Copy a VM from ESXi host to an other VMWare ESXi

[cormanstnl]

Hi,

I have 2 standalong ESXi, I want to copy the virtual machine from one host to the other host.

My Virtual machine have a disk of 1.8To...

My first approach is to download each file from the VM and upload to the other server.

With the option (for reduce time) to take a first copy of all files and after import only disk (*.vmdk) when setup are done.

 

Here, I found that I can use scp to copy vm from one esxi to an other isxi, but is it possible to limit the traffic ?

 

Other option: is it possible to connect a USB disk to the host and copy to this disk and after upload to the other ESXi Host ?

 

 

[jsm79]

Yes, you can copy/export a VM to a USB device, and import it onto another ESXi host. One way to do this is with OVF Tool:

https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/1038709

 

[cormanstnl]

Hello

I forgot to say that the ESxi 8 and the virtual machine run on a dedicated VLAN

So, that's mean :

- Shutdown the Vm

- disconnect the network ports for the guest (switch side) and connect a laptop and a harddisk on the switch

- make the export

- replug the network connection on the switch

-restart the VM

 

On the target ESxi Host :

- disconnect the network ports for the guest (switch side) and connect a laptop and a harddisk on the switch

- make the import

- replug the network connection on the switch

 

But, yes, it's maybe the better way...

 

thank you

 

 

[a_p_]

You may also t to read https://williamlam.com/2023/01/quick-tip-easily-move-or-copy-vms-between-two-free-esxi-hosts.html for options to copy a VM directly from one host to another.

André