Export Virtual Machine From VMware Vcenter 5 To VMware Workstation 8


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For testing purposes we have to export a couple of our virtual machines to our test laptop as we are going to be off site and there is a chance that we would not have access to a VPN.

Our test infrastructure site on an ESXi 5 cluster is managed by Vcenter 5. On our test laptop we run VMware Workstation 8, so we need to get our virtual servers migrated from ESXi 5 to Workstation 8. Follow the process below.

To start with we need power off the virtual machines that we are going to export.

Export Virtual Machine From VMware Vcenter 5 To VMware Workstation 8

Once the virtual machine is powered off we are ready to export the virtual machine as an OVF. Highlight the virtual machine in question the select File > Export > Export OVF Template.

Export Virtual Machine From VMware Vcenter 5 To VMware Workstation 8

Then give the OVF a simple name, the directory on the PC you would like to save it to and leave the OVF format as standard. Make sure you take the tick out of the option to also copy mounted media with the OVF.

Export Virtual Machine From VMware Vcenter 5 To VMware Workstation 8

The process will start. Be aware this may take a LONG time depending on the size of your VMDK`s. Have a coffee.

Export Virtual Machine From VMware Vcenter 5 To VMware Workstation 8

Once finished you will see the message stating the the export has been successful. Now, we nee to launch VMware Workstation (8 in our example case). Then select File > Open.

Export Virtual Machine From VMware Vcenter 5 To VMware Workstation 8

In the open screen, change the open format to OVF and then select your OVF and import it.

Export Virtual Machine From VMware Vcenter 5 To VMware Workstation 8

Export Virtual Machine From VMware Vcenter 5 To VMware Workstation 8

The system will now go away and import the OVF file into Workstation 8. Again, be aware this will take a fair amount of time depending on the size of the OVF.

Then you will be able to power the machine on with no problems. The only error you could see is: "This Virtual Machine Is Configured For 64-bit Guest Operating Systems. However 64-Bit Operation Is Not Possible".

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