be simple enough.
Has anyone done this migration method in the past and did it work for you? Anything I should be worried about with detaching and reattaching these data drives.
Thanks
In the past I have used robocopy to do do a copy and then delta copy right before cutting the server over. Due to the size of this data I was thinking rather than using robocopy to move the data I would build a new 2008 r2 server and then remove the data disks within vmware and simpy attach them to the new server. At this point I would only need to set the drive letters correctly and everything should be there for data, permissions, etc. I would need to recreate the shares but that would be simple enough.
Has anyone done this migration method in the past and did it work for you? Anything I should be worried about with detaching and reattaching these data drives.
Thanks
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That is exactly what I am trying to avoid is taking the time/data storage in order to have a secondary copy of the 7tb worth of data.
So my thoughts are to note the share folder and permissions
Power down the old server.
Collect the disk information then detach from old server.
Attach to new server and assign the correct drive letters.
Recreate shares and permissions
Think that should be about it right?
So my thoughts are to note the share folder and permissions
Power down the old server.
Collect the disk information then detach from old server.
Attach to new server and assign the correct drive letters.
Recreate shares and permissions
Think that should be about it right?
that should be fine; that's what i would do
Yes, that's correct.
Make sure there are no snapshots before you do the move, and take a full backup of the VM, before any changes.
Make sure there are no snapshots before you do the move, and take a full backup of the VM, before any changes.
Permissions on the files should remain as they are. Shares will need to be recreated. I would make a note of share permissions too.