Virtu Man
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P2V Vmware Converter
First, I simply wanted to do a P2V from a remote site to our local vmware ESXi vsphere.
As the network is too bad, I couldn't use directly vmware converter from the physical machine to the ESXi.
I thought the simplest solution was to use VMWARE CONVERTER v6 to do a P2V on a external HDD.
I had to select convert to VMWARE workstation to do it.
it has given me 3 files: 1 vmx and 2 vmdk.
once HDD received, I tried our local vmware converter again to import those file in the vsphere ESXI.
When i tried to use again vmware converter I got an error:
FAILED: An error occurred during the conversion:
'A file error was encountered'
Error: Unable to clone disk D:\SERVERNAME\SERVERNAME.v
I also tried to upload the files on a vmware datastore and then import the files in a new VM but i go following error:
Failed to open disk scsi:0:0. Unsupported and/or invalid disk type 7.
i tried convert with vmkfstools but error:
Clone: 100% done.
Failed to clone disk: Bad file descriptor (589833).
As the network is too bad, I couldn't use directly vmware converter from the physical machine to the ESXi.
I thought the simplest solution was to use VMWARE CONVERTER v6 to do a P2V on a external HDD.
I had to select convert to VMWARE workstation to do it.
it has given me 3 files: 1 vmx and 2 vmdk.
once HDD received, I tried our local vmware converter again to import those file in the vsphere ESXI.
When i tried to use again vmware converter I got an error:
FAILED: An error occurred during the conversion:
'A file error was encountered'
Error: Unable to clone disk D:\SERVERNAME\SERVERNAME.v
I also tried to upload the files on a vmware datastore and then import the files in a new VM but i go following error:
Failed to open disk scsi:0:0. Unsupported and/or invalid disk type 7.
i tried convert with vmkfstools but error:
Clone: 100% done.
Failed to clone disk: Bad file descriptor (589833).
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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@Andrew.
So first p2v to a disk. What should be the target format?
Then the next conversion is from which to which?
TIA
So first p2v to a disk. What should be the target format?
Then the next conversion is from which to which?
TIA
ASKER
Hi thanks for your answers!
It's a WINDOWS 2008 SERVER STANDARD R2 EDITION 64 bits with a running hyperfile DATABASE.
I did not stop any services as they didn't want to stop the server...
Target format on vmware converter is vmware workstation (no other choice if you want to choose a local disk destination from vmware converter)
Then once i get the HDD, i did it from the source (usb disk, choosing the vmx file) to the ESXi vsphere server.
But it's like files are corrupted or something.
Do you think the cause could be the online hot P2V? Should i shutdown the server and do a cold P2V?
As the remote site is very far away it's an option i would like to do as last resort....
It's a WINDOWS 2008 SERVER STANDARD R2 EDITION 64 bits with a running hyperfile DATABASE.
I did not stop any services as they didn't want to stop the server...
Target format on vmware converter is vmware workstation (no other choice if you want to choose a local disk destination from vmware converter)
Then once i get the HDD, i did it from the source (usb disk, choosing the vmx file) to the ESXi vsphere server.
But it's like files are corrupted or something.
Do you think the cause could be the online hot P2V? Should i shutdown the server and do a cold P2V?
As the remote site is very far away it's an option i would like to do as last resort....
ASKER
I cannot convert directly to the ESXi Server as It is a remote site with a too low connection and bandwith. It will take month and it's not a possibility at all.
ASKER
Also, I did install VMWARE CONVERTER on the physical machine i want to convert (remote site).
And i have an other vmware converter server on my local site (where i tried to import/convert from HDD to ESXi Server).
What do you mean by :
Please retry the P2V, you have a bad disk, or faulty P2V.
Completing a P2V to a temporary file, and then another conversion is the correct method. Copy and moving VMDKs is never a good idea or recommended as you have seen, because of compatibility issues.
Can you details? How can i make sure the conversion is ok and not corrupted or whatever as i got no errors doing it...
And i have an other vmware converter server on my local site (where i tried to import/convert from HDD to ESXi Server).
What do you mean by :
Please retry the P2V, you have a bad disk, or faulty P2V.
Completing a P2V to a temporary file, and then another conversion is the correct method. Copy and moving VMDKs is never a good idea or recommended as you have seen, because of compatibility issues.
Can you details? How can i make sure the conversion is ok and not corrupted or whatever as i got no errors doing it...
ASKER
Maybe a good idea could be to ask them an image of the server, and then once i got the image i could manage something, this way i will ensure the data are not corrupted in any way?
Just Repeat the Conversion. (to a different disk). USB external disk may be the issue.
It's not uncommon, for me to try 3-4 times to get a good conversion.
and if you have a database, you are better stopping the service, if you P2V HOT you could end up with a corrupt database.
Images conversion are good, if you have software, do not rely on VMware Converter to do this for you though.
See the Article I wrote!
It's not uncommon, for me to try 3-4 times to get a good conversion.
and if you have a database, you are better stopping the service, if you P2V HOT you could end up with a corrupt database.
Images conversion are good, if you have software, do not rely on VMware Converter to do this for you though.
See the Article I wrote!
ASKER
@Andrew
I read your article and Using Veeam could be an option, as it's not more expensive (free!), or more time-consuming than vmware converter.
However i still have some questions:
When you said, it's not uncommon for you to try several times to get a good conversion...How do you know it's a bad or good conversion? As if the job completes on vmware converter, you just don't see any errors... Maybe you mean once you try to import the files from an HDD you can get errors but then it's too late...would prefer to know earlier?
Is there any way to do a cold P2V from a remote place? I mean if the server has no IMM (remote console), should i use a CD and be in front of the server to do so?
So if I have to do a P2V HOT:
-Do you advise me to use Veeam Endpoint Backup FREE 1.5 rather than Vmware converter for my specific case?
I need the simplest and most of all the most reliable way to proceed!
-Should I take any others considerations as it's a critical production server with a database. Are there any steps before to proceed the P2V to ensure it will be the cleaner possible...or script or tools to execute?
Any post tasks recommended based on your experience to ensure the virtual machine will work as the physical was?
I really appreciate your help and your share, as it's getting hard to get some good advices (or share) in some companies!
I read your article and Using Veeam could be an option, as it's not more expensive (free!), or more time-consuming than vmware converter.
However i still have some questions:
When you said, it's not uncommon for you to try several times to get a good conversion...How do you know it's a bad or good conversion? As if the job completes on vmware converter, you just don't see any errors... Maybe you mean once you try to import the files from an HDD you can get errors but then it's too late...would prefer to know earlier?
Is there any way to do a cold P2V from a remote place? I mean if the server has no IMM (remote console), should i use a CD and be in front of the server to do so?
So if I have to do a P2V HOT:
-Do you advise me to use Veeam Endpoint Backup FREE 1.5 rather than Vmware converter for my specific case?
I need the simplest and most of all the most reliable way to proceed!
-Should I take any others considerations as it's a critical production server with a database. Are there any steps before to proceed the P2V to ensure it will be the cleaner possible...or script or tools to execute?
Any post tasks recommended based on your experience to ensure the virtual machine will work as the physical was?
I really appreciate your help and your share, as it's getting hard to get some good advices (or share) in some companies!
When you said, it's not uncommon for you to try several times to get a good conversion...How do you know it's a bad or good conversion? As if the job completes on vmware converter, you just don't see any errors... Maybe you mean once you try to import the files from an HDD you can get errors but then it's too late...would prefer to know earlier?
either does not convert, or fails to boot.
Is there any way to do a cold P2V from a remote place? I mean if the server has no IMM (remote console), should i use a CD and be in front of the server to do so?
see this I wrote
HOW TO: FAQ VMware P2V Troubleshooting
Veeam is a good tool, that can be used.
Vision Solutions Double Take MOVE is even better! ($300 a server!)
HOW TO: Migrate physical, virtual and cloud based workloads with real-time replication to VMware vSphere (ESXi) using Double-Take MOVE
Simple, Reliable, Production Machine, in shorttest possible time...
Use Vision Solutions Double Take MOVE
ASKER
HOW TO: FAQ VMware P2V Troubleshooting.
In your article, COLDCLONE.iso was discontinued.
what is the best (simplest, reliable) method of completing a P2V while the physical server is powered OFF? Even if it's not vmware.
I may be able to access the server from a remote console (IBM server)
In your article, COLDCLONE.iso was discontinued.
what is the best (simplest, reliable) method of completing a P2V while the physical server is powered OFF? Even if it's not vmware.
I may be able to access the server from a remote console (IBM server)
Using the correct software now, you can P2V hot with no issues. - Vision Solutions Double Take MOVE.
Coldclone is still around (Google), but you may find it's old and does not support your server.
Coldclone is still around (Google), but you may find it's old and does not support your server.
ASKER
Except coldclone which is depreciated, is there an other software or freeware to do a offline P2V?
ASKER
Don't forget my major problem is I can't use the NETWORK, so DOUBLE TAKE is not a option.
I'm afraid if you are constrained by network, between physical and ESXi host.
You will need to perform the P2V, with database disabled, set to manual, and then any hardware related software removed, and then perform the P2V, (VMware Workstation), to a file share, or local machine preferable not a external USB drive.
Shutdown and turn off, and never use the physical machine again.
or Veeam Endpoint to an image, and then move to your ESXi server network, and then VMware Converter, or Restore to Bare Metal using Veeam Endpoint.
then, remove all phantom drivers, install VMware Tools, set database to automatic, apply correct IP Address, use VMXNET3 interface, restart and use the new VM.
You will need to perform the P2V, with database disabled, set to manual, and then any hardware related software removed, and then perform the P2V, (VMware Workstation), to a file share, or local machine preferable not a external USB drive.
Shutdown and turn off, and never use the physical machine again.
or Veeam Endpoint to an image, and then move to your ESXi server network, and then VMware Converter, or Restore to Bare Metal using Veeam Endpoint.
then, remove all phantom drivers, install VMware Tools, set database to automatic, apply correct IP Address, use VMXNET3 interface, restart and use the new VM.
Do you require any further help, so this question can be closed, and s solution selected.
ASKER
Hello i am going to try to restore and will let you know, surely end of next week :)
Do you require any additional help with this question, to select and Answer and close ?
ASKER
Unfotunately, at the moment, when I try to restore I get the following error: (I also attached an image)
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error Shared memory connection was closed. (Veeam.Backup.Common.CCppC
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Failed to read data from shared memory IO device.
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: ProtoEx client session failed.
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error Failed to download disk. (Veeam.Backup.Common.CCppC
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Disk download failed.
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error Agent failed to process method {DataTransfer.SyncDisk}. (Veeam.Backup.Common.CCppC
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error Exception from server: Retrieved less bytes from the storage [0] than required [5246976]. Offset: [103981959680]. File: [\\10.65.1.XXX\utilisateur
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Failed to parse metadata stored in slot [4096]
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Unable to load metadata snapshot. Slot: [4096].
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Failed to load metastore
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Failed to load metadata partition.
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Failed to open storage for read access. Storage: [\\10.65.1.XXX\utilisateur
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Cannot apply patches stored in folder [HostFS://\\10.65.1.XXX\ut
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Failed to build restore point.
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Failed to open backup disk source.
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error Failed to upload disk. (Veeam.Backup.Common.CCppC
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Disk upload failed.
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Unable to run ProtoEx server session.
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Failed to handle ProtoEx session.
Do you have any idea about it?
veeam.png
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error Shared memory connection was closed. (Veeam.Backup.Common.CCppC
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Failed to read data from shared memory IO device.
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: ProtoEx client session failed.
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error Failed to download disk. (Veeam.Backup.Common.CCppC
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Disk download failed.
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error Agent failed to process method {DataTransfer.SyncDisk}. (Veeam.Backup.Common.CCppC
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error Exception from server: Retrieved less bytes from the storage [0] than required [5246976]. Offset: [103981959680]. File: [\\10.65.1.XXX\utilisateur
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Failed to parse metadata stored in slot [4096]
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Unable to load metadata snapshot. Slot: [4096].
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Failed to load metastore
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Failed to load metadata partition.
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Failed to open storage for read access. Storage: [\\10.65.1.XXX\utilisateur
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Cannot apply patches stored in folder [HostFS://\\10.65.1.XXX\ut
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Failed to build restore point.
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Failed to open backup disk source.
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error Failed to upload disk. (Veeam.Backup.Common.CCppC
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Disk upload failed.
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Unable to run ProtoEx server session.
[05.05.2017 15:23:47] <28> Error in c++: Failed to handle ProtoEx session.
Do you have any idea about it?
veeam.png
That's a little off topic, and would be best suited to a new Question, about Veeam failing to restore, posted to the VMware and Veeam topic areas, and would get more responses and help from Experts, rather than this question.
ASKER
Good idea about bar metal restore when vmware converter does not work for any reason.
Great documentation and nice help all along.
Veeam Backup End Manager didn't work at the end (yet) but could be the server i am trying to restore which could be data corrupted possibly.
Thanks!
Great documentation and nice help all along.
Veeam Backup End Manager didn't work at the end (yet) but could be the server i am trying to restore which could be data corrupted possibly.
Thanks!
Also try recoverting choosing esxi as a target format.
https://vox.veritas.com/t5/System-Recovery/VM-does-not-start-with-converted-vmdk-file-by-SSR-2013/td-p/555975