Independant disk cloning

[max2479]

I have a VM that has independent/persistent disk attached to it. Need to clone this VM and I realized that I can't unless I shut down the VM and disable the independant option. Any other method I can use to clone this VM?

[DSTAVERT]

Try VMware Standalone Converter. Install directly on the VM.

[Duncan Armstrong]

DSTAVERT is correct; you may have to do this via the guest and avoid VMDK-level cloning. I don't see other options, unfortunately.

Converter allows live conversion from within the guest in most cases (treat it like a P2V), but be aware of any potential differences between the destination copy and your original. I believe the destination is only as current as the immediate moment you start the cloning process, but someone can feel free to correct me.

[max2479]

The independant disk was selected before me. Can someone give me and examples why you would use this mode?

what real benefit does it have?

[jcwuerfl]

Usually, you add the Independant disk if you don't care to snapshot those disks at all. OR if you want to make the disk non-persistant so when you shut off the VM it will loose any change that you make to it.

[DSTAVERT]

I use Independent disks in some situations for a local backup (hourly SQL dumps). The disk is on a different storage volume and I don't need / want to back it up.