Best way to clone a server

[dst2000]

Hi,

I want to know what is the best way clone a server.  I have few servers (Exchange 2010) running on VM ESXi.  I also run Virtual Center.  Each of these server have multiple Virtual Hard Disk attach to them, these are data partion  What I want to do is simply clone the C: partion and not the data partion. One way I know that I can do it is shutdown the server, REMOVE additional hard drives and then clone it.  But this sounds little scary to me.  Is there ANY other way to do this?   I heard I can run VM convert on the server, is that safest.  Any ideas or thought would be grealy appreciative.

I have scheudle a shutdown so, shutting down the server is not an issue.

Thanks

[Troy_Clavell]

You could power down the VM in question, and do a V2V of it, using VMware Converter.  Converter will give you an option to pick the HDD's you want.  You can choose just to "copy" the C: partition only.

This way you don't have to detach the additional HDD of your guest.  It will remain in tact and only the clone will have the C:

[dst2000]

Thanks.

I thought that would be best way to go as well.

[dst2000]

One last question hopefully, I put the VM Convert disk in the host device (ESX server).  Is there a way I can boot from the CD.  I want to perform a cold clone, I do not want to be in windows performing the operation.  How can I boot from the CD from guest? I have selected device on connect and connect on power on.

Thanks.

[Troy_Clavell]

a cold clone would be for a P2V.  Install VMware vCenter Converter Standalone on another VM, or even your local client.  From there power off the VM you want to clone, point converter to the source ESXi Host and find your powered off guest.

[dst2000]

Thanks will try tomorrow

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry