Convert VM from VM Workstation to ESX / ESXi

Importing and exporting virtual machine from a VMWare ESX Server host requires converting that virtual machine’s .vmdk file(s) from one format to another.
Although the underlying technologies work the same, the formatting of the VMDKs differ.
You have 2 options:
1) If you have a running copy of workstation, simply use VMware Converter as you would for any normal conversion, treating the VM as you normally would a physical host in a P2V
2) If you have no working Workstation, you can clone / convert the vmdk at the command line – as I have a fully ESXi lab to play in, I don’t have Workstation running on any machines in my office – as such, when IBM recently supplied a VM for a demo . . that had been created on VM workstation, I had to import it. I used the following process.
Firstly, get hold of an SSH tool ( I use putty)
Next, open a connection to any host that has the storage containing the vmdk presented
In ESX / ESXi, this will be in /vmfs/volumes/
Note: the destination path /dest/folder/vmserver1.vmdk should not contain any existing files with the name ‘vmserver1.vmdk’. If it does the file will be overwritten.
Importing Virtual Disks from GSX Server and Workstation to ESX Server
Before an ESX Server can run a virtual machine created on a different version of VMWare, the virtual disks must first be converted to a format that can be read by the VMFS file system. This is done by running the following vmkfstools command:
vmkfstools -i /.vmdk :.dsk
is the name of the folder from which you are importing from
is the name of the virtual machine file(s) to be imported
is the name of the VMFS partition you are importing to
An example of a complete command would be:
vmkfstools -i /vmfs/volumes/CLRLAB001T1/vmserver1.vmdk /vmfs/volumes/CLRLAB001T1/vmserver1_new.vmdk
Additional information regarding the vmkfstools command can be found in the ESX Server documentation.

VMware Esxi 5 adding a virtual machine to the inventory 导入旧的VM

You can register a virtual machine in vCenter Server / VirtualCenter or from a command line.

 

To register a virtual machine in vCenter Server:

1. Open the vSphere / VMware Infrastructure (VI) Client and log in with appropriate credentials.
2. If connecting to vCenter Server, click on the desired host.
3. Click the Configuration tab.
4. Click Storage.
5. Right-click on the appropriate datastore and click Browse Datastore.
6. Navigate to the folder named after the virtual machine, and locate the .vmx file. 
7. Right-click the .vmx file and click Add to inventory. The Add to Inventory wizard opens. 
8. Continue to follow the wizard to add the virtual machine.

To register a virtual machine from a command line:

1. Log in as root to the ESX host with an SSH client.
2. Run the command:
   # vmware-cmd -s register \.vmx

To register a virtual machine from a command line on an ESXi host:

1. Log in as root to the ESXi host with an SSH client. For information on using Tech Support mode, see Using Tech Support Mode in ESXi 4.1 (1017910).
2. Run the command:
   
   # vim-cmd solo/registervm /vmfs/volumes/datastore_name/VM_directory/VM_name.vmx

Dell PowerEdge T110 Bios to Enable VT and EVC

To enable 64-Bit support for Virtual Machines in VMware ESX, you must Enable Virtualization Technology and to configure the ESX host for Enhanced vMotion Compatibility, you must Enable Execute Disable. These settings can be found under the CPU info section of the Dell BIOS. (F2 to enter Dell Bios on the PowerEdge)
 

VMware vSphere 4.1虚拟化学习手册1：VMware vSphere简介(ZT)

什么是VMware vSphere
vSphere是VMware推出的基于云的新一代数据中心虚拟化套件，提供了虚拟化基础架构、高可用性、集中管理、监控等一整套解决方案
VMware vSphere 4套件组成
ESX/ESXi：物理服务器的虚拟化层，它将处理器、内存、存储器和资源虚拟化（交换机）为多个虚拟机，是vSphere服务器虚拟化基础架构组件；
vCenter：用于集中管理ESX/ESXi及其上的虚拟机，可通过其配置ESX/ESXi Cluster，实现HA、DRS、VMotion等高可用性功能；通过扩展vCenter相关插件，可实现更多高级功能；4.1以后只能装在64位os上。
vSphere Client：vSphere 管理客户端，用于直接连接ESX/ESXi主机实现基本管理任务，或通过连接vCenter实现ESX/ESXi和VM的集中管理；
Vmware vSphere Web Access：web管理界面，可以通过浏览器对Vmware vSphere或Vcenter进行管理。
vConverter：虚拟机迁移工具，可实现物理机到虚拟机的迁移（P2V），以及不同厂商虚拟机文件或镜像间的转换（V2V）；分为以下三个版本：

• vCenter Converter Enterprise：vCenter集成版本，安装后集成在vCenter管理界面中，此版本还包括一个用于冷迁移的CD启动版；
• vCenter Converter Standalone：免费版本；

VCB：虚拟机备份命令行工具，可实现在线或离线虚拟机的自动备份；
Vmware VMFS：vmwae的文件系统，类似Windows的ntfs或linux的ext2和ext3。
VMware vmotion：一台vm从一个物理esx迁移到另一台物理esx上。
Vmware HA(高可用性)：虚拟机的高可用，就是双机互备，跟普通的HA理念双互备差不多。
Vmware DRS.：在一个大的资源池分配给每一台vm的资源智能调优。
Vmware FT：多台esx.提供资源跑一个vm。
DataRecovery：虚拟机备份、恢复图形化工具；
Update Manager:用于ESX/ESXi主机及虚拟机的升级和补丁管理；可分为以下俩个版本：

• vCenter Update Manager：vCenter集成版本，可在vCenter服务器上选择安装，安装后集成在vCenter管理界面中；
• vSphere Host Update Utility：可在安装vSphere Client时选择安装，免费版本，用于单主机升级；

vCenter Guided Consolidation：在把现有的应用服务器整合到虚拟机之前，对其进行在线分析，以确认其资源使用情况，并给出整合建议，可在vCenter服务器上选择安装，安装后集成在vCenter管理界面中；
vCenter Orchestrator：vSphere工作流引擎，通过其可进行虚拟化相关的工作流设计，以实现虚拟化环境管理的自动化，此组件随vCenter自动安装；

vSphere4架构图

Vmware vmotion对inter 兼容列表

http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1991

Vmware vmotion对amd 兼容列表

http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1992

Vmware vmotion 对intel/amd cpu兼容列表

http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1003212

vSphere 4版本比较：

 

参考网址：
VMware vSphere （ESX）各版本比较：
http://www.vmware.com/cn/products/vsphere/buy/editions_comparison.html
VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi)与其他虚拟化软件比较：
http://www.vmware.com/cn/products/vsphere-hypervisor/compare.html
如何下载并使用免费版本：
去VMware网站注册一个账户，申请一个免费的ESXi授权，然后下载ESXi或ESX进行安装；
注册下载页面：
https://www.vmware.com/cn/tryvmware/index.php?p=free-esxi&lp=1
使用vSphere Client连接安装好的ESX/ESXi，输入免费授权CDKey，之后就可在其上建立并运行虚拟机；
免费版本因为无vCenter可用，所以只能使用vSphere Client进行单机管理，可免费使用的功能组件仅限于以下两个：vCenter Converter Standalone和vSphere Host Update Utility
默认在不输入授权CDKey的情况下，可在60天内免费试用vSphere 4 Enterprise Plus；
关于ESX和ESXi
很多人都有一个误解，认为“ESX是全功能的收费版本，ESXi是个缩减功能的免费版”，这是错误的；下面我大概解释一下：
ESX和ESXi的唯一区别是“ESX带有一个基于Linux的Service Console，而ESXi则无此控制台”；
除去以上一点，其他功能两者没什么区别，具体可使用的功能取决于您使用的License类型，比如：Enterprise Plus License可授权使用vSphere4的所有功能，不管是ESX还是ESXi；
那可以免费使用ESX吗？当然可以！只要在安装好的ESX上输入免费ESXi License即可，两者的License是通用的；

source ：http://www.liusuping.com/xunihua/VMware-vSphere-jianjie.html

How to move/copy VMware Fusion Virtual Machine

To copy the virtual machine file (by default vm files are located in Documents/Virtual Machines) and double-clicked to launch VMware. It automatically started the virtual machine, and a message box appeared asking if the virtual machine was moved or copied. (See screen shot below)


I had read online that if the file has been moved to a new hard drive, it is very important that VMware Fusion keeps the original settings for the Windows activation, so it won’t mess it up later.

Next, I suspended the virtual machine, and exited from VMware Fusion. In Finder, I sent the Windows 7 file (on my hard drive) to the trash. I also had to remove the older Windows 7 install from the list of virtual machines in Fusion.

Once I double-clicked the “moved” Windows 7 virtual machine file on my external a second time, it launched, and was added to the list of virtual machines in Fusion. All seemed to be working just fine.

Hyper-v Mouse cannot control issues (with Romote desktop/VNC connection)

1. Uninstalled the "Microsoft Virtual Machine Bus Input Device Miniport", restarted and ... the dot was back to an arrow :-)

2. try the following. In the VM go to the mouse-options, activate "mouse trace" and make the trace as short as possible.

3. The best way is to reinstall Integration Service

Hyper-V Reference resource

Microsoft Hyper-V forum
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/forums/en-US/winserverhyperv/threads/

Virtual PC Guy's WebLog
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/virtual_pc_guy/

圖解 Parallels Desktop 入門（1-6）

http://rondoyoyo.pixnet.net/blog/post/24485822

Install Snow Leopard in VMWARE 7 Windows Edition

http://www.ihackintosh.com/2009/12/install-snow-leopard-in-vmware-7-windows-edition/


How to install Snow Leopard in VMWARE 7 and Windows host ? Virtualization of Snow Leopard (Client) is not officially supported/allowed by any virtualization solution. However a few modifications to the .vmx file and use a modified install disk as this will save a lot of trouble. Let me clear Apple licensing does not allow for the virtualization of OSX Client on any hardware and only allows for the virtualization OSX server on Apple hardware. Anything else is in violation of the license agreement. This article is for informational purposes only, you can never achieve full utilization of Mac OS X on VMWARE. So if you like the Mac then go ahead and buy a Mac.
Also Check — Snow Leopard in VMWARE Post Installation Fixes and Tweaks for sound, graphics related mods after installation.

More Article of Interest

• How to Install Snow Leopard (10A432) on PC Hackintosh
• Install Snow Leopard 10.6 on AMD PC Hackintosh
• How to Convert Snow Leopard Retail Disk to .DMG

Requirements

• VMWARE 7 and Windows XP, Vista or 7
• Retail DVD of Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6
• Intel Based Machine, AMD isn’t supported.
• Patience, a Cup of coffee or Energy drink whatever you like.
• A pre-made Snow Leopard VMDK, dariwn_snow.iso Download (Rapidshare), (Rapidshare 1)(Mediafire) Or (Megaupload)

Instructions

Step One : Launch VMWARE Workstation and load the .vmx that came with the package you downloaded above. Now edit virtual machine settings for advance options.

Step Two : Edit the VMWARE settings eg: Memory, Processor, Networking Adaptors etc. Select CD/DVD drive options and in Connection select Use ISO image file and browse the Darwin_Snow.iso
Step Three : Now power on the virtual machine and keep your finger on F8 key.
Hit F8 very quickly on your Keyboard you will be prompted with the following screen

Step Four : Like Boot 132 method now you need to replace the boot cd with the Snow Leopard Retail Install DVD. Right click on the CD icon in bottom of the VMWARE windows and click on Settings option.

Now change the options from ISO image to use physical drive and make sure you have Retail DVD already installed. Save and Exit
Step Five : Now navigate to boot screen and press “C” on your keyboard to select “Boot DVD”, again press F8 for advance options and type -v at the boot prompt then hit enter for booting with verbose mode.
Step Six : Now wait for 2-3 minutes and your Installation screen will appear. Now you can install Snow Leopard as usual.  Before choosing the destination open Disk Utility and erase your Vmware HDD in to “Mac OS Extended (Journaled)” format type. Under customization deselect printer drivers and language translations for trouble free installation.Once installation finishes your virtual machine will reboot automatically.
Step Seven : Follow Step Two again “Select CD/DVD drive options and in Connection select Use ISO image file and browse the Darwin_Snow.iso” now you can boot in to Snow Leopard you may need to force restart 2-3 times if Kernel Panic happens, once machine boot successfully you can set your preference etc.

Known Issues

1. Some .dmg aren’t opening
2. Kernel Panic on every shut down so just force shut down after every kernel panic.

Also Check Snow Leopard in VMWARE Post Installation Fixes and Tweaks for sound, graphics related mods after installation.

[How-To] Run Snow Leopard in VMware Workstation *****

Have you ever wanted to give Mac OS X a try, but you either:

• Don’t want a Mac
• Can’t afford a Mac
• Don’t know how to hackintosh
• (All of the above)

Well, virtual machines can make running Mac OS X on a PC extremely simple. Should you do it? Of course! It’s so easy to do, that everyone should do it.
What we’re doing here, is pretty much making a hackintosh inside of a virtual machine (in this case, VMware Workstation 7 for Windows XP/Vista/7).
You could always make a hackintosh, but your system may not be *fully* compatible. Doing this in a virtual machine instead of natively ON your machine is a safe and simple process for anyone.
Pros

• Run the latest version of Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard (including 10.6.2) on ANY PC.
• Quite speedy.
• Simple and safe alternative to hackintoshing.

Con

• Only one: No hardware video acceleration (QE/CI). Without QuartzExtreme and CoreImage, graphics will be laggy, and a lot of programs (such as iMovie ’09) will not run. Why? Because there are no display drivers. But don’t let this ruin everything, as you can still run other things, like iTunes, Tweetie, Adium, etc.

Demo video
*Being worked on at the moment.
Requirements

1. VMware Workstation 7 – Pretty pricey, but you can get a trial of it. YOU MAY ALSO TRY VMWARE PLAYER, WHICH IS FREE.
2. Retail Mac OS X Snow Leopard DVD – Only $30; go get it.
3. Intel CPU (with VT-x support) – Check your BIOS to see if your CPU supports this (you’ll see an option for VT-x or ‘Virtualization Technology’). Most modern Intel CPUs have VT-x (ie. Core 2 Duo).
4. This file – About 13MB, which has everything you need (besides a copy of Snow Leopard).
5. About 45-60 minutes of time.
6. Some common sense, and the ability to follow [simple] directions.

Once you have all of those requirements (ESPECIALLY NUMBER 6!!!!!), go ahead continue reading.
Part 1 – Setting up the VM
*Make sure you have the file (from step 4 above) extracted – Just take the ‘Snowy_VM’ folder and stick it on your desktop.
*Make sure VMware Workstation 7 is installed and working.

1. Open VMware, and load the .vmx file that you extracted (in /Snowy_VM/Mac OS X Server 10.6 (experimental).vmwarevm/).
2. Edit the settings for Processors and Memory to suit your needs. Mine was 2 CPU cores, and 2.5GB RAM.
3. With the ‘Virtual Machine Settings’ window still open, go to CD/DVD (IDE), and click on the bubble for Use ISO image file, and find the ‘darwin_snow.iso’ file (in /Snowy_VM/). Click on OK when finished.

Part 2 – Installing Mac OS X
*Now comes the fun stuff!
*Insert your Mac OS X Snow Leopard DVD at this time.

1. Start the virtual machine.
2. Hit F8 after seeing the VMware boot screen.
3. In the bottom of the virtual machine window, right-click on the CD/DVD drive icon, and choose ‘Settings’.
4. Choose Use physical drive, and make sure the proper drive is selected.Also make sure that the Connected & Connect at power on checkboxes are checked. Click on OK when done.
5. Press c on your keyboard (to boot from the DVD).
6. (Optional) – Press F8 on your keyboard, and type -v and press enter. This bypasses the Apple boot screen, and boots into verbose mode.
7. Once you’re at the installer, follow the prompts to install it. Reboot when finished. If you get a kernel panic upon rebooting, open up the “Mac OS X Server 10.6 (experimental).VMX” file in /Snowy_VM/Mac OS X Server 10.6 (experimental).vmwarevm with Notepad, search for “smc.present”, and change “TRUE” to “FALSE”. Save and close out of Notepad. You shouldn’t get anymore kernel panics.

Part 3 – Booting Mac OS X
*Assuming installation went well… (Which it should)

1. Start the virtual machine up again. It can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 3 minutes to boot, depending on your virtual machine settings.
2. If you get a “Operating system not found” error, go back to part 2 and follow steps 3, 4, and 5. BUT, on step 5, instead of pressing c, press h. This boots from the hard disk instead of from the DVD.
3. Once booted, you should be at the setup screens.
4. Fill out the registration details and whatnot. When you’re finally at your desktop, go to step 3.
5. You’re booted!

Part 4 – Updating to 10.6.2
*This is assuming your DVD of Snow Leopard is 10.6.

1. Inside of Mac OS X, open up Safari, and go to this link (the 10.6.2 Combo Update): http://bit.ly/4zMBJJ
2. Download the .dmg to your desktop.
3. When done downloading, open the installation package, and install 10.6.2.
4. Reboot when completed.

Part 5 – Getting sound to work
*This will get audio working.
*You’ll need to put “EnsoniqAudioPCI.mpkg.tar.gz” onto your Mac OS X desktop. You can put the files on a USB drive, and mount the drive in the virtual machine. Once mounted, copy that file to your desktop.

1. Double-click on “EnsoniqAudioPCI.mpkg.tar.gz”. Out should come a installation package.
2. Double-click on the installation package.
3. When you get to where you have to ‘customize’ the installation, check all 2 options.
4. Install.
5. Reboot when finished.

Part 6 – Installing VMware Tools
*This helps in overall performance of the VM.

1. In the bottom of the virtual machine window, right-click on the CD/DVD drive icon, and choose ‘Settings’.
2. Click on the bubble for Use ISO image file, and find the ‘darwin_snow.iso‘ file (in /Snowy_VM/). Click on OK when finished.
3. You should see a new drive on your desktop called ‘VMware Tools’. Double-click on this.
4. Run the installation package.
5. Reboot when finished.

That’s it! In less than an hour, you have a [almost] fully functioning Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.2 machine on your PC. Again, you won’t get QE/CI (hardware video/graphics acceleration), but that’s not a big deal unless you plan on running real applications like iMovie or other things.

***** file to download: http://www.mediafire.com/?dhbxnndmznw

Installing Mac OS X 10.4.8 ON VMware Workstation 6.5

Environment Specifications:
1.    VMware workstation 6.5.1 running on Windows XP SP2
2.    JaS Mac OS X 10.4.8 AMD Intel SSe2 SSe3 Beta v2 w/Semthex’s 8.8.1 Kernel
3.    Intel Core 2 Duo processor 2 GHz with 2 GB RAM
This article is focused on installing it on VMware workstation. Here on this article I would be posting step by step screenshots of the installation process on VMware workstation 6.5.1. The Mac OS X image used here is “JaS Mac OS X 10.4.8 AMD Intel SSe2 SSe3 Beta v2 w/Semthex’s 8.8.1 Kernel”.
Creating the Virtual Machine:
The VM is created using FreeBSD as the template. Hard Drive should be in IDE Mode which is another requirement. This happens by default if FreeBSD is selected though. Make sure you allocate a good amount of memory (512 recommended).
Screenshots step by step













 

Once the VM is started it will boot to the Mac OS X image.
Screenshots step by step































Voila !!! Click on Restart and the VM will now boot into Mac OS X.