To convert a physical machine into a virtual machine for VMware environments, you typically use the VMware vCenter Converter Standalone tool. This process is often referred to as Physical-to-Virtual (P2V) conversion.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform a P2V conversion using the vCenter Converter Standalone:
Physical-to-Virtual (P2V) conversion involves migrating the operating system, applications, and data from a physical server or workstation to a virtual machine file format compatible with VMware platforms like vSphere, Workstation, or Fusion.
The primary tool provided by VMware for this task is vCenter Converter Standalone.
The P2V Conversion Process Using vCenter Converter Standalone
The process involves installing the converter software, connecting to the source machine, configuring the destination virtual machine, and starting the conversion task.
Step 1: Obtain and Install vCenter Converter Standalone
First, you need to get the vCenter Converter Standalone software. You can typically download it from the VMware website.
- If vCenter Converter Standalone is not already installed on the machine you are using for the conversion (it doesn't have to be the source machine, but often is for local source conversions), you are prompted to install vCenter Converter Standalone if it is not already installed. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Step 2: Launch and Start the Conversion
Once the installation is complete, launch the vCenter Converter Standalone application.
- After the application opens, go to File > Virtualize a Physical Machine from the main menu. This action initiates the P2V conversion wizard.
Step 3: Specify Source Machine
In the wizard, you'll need to specify the source physical machine you want to convert.
- Select source type: Choose "Powered-on machine".
- Specify the physical machine:
- If you are running the converter directly on the physical machine you want to convert, select "This local machine".
- If you are running the converter on a different machine and want to convert a remote physical machine, select "A remote Windows machine" or "A remote Linux machine" and provide the IP address or hostname and credentials.
- Click Next.
Step 4: Specify Destination
Next, configure where the new virtual machine will be saved.
- Select destination type: Choose either "VMware Infrastructure virtual machine" (for vSphere/ESXi) or "VMware Workstation or other VMware virtual machine" (for Workstation, Fusion, or Player).
- Specify destination server (for vSphere): Enter the IP address or hostname of your vCenter Server or ESXi host, along with credentials. Select the destination datacenter, cluster, host, and resource pool.
- Specify destination folder (for Workstation/Fusion): Browse to the local folder where you want to save the virtual machine files.
- Give the new virtual machine a name.
- Click Next.
Step 5: Configure Conversion Options
This is a critical step where you configure the settings for the resulting virtual machine.
- Data to copy: Select the volumes (partitions) from the source machine that you want to include in the virtual machine. You can also resize volumes here. Ensure you include the system volume and any data volumes you need.
- Destination Layout: Review or modify how the disks will be laid out in the virtual machine (e.g., thick or thin provisioning).
- Options: Configure advanced settings such as:
- Install VMware Tools: Recommended for better performance and management of the virtual machine.
- Customize guest operating system: Allows modifying settings like computer name, network configuration, or licensing information in the converted VM.
- Post-conversion power state: Define whether the source physical machine or the new virtual machine should power on or off after conversion. Important: It's often best practice to shut down the source machine before powering on the new VM to avoid conflicts (like duplicate IP addresses).
- Helper VM (for Linux or sometimes Windows): The converter may use a temporary helper virtual machine during the process.
- Click Next.
Step 6: Summary and Start Conversion
Review the summary of the conversion task. Ensure all settings are correct.
- Click Finish to start the conversion process.
The time required for conversion depends on the size of the source machine's data, network speed, and the performance of the destination storage.
Post-Conversion Steps
Once the conversion task completes:
- Locate the VM: Find the new virtual machine in your vSphere inventory or in the specified local folder.
- Boot the VM: Power on the new virtual machine. It might require a reboot after the initial boot process.
- Install VMware Tools: If not already installed or if prompted, install VMware Tools inside the guest operating system for optimal performance.
- Test: Verify that the operating system boots correctly, applications are running, and data is accessible. Test network connectivity.
- Decommission Source: Once you are confident the virtual machine is working correctly, plan to shut down or re-purpose the original physical machine to prevent conflicts.
Key Considerations for P2V
- Source Machine State: Performing the conversion while the physical machine is running (online conversion) is common, but can sometimes lead to inconsistencies for applications with open files. An offline conversion (booting the source with a special CD/USB) can be more consistent but is less convenient.
- Sufficient Disk Space: Ensure the destination datastore or local drive has enough free space for the new virtual machine files.
- Compatibility: Check VMware's compatibility matrices for supported operating systems and hardware configurations.
- Backup: Always back up your physical machine before attempting a P2V conversion.
Using vCenter Converter Standalone provides a reliable way to migrate your physical infrastructure to a more flexible and manageable virtual environment.
