© 2008 Vizioncore, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This guide contains proprietary information protected by copyright. The software described in this guide is furnished under a software license or nondisclosure agreement. This software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement.
Document Revision History 0B Document Version Number Issue Date Description of Change 4.0a 10/31/08 Initial document 4.0b 11/06/08 Updated to include automated PXE installation. 4.1 02/13/09 • Updated to include: VM installation; the ability to change the target during Continuous Protection; new screenprints to reflect UI changes. • Deleted references to options no longer available on the Program Preferences dialog. • Added the Attach HTML Report option to the Email Notifications tab.
Table of Contents 1B 1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1 0H 192H Virtualization and VMware Overview .................................................................................................... 2 1H 193H vConverter Overview............................................................................................................................. 3 Remote Cold Cloning ..............................
Start PXE Service ................................................................................................................................. 44 Online Activation—Register New License ............................................................................................... 48 Online Activation—Update Current License ............................................................................................ 50 Online Activation to Upstream System..................................................
vConverter Components........................................................................................................................ 157 Command Line Arguments .................................................................................................................... 161 CLI Tool Exit Codes ................................................................................................................................. 171 Brief CLI Tool Output Messages .....................................
1 Introduction vConverter v4.
vConverter™ is a powerful software tool that converts a Windows® operating system (OS) running on a physical machine to a guest OS running on a virtual machine (VM). Virtualization and VMware Overview 2B As companies and industries grow, their technology needs change. These changes are often implemented within complex systems running business-critical applications. Usually there is an increased demand for shared hardware and software resources.
The transition from physical to virtual is seamless. A virtual infrastructure affords maximum flexibility, allowing you to treat VMs as if they were physical hardware and software. VMs can be moved easily between hosts. They can be run in isolation or in groups. Their workloads can be reconfigured as demand requires. This flexibility is supported by management tools.
The virtual hard disk drive formats supported in vConverter are VMDK files used by VMware, and virtual hard disk (VHD) files used by Microsoft, Xen, and Virtual Iron. Remote Cold Cloning 17B There are two ways to clone a server—hot cloning and cold cloning. During the hot cloning process, the server OS continues to run. That is, it is not rebooted during or after a conversion. Cold cloning requires a reboot of the source into VC’s boot image.
Different Destinations Cutover 20B When your initial and final targets are different, select Different Destinations Cutover (DDC) as the conversion type. The initial P2V event will target the first destination. The VM can be moved to the second destination. Then, the initial P2V event can be modified to allow the final synchronization to retarget the VM. Raw Device Mapping 21B Raw Device Mapping (RDM) is a file in a separate VMFS volume that acts as a proxy for a raw physical device.
Use the Quick Convert feature to adapt an existing conversion task profile into a template that can be the basis for new conversion jobs. Right-sized Virtual Disks 27B When you select file-based as the transfer mode and change the size of a volume, a target virtual disk is created in that size. For example, if sources C (100GB) and D (500GB) each have less than 10GB, in file-based transfer mode you can set the target to C=25GB and D=25GB.
Conversion Process Overview 4B The vConverter architecture includes the GUI, the Source Quiesce, Drive Capture Tool (DCT), Migration Tool, and ESX/Xen Host Daemon. The Source Quiesce, Capture Tool, and Migration Tool are all directed from the GUI onto the source by the Interactive Remote Launch Tool (IRLT). Conversion jobs are configured, scheduled, and initiated by the GUI component. During conversions, job details are sent to the source, which is paused.
lightweight as possible. The data transfer occurs over TCP port 422 into the ESX host. After the job is executed and the DCT starts sending data to ESX, it is detected by the xinetd service running. This starts the server component particular to that job. Multiple jobs can run at the same time and each job will use its own server component instance. 1. To transfer data to the target, a new VMDK file is created. It is the same size as the original source volume.
The installation of the ESX Host Agent adds these files to the host: The installation of the ESX Server Daemon makes these changes to the host configuration: • Adds S79vzloader to the /etc/rc3.d startup script list. • Adds S80vzboost to the /etc/rc3.d startup script list. • Adds sftp-over-tcp to the /etc/xinetd.d script list. • Opens the iptables firewall port 422 to allow incoming communication to the data transfer component.
vConverter. The conversion completes. You need not be present at the source machine during conversion. During the less automated RCC process, you can boot into the source’s PXE environment. Then, the PXE connects to vConverter’s PXE Service. (Note: To do this, you must start PXE service. PXE is added automatically when you install vConverter.) After the source connects to the PXE Service, VC automatically sends its boot image to the source. Then, the source boots into the cold cloning boot image.
Cloning can be block- or file-based. Only data is transferred during these processes; whitespace is not. File-based cloning of a source occurs on the file system level. The target is mounted to the source and a full file synchronization occurs—directory structure from the source and all file content are updated to the target. File-based cloning is ideal for capturing large source volumes to a target with limited storage capacity.
• Single Conversion—This method allows you to create and run a one-time scheduled conversion job. • Remote Cold Cloning—Minimizes the risk of data corruption because no files are opened during the process. • Synchronized Cutover—The first synchronization is block-based, followed by a file-based synchronization without MS VSS. • Continuous Protection—This mode requires MS VSS, so it cannot be used to convert Windows 2000 systems.
Using this Manual 5B Terms and Acronyms 37B This is a list of terms and acronyms that are used in this manual. Term or Acronym Definition API Application Programming Interface CLI Command Line Interface CLI Tool Use as an executable or as DLLs to run conversions without the vConverter GUI. Client Machine The machine on which vConverter is installed. Acts like a dispatcher initiating conversion jobs. The client uses the IRLT, protocol, and network credentials to launch the software on the source.
Term or Acronym Definition HAL Hardware Abstraction Layer Host A physical ESX Server that runs VMs. iSCSI Small Computer System Interface I/O Input/Output IRLT Interactive Remote Launch Tool—Use to run an executable on a remote Windows system. IP address Internet Protocol (address) LAN Local Area Network Licensing Service A vConverter unit that maintains license and time restriction information as well as a list of systems to convert. Must be run on a physical machine.
Term or Acronym Definition RCC Remote Cold Cloning RDM Raw Device Mapping—A file that resides on a datastore (vmfs volume). Using RDM, all source volumes to be converted are placed in a single device. RDM file has a .vmdk extension.
Term or Acronym Definition TSA Target Server Agent UI User Interface UNC Connection Even though vConverter uses a UNC to point to the target server, you may select a target drive letter path (e.g., D:\TEMP) instead. To allow capturing to a local path, vConverter automatically creates a share with strict permissions to allow the source to access the target. This share is removed once capturing is complete. If you do not want to use a share, you must use a UNC.
Term or Acronym Definition PE and disk adapter drivers. WMI Windows Management Instrumentation Note: Within the application, click this icon adjacent to the icon. vConverter v4.
vConverter Licensing 6B Each vConverter license allows for one P2V conversion. After each successful conversion, the number of available conversions is decremented from the license. Unsuccessful or cancelled conversions do not decrement licensing. vConverter’s upstream licensing method allows for centralized use and management of just one serial number.
Contacting Dell 7B Note: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues: 1. Visit http://support.dell.com. 10H 2. 3. 4.
City Code: 2 Austria (Vienna) International Access Code: 900 Country Code: 43 City Code: 1 Bahamas 13DELL-133355 Support.euro.dell.com Web Address E-Mail Address Home/Small Business Sales Home/Small Business Fax Home/Small Business Customer Service Home/Small Business Support Preferred Accounts/Corporate Customer Service Preferred Accounts/Corporate Customer Switchboard Tech_support_central_europe@dell .
toll-free:1-800-387-5757 Computers for Small/Medium/Large Business Government Printers, Projectors, Televisions, Handheld, Digital Jukebox, and Wireless Sales Cayman Islands 1-877-335-5767 toll-free:1-800-999-3355 toll-free:1-800-387-5752 toll-free:1-800-387-5755 1 866 440 3355 Home and Home Office Sales Small Business Medium/Large Business, Government Spare Parts and Extended Service E-Mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales latechsupport@dell.
techsupport@dell.com Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales Czech Republic (Prague) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 420 Denmark (Copenhagen) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 45 Dominica 0800-012-0231 support.euro.dell.com Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support Customer Service Fax Technical Fax Switchboard Web Address czech_dell@dell.com 129H 22537 2727 22537 2707 22537 2714 22537 2728 22537 2711 Support.euro.dell.
Code: 00 Country Code: 33 City Codes: (1) (4) Germany (Frankfurt) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 49 City Code: 69 Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support Home/Small Business Customer Service Global Segment Customer Service Preferred Accounts Customer Service Large Accounts Customer Service Public Accounts Customer Service Switchboard Greece International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 49 Web Address Technical Support Gold Service Technical Support Switchboard Gold Service Switchboard Sa
Home and Small Business Division India 00852-3416 0912 00852-2969 3105 support.ap.dell.com Dell Support Website Portable and Desktop Support Desktop Support E-mail Address Portable Support E-mail Address Phone Numbers india_support_desktop @dell.com india_support_noteboo k@dell.com 146H 147H 080-25068032 or 08025068034 or your city STD code + 60003355 or toll-free: 1-800-425-8045 Server Support E-mail Address Phone Numbers Gold Support Only E-mail Address Phone Numbers india_support_Server@ dell.
Medium Business Large Business E-mail Address Customer Service Home and Small Business Business (greater than 200 employees) General Fax/Sales fax Switchboard U.K. Customer Service (dealing with U.K.only) Corporate Customer Service (dial within U.K. only) U.K. Sales (dial within U.K. only) Italy (Milan) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 39 City Code: 02 Jamaica Japan (Kawasaki) International Access Code: 001 Country Code: 81 City Code: 44 vConverter v4.
Public Sales - government agencies, educational institutions, and medical institutions Global Segment Japan Individual User Individual User Online Sales Individual User Real Site Sales Switchboard Korea (Seoul) International Access Code: 001 Country Code: 82 City Code: 2 Latin America Luxemborg International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 352 Macao Country Code: 83 Malaysia (Penang) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 60 City Code: 4 Mexico International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 52 vConver
001-877-384-8979 or 001-877269-3383 50-81-8800 or 01-800-8883355 Montserrat latechsupport@dell.
Portugal International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 351 57 95 999 Support.euro.dell.com 707200149 800 300 413 Web Address Technical Support Customer Service Sales 800-300-410 or 800-300 -411 or 800-300-412 or 21-422-07-10 21-424-01-12 Fax Puerto Rico St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales www.dell.com/pr latechsupport@dell.com 1-877-537-3355 www.dell.
City Code: 11 Sales Spain (Madrid) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 34 City Code: 91 Web Address Home and Small Business Technical Support Customer Service Sales Switchboard Fax Corporate Technical Support Customer Service Switchboard Fax Web Address Technical Support Relational Customer Service Home/Small Business Customer Service Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Support Technical Support Fax Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support – Home and Small Business Technical Support – Corporate C
toll-free: 1-888-799-5908 Turks and Caicos Islands Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales U.K.(Bracknell) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 44 City Code: 1344 Web Address E-mail Address Customer Service Website www.dell.com/tc latechsupport@dell.com 170H 17H toll-free: 1-877-441-4735 upport.euro.dell.com dell_direct_support@d ell.
Dell Outlet Store (Dell refurbished computers) Software and Peripherals Sales Spare Parts Sales Extended Service and Warranty Sales Fax Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or SpeechImpaired U.S.
2 Installation vConverter v4.
In order for vConverter to function properly, there are some general security configurations that need to be set: • You must have administrator access to the client machine on which vConverter will be installed. • You need an account with full administrative rights for each source and target server to be configured. • Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and Remote Procedure Call/Distributed Component Object Model (RPC/DCOM) must be enabled on the network.
Special Notes on Features 109B • To use any of these features—Continuous Protection, Synchronized Cutover, or Right-Sized Virtual Disks—the source server must be running Windows XP or Windows Server 2003. These features will not work if the source is running Windows NT4 SP6a or Windows 2000. • To use the Synchronized Cutover or Continuous Protection features, you must have MS VSS installed.
OS Requirements 10B The vConverter executable (setup.exe) works with both 32- and 64-bit OSs. The following are supported: OS Service Pack Bit Level Windows Vista Business N/A 32 and 64 Windows Vista Ultimate N/A 32 and 64 Windows XP Professional SP1 and SP2 32 and 64 Windows Server 2003 SP1 and SP2 32 and 64 The following are not supported: OS Service Pack Bit Level Windows 2003 R2 SP1 and SP2 64 Windows 2008 N/A 32 and 64 vConverter v4.
Virtualization Platform Compatibility 39B vConverter is compatible with these virtualization platforms: • • • • • • • • • • VMware Workstation—any version VMware Server VMware ESX Server 3.x VMware ACE XenServer 4.1 and 5.0 Virtual Iron—any version Microsoft Virtual PC 2004 Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 Host Compatibility 40B vConverter is compatible with these 32-bit OSs (for conversion source): • • • • • • Microsoft Windows NT 4.
Port Requirements 1B If your environment includes any component (e.g., a firewall) that might restrict communication between the machines to be used in conversion, confirm that these ports allow for unimpeded access before you install the software. You will need UDP port 422 to enable data transfers directly to the target. Access over secure shell (SSH) TCP 22 and over the VMware SDK (433) to properly communicate with the target are required.
User Accounts and Passwords 12B For each source and target, you must use a login with appropriate permissions. When inputting administrative credentials, use these formats: • If machines are part of a domain—Username: Domain\User • If machines are part of a workgroup—Username: Machine\User Switch User/Root Access 14B vConverter requires root access. For security reasons, many ESX Servers are configured so that a root user cannot log in directly from another computer.
Installing vConverter 8B Follow the instructions below to install vConverter on a workstation or server. PXE will install automatically. Later, you will have to start PXE service and activate the vConverter license. Since network latency can compromise performance, the software should not be installed on a network drive. Pre-requisites: • You must have administrator privileges on the workstation or server on which you install the software. • You must have access to setup.exe. Note: If .NET Framework 2.
3. Click OK. The vConverter Setup Wizard dialog displays. 4. Click Next. The License Agreement dialog displays. 5. Read the license agreement. If you agree to its terms, select I Agree. Then, click Next. The Select Installation Folder dialog displays. vConverter v4.
6. In the Folder field, specify the location where vConverter should be installed. The default is C:\Program Files\Vizioncore\vConverter\. If you want to change the location, edit the path directly. Or, click Browse to select a path. Click to highlight the location and then click OK. Warning: Do not install vConverter on a network drive. To view available disk space for all locations, click Disk Cost. Then, click OK. Click Next. The Confirm Installation dialog displays. vConverter v4.
7. On the Confirm Installation dialog, click Next. The installation process begins. When the process is complete, the Installation Complete dialog displays. 8. Click Finish. vConverter online help and First Run dialogs display unless you deselected these options. vConverter v4.
9. On the First Run dialog, click Close. vConverter v4.
PXE Service 4B PXE delivers boot image files to remote systems through the Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP). You can start or stop PXE service through the Program Preferences dialog. Start PXE Service 45B 1. First, confirm that PXE service is not running. To do this, you can: Access the setting on the General tab of the Program Preferences dialog. OR Right-click My Computer→Manage→Services and Applications→Services. vConverter v4.
2. From the General tab of the Program Preferences dialog, click Start PXE service. The PXE service control status changes to Running. vConverter v4.
vConverter v4.
Account License Activation 9B Before using vConverter for the first time, you must activate a license. This process requires a serial number, which was emailed to you. If you have not received this email, contact Customer Support for assistance. There are several activation methods: • Online activation • Offline via email • Online to an activated upstream system Warning: Once you have activated a licensed copy of vConverter, you will not be able to reactivate it.
Online Activation—Register New License 47B Completing the online activation process requires a live Internet connection. 1. From the vConverter window, select Help→Activation. 2. On the Activation Wizard, select Register New License. Click Next. 3. Select Local and then click Next. OR Select Upstream, then populate the Server name field and then click Next. 4. Select Activate online with Vizioncore and then click Next. vConverter v4.
5. If you access the Internet through a proxy server, click Proxy settings. Populate the fields on the Activation Proxy Settings dialog and click OK. Then, click Next on the Activation Wizard. 6. Populate the Serial number field. Then, click Next. 7. When the activation process has completed, a confirmation dialog displays. Click Finish to launch vConverter. vConverter v4.
Online Activation—Update Current License 48B Completing the online license update process requires a live Internet connection. 1. From the vConverter window, select Help→Activation. 2. On the Activation Wizard, select Update Current License. Click Next. 3. On the Activation Wizard, click Next. 4. Select Local and then click Next. OR Select Upstream, then populate the Server name field and then click Next. vConverter v4.
5. Select Activate online with Vizioncore and then click Next. If you access the Internet through a proxy server, click Proxy settings. Populate the fields on the Activation Proxy Settings dialog and click OK. Then, click Next on the Activation Wizard. 8. Populate the Serial number field. Then, click Next. 6. When the activation process has completed, a confirmation dialog displays. Click Finish to update vConverter.
3. Select Local and then click Next. OR Select Upstream, then populate the Server name field and then click Next. 4. Select Activate offline with Vizioncore through email and then click Next. 5. Populate the Serial number field. Then, click Next. 6. Enter an activation request path and filename (e.g., c:\request). The file will be created automatically. An .areq suffix will be appended to the filename (e.g., c:\request.areq). Note: For future reference, it is a good idea to note the path that you selected.
9. Email the file as an attachment to activate@vizioncore.com. No need to specify a subject or provide details in the email. Vizioncore will validate the serial number and reply with an activation response file (.aresp), activating vConverter. 180H 10. Save the .aresp file to a folder on the computer where vConverter is installed. 11. In the Open response file window, click the browse ellipsis (…) adjacent to the Path to file field. Navigate to the .aresp file and double-click it.
4. Select Activate offline with Vizioncore through email and then click Next. 5. Populate the Serial number field. Then, click Next. 6. Enter an activation request path and filename (e.g., c:\request). The file will be created automatically. An .areq suffix will be appended to the filename (e.g., c:\request.areq). Note: For future reference, it is a good idea to note the path that you selected. 13. Email the file as an attachment to activate@vizioncore.com.
Online Activation to Upstream System 52B Using the upstream approach, you can manage vConverter licensing easily and decrement usage centrally. Upstream activation is particularly useful if you have a large number of conversions to perform with many clients using a single license. You must have RPC/DCOM (port 135) enabled on your network. • First, plan and activate a central system that can be accessed easily by other systems. By doing this, you make your central system the master license server.
3 Configuration vConverter v4.
Configurations 10B Now that vConverter is installed, you can launch it by double-clicking the desktop icon or by accessing it through the Start menu. The software requires a number of application and environment configurations to ensure that it functions properly. They are described in detail below. vConverter and ESX VA 53B VA can be used to help vConverter capture physical hosts. Before you can use ESX VA or Xen VA, you must import it into the virtualization platform and properly configure it.
appropriate boot delay time (Power-on boot delay). Then, you will be able to see the boot screen. 3. Go to the Boot menu and select Hard Drive. 4. Using the plus (+) or minus (–) signs, move the Seagate Disk (0:0) to the top of the list. Press F10—Save and Exit. Installing VA on ESX Server 5B First, you must import the VA from file or from a URL. You can download the VA from the vConverter Add Ons page on the Vizioncore website: http://www.vizioncore.com/vConverter/addons/.
Continue to step 4 to import from file. Skip to step 8 to import from URL. Whether you are importing from file or URL, you will resume the sequence at step 11. 4. In the Import VA Wizard, select Import from File. 5. Click Browse, and navigate to the location of the VA for ESX files. Note: While browsing, you must select the ESX VA.ovf. 6. Click Next. Note: The VA for ESX requires 1.5GB of storage space on the target volume. 7. On the VA Details dialog, click Next. Skip to step 12. 8.
10. Click Next. 11. Whether you are importing from file or URL, continue at this step. Select a location for the VA. Click Next. 12. Select a storage volume on which to install the VA for ESX. vConverter v4.
13. Click Next. 14. On the Network Mapping dialog, select a network from the dropdown. Click Next. 15. On the Ready to Complete dialog, confirm your selections. Click Next to import the VA. This process can take several minutes. 16. In the VIC, locate the VA that you created. Click to highlight it. 17. Power on the VA by clicking the Power On icon or through the Getting Started tab by clicking Power on the virtual machine. vConverter v4.
18. Once the machine is powered on, click the Console tab of the VIC. To shift keyboard focus to the VA, click anywhere on the console screen. (To retrieve focus, use the Ctrl+Alt keys.) 19. At the localhost and Password login prompts, respectively, enter these values: Login: root Password: root123 You should see a Last Login time followed by the root prompt: 20. To change the root password, enter passwd at the root prompt. You will be prompted for a New UNIX password. vConverter v4.
Warning: Because of the importance of the root account, certain limitations exist for root passwords. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, punctuation, and other characters. Do not use a word or name. Obscuring the word or name with substitute characters is not effective. Do not use the same password for more than one system. These are examples of good passwords: f9*@1Ls99A and HL8$391%%rb. 21. The VA for ESX comes configured for DHCP.
24. Navigate down to Use DHCP. Press the spacebar to deselect it. The Static IP, Netmask, and Default gateway IP options will enable. 25. In the Static IP field, enter an IP address. 26. In the Netmask field, enter the subnet mask for this IP address. 27. In the Default gateway IP field, enter the IP of the default gateway. 28. Navigate down to OK and click Enter. 29. On the Select A Device dialog, use the tab key to select Quit. Then, click Enter. 30. Restart the VM. The settings will take effect.
Connect vConverter to ESX Server 56B Without proper credentials, conversions will fail. It is critical to test your connections before starting a conversion directly to ESX. Also, confirm that there is a DNS entry in place for the IP address that you intend to use. Otherwise, this message will display at step 8: 1. Select Tools→Preferences→ESX Server. 2. Click Add. 3. Enter the IP address of the ESX Server. 4. With non-root credentials, populate the Password and Verify password fields.
7. Click Advanced. Make any necessary changes on the Advanced properties dialog and click OK. Note: These settings should only be changed if the port numbers are incorrect for your network. If this is the case, vConverter will not be able to communicate with the ESX Server. 8. To configure vConverter to use VA to write to the ESX Server, click VA Config. 9. Populate the fields on the VA Configuration dialog and click OK. vConverter v4.
10. On the ESX Server tab, click Install. vConverter will attempt to configure your server. The status message will indicate if configuration was successful. Note: If the configuration was unsuccessful, verify the username, password, and port numbers listed on the Advanced properties dialog. 11. On the Configuring dialog, click Close. The server address is listed in the Servers area of the ESX Server tab. vConverter v4.
12. Click Test to confirm the connection. 13. If the test is successful, close the window and click OK on the Program Preferences dialog. You can begin your first conversion. vConverter v4.
vConverter and Xen VA 57B • vConverter prepares an SFTP agent in a VA, confirms that it is running, and accepts all connections. This can be done through Preferences→Xen Server. • After you have selected source and destination hosts and set all options, click Start to initiate capturing. • vConverter selects partitions to capture one-by-one and starts DCT on a Source host.
Installing VA on XenServer 59B 1. Obtain a VA package and unpack it into any directory. It should contain at least one *.xva file. 2. Run the XenCenter Management utility and verify free space in any Xen storage repositories. You will need approximately 1.2GB. 3. Access Templates→Import Template and select Exported template. 4. Click Browse and select the Xen VA file (*.xva). 5. After import completes, confirm that the new template displays on the XenServer. 6.
9. After the network address is configured, enter service network restart to instantiate it. At the end of this process, you will have the following: -VA name on Xen -VA IP address -Login credentials (root/xen123) -Two virtual disks that VA uses vConverter v4.
vConverter v4.
Connect vConverter to XenServer 60B In the first part of this process, you configure vConverter to connect to XenServer. In the second part, you configure VA to help vConverter write to the Xen host. It is critical that you test your connection before beginning a conversion to XenServer. Without proper credentials, conversions will fail. 1. Select Tools→Preferences→Xen Server. 2. Click Add. 3. Enter the IP address of the XenServer. 4.
8. Populate the fields on the VA Configuration dialog and click OK. 9. On the Xen Server tab, click Install. vConverter will attempt to configure your server. The status message will indicate if configuration was successful. Note: If the configuration was unsuccessful, verify the username, password, and port numbers listed on the Advanced properties dialog. 10. On the Configuring dialog, click Close. The server address is listed in the Servers area of the Xen Server tab. vConverter v4.
11. Click Test to confirm the connection. 12. If the test is successful, close the window and click OK on the Program Preferences dialog. You can begin the first conversion. Convert Using TSA TSA is an application that serves these types of incoming requests: • Create new disk image. • Resize (both shrink and expand) existing disk image. • Write new data to the disk image at specified offset. • Read data from the disk image at specified offset.
You can configure vConverter to send email alerts when conversion jobs have started, succeeded, and failed. In addition, you can request that notifications are sent during intermediate synchronizations. 1. Select Tools→Preferences. 2. Click the Email Notifications tab. 3. To be alerted when a conversion job completes, select Enable in the Email Notification of Conversion Completion area. -Enter the email addresses of those you want to notify. -Populate the Email subject field.
6. Select the Send Messages on Intermediate Synchronizations checkbox if you want to receive status notifications between the start and end of a conversion job. Click OK. vConverter v4.
Change Login Credentials 62B You can change the login for the source server manually or by using an existing profile. You can save a user profile on the Set Credentials dialog to make this login information available for future use. 1. Navigate to the All Systems tab on the Network Browser pane. 2. Click to highlight the server for which you want to change the login credentials. 3. Right-click to select Change login. The Set Credentials dialog displays. 4.
Add User Profile 63B 1. Select Tools→Preferences. 2. Click the User Profiles tab. 3. Click Add. 4. On the User Profile Settings dialog, populate the Name, Login, and Password fields. Click OK. The user profile is added. 5. If you would like the system to prompt for a login always, leave the Always query for credentials radio button selected and click OK. vConverter v4.
Set User Default 64B 1. Select Tools→Preferences. 2. Click the User Profiles tab. 3. Click to highlight the user profile that you want to set as the default. Click Set Default. The profile that you set as the default displays in boldface. 4. Select the Use default user profile radio button. Click OK. vConverter v4.
Edit User Profile 65B 1. Select Tools→Preferences. 2. Click the User Profiles tab. 3. Click to highlight the user profile that you want to edit. Click Edit. 4. On the User Profile Settings dialog, make the updates. Click OK. Add Task Profile 6B The tabs of the Task Profile Properties dialog are almost identical to those of the Advanced Properties dialog, except that the former does not include properties specific to source systems. 1. Select Tools→Preferences. 2. Click the Task Profiles tab. 3.
4. On the Task Profile Properties dialog, populate the Name field in the Task profile info area. Note: If you do not populate this field, an error message will display later in this process. 5. On the Disks tab, configure the task. 6. Click the VM tab. Configure the task. To configure a VM, click Configure VM. Populate the fields on the VM Options dialog and click OK. vConverter v4.
To set a login, click Set Login. Populate the fields on the Login for Auto Logon dialog and click OK. 7. Click the Migration tab. Configure the task. Click Script Settings. Make any file or folder configurations and click OK. vConverter v4.
8. Click Add File to locate a file to add. OR 9. Click Add Folder to browse for a folder that contains the script that you want to add. If the selected folder contains more than one executable file, you will be prompted to select the correct file from the List of files. After you add a file to the executables list, the Add File button in the Added files section is enabled. You can now add it as a dependent file. Once you download an executable, the Set file to Run button will activate.
10. Click the Login tab. Configure the task. 11. Click OK to save all changes. The task is available on the Task Profiles tab. vConverter v4.
Set Task Default 1. Select Tools→Preferences. 2. Click the Task Profiles tab. 3. Click to select the task profile that you want to set as the default. Click Set Default. The profile that you selected displays in boldface in the Task Profiles section. It also displays in the Default profile field. 4. Click OK. vConverter v4.
Edit Task Profile 67B 1. Select Tools→Preferences. 2. Click the Task Profiles tab. 3. Click to highlight the task profile that you want to edit. Click Edit. 4. On the tabs of the Task Profile Properties dialog, make the updates. Click OK. 5. On the Program Preferences dialog, click OK. vConverter v4.
Use P2V to RDM 68B Before you begin this process, confirm that the devices are available on the target and that they are not being used by another VM. This feature is not accessible if an RDM is not available. 1. In the Conversion Tasks pane, click Browse. 2. Click to select a location where the mapping file can be stored. Then, select Use RDM. 3. Select a radio button—physical or virtual. Note: Physical mode allows the VM to access the device directly. Virtual allows you to enjoy the benefits of the .
Configure Source Servers for RPC 69B Source servers must be configured to allow RPC calls. 1. Add this key below to the registry of the source server: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Rpc\Internet 2. Add these parameters to it: -Ports (REG_MULTI_SZ). Specify a range of ports used for RPC connections (e.g., 5000-5100). 3. Add these ports to the firewall exception list: PortsInternetAvailable (REG SZ). Value: Y UseInternetPorts (REG SZ). Value: Y 4.
If these files are not found, vConverter will not be able to complete a conversion if it is the first of this OS type. If this OS type has been converted previously, the files have been cached and vConverter will not need to capture them from the source. There are two workaround options that will allow you to continue. 1. Access Setup Files Location through Tools→Preferences→Conversion. 2. To use the Setup Files Location feature, do one of the following: • Insert the %windir%\Driver Cache from another ser
Note: You must complete this sequence to prepare a setup folder for Windows NT SP6a. 1. Download the NT4SP6a SP from the Microsoft website. 2. On any Windows system, run the executable. 3. When you are prompted for a folder to extract files, select or create one and continue the installation process. Warning: If an error displays, do not close the form. 4. Go to folder with the extracted files and copy all files to a new location. Now, you can use this location for the setup folder. 5.
you should extract SP files onto a file server for easy access. First, download the SPs for Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows 2003. Then, extract them to a folder that you can locate easily using the Conversion tab. vConverter v4.
4 Using vConverter vConverter v4.
vConverter User Interface 1B The vConverter window is the central navigational area of the software. This is where you can view the main components of the system. Through this window you can access the commands that allow you to configure and execute conversion jobs. Now that the software is installed, launch it through its desktop icon or the Start menu.
Menu Bar 71B The Menu Bar contains the following options: File Menu Export settings Displays the Save as dialog from which you can export the settings that you defined through Tools→Preferences. This command allows you to maintain the same preferences on multiple systems and instances of vConverter. Import settings Displays the Open dialog through which you can import the settings that you configured previously.
system. Test connectivity and verify credentials. Enable vzBoost and VA. Create a user profile for future use. Xen Server—Lists all XenServers that have been added to the system. Test connectivity and verify credentials. Enable VA. User Profiles—Allows you to enter credentials for individual source servers. Specify whether you want to use a default profile or have the system prompt for credentials. Task Profiles—List all task profiles for conversion jobs.
Toolbar 72B The Toolbar of the vConverter window features these icons: Hide/Show Network Browser View Open Preferences Run Conversion Wizard Create New Task Remove Task Edit Task Save Task Cancel Task Editing Start Task Stop Task Open Conversion Monitor Open the About Window Network Browser Pane 73B The Network Browser pane displays the domains and workgroups that include all servers available for conversion. This pane features two views—All Systems and Systems to Convert.
domain runs its own thread. In addition to a domain/workgroup tree, the All Systems view contains two icons—Filter on and Refresh. When you right-click any object in the tree, a shortcut menu displays. These icons and commands are available: Refresh Filter On Refresh Refreshes the tree in the All Systems view of the Network Browser pane and launches scanning of a specified domain. Change Login Opens the Set Credentials dialog, where you can define the credentials for a source.
display when you select this command. Add to Source When you right-click a server and select this command, the server name will be copied to the VM name field on the Conversion Tasks pane and will be available as a target. This command is available only for new blank tasks after you click the editing icon in the Conversion Tasks pane. Add to Source is not available for existing tasks—in this case, the command either displays disabled or it will not display at all.
Refresh Export systems to convert—Use this icon to remove any servers that you imported. Import systems to convert—Use this icon to add servers to the Systems to Convert view. Filter On—Use this icon to locate a system within even a large network. Search by system or IP address, one or multiple values, or wildcards. Quick Convert! Use this command to create a new conversion task based on an existing profile.
From the Quick Convert dialog you can view details about the profile. When you highlight a task on the list, the View Task Details button is enabled. Click this button to open the Task Details dialog. Conversion Tasks Pane 74B In this area of the vConverter window, you can access the commands that allow you to create and delete conversion tasks as well as run and schedule jobs. Defining basic properties for a job is discussed below.
To enable the fields in the Conversion Tasks pane, click the Edit icon. Just above the area where you define basic properties, there is a group of columns within the Source Drives field. Volume Identifies source volume and location. Select a checkbox for the volume you want to use in a conversion. Note: You must assign a drive letter. Otherwise, the disk will not display in the Volume field. File System Identifies file system type. Size, GB Identifies size of volume.
Basic Properties Virtual Machine type Refers to the type of target VM: • VMware ESX Server (ESX 3.x)* • VMware (VMware Workstation, VMware Server) • Microsoft Virtual PC (all Versions) • Legacy VMware (ESX 2.x)* • Microsoft Virtual Server (All versions) • Virtual Iron (All versions) • XenServer (4.0.1 and above)* *These VM types require that you enable Create flat disk image through Task Profile Properties→Disks.
Synchronization At Destinations Cutover, this field indicates the date and time of initial synchronization. Synchronization Interval For Synchronized Cutover, Continuous Protection, and Different Destinations Cutover, this field indicates the number of times within a particular timeframe (hours….) that synchronization will occur. Final Synchronization At For Synchronized Cutover, this field indicates the date and time of final synchronization.
New Task Opens the New Task Editing window that contains general instructions on creating a new task. Remove Task Click this button to delete the selected task from the Task Description list. Start All Tasks Click this button to initiate all conversion jobs. Note: Using this command will override all existing schedules for conversion jobs. Scheduler Opens the Conversion Tasks Scheduler window, where you can view the dates and times for all scheduled conversions.
To the left of the source listed in this pane, several status icons display. Conversion job running Conversion job finished successfully Conversion job failed Conversion job stopped Conversion job paused or not yet started Conversion Monitor Window 120B This window provides progress information about conversion jobs that are running or have completed. The steps that display in the Action column are not necessarily in precise sequential order.
Several status icons and a button are available on the Conversion Monitor window. Conversion step not started or paused Conversion step running now Conversion step completed successfully Conversion step failed Conversion step stopped by user Click this button to display a log. Conversion Tasks Scheduler Window 12B This window displays all scheduled conversion jobs in a calendar format. You can reschedule a conversion job by editing it.
vConverter v4.
Program Preferences Dialog 12B You can access the Program Preferences dialog through Tools→Preferences. Descriptions of all of the fields on this dialog’s tabs are below. General Tab Network Settings Limitation of total simultaneous conversions: The value you enter in this field will restrict the number of conversions that you can run simultaneously.
• Tips Stop PXE service Select this option to display tips throughout the application— Show quick tips. Conversion Tab Operating System The name of the OS that you intend to migrate. Bit Select either a 32-bit or 64-bit source. SP Refers to the service pack of the OS to be migrated. Location for Windows® setup or Service Pack files Indicates the location for storing the kernel and driver files required for OS migration.
Email Notifications Tab If you enable these fields, you will receive notifications of conversion jobs that succeed or fail. You can trigger emails at job initiation as well as intermediate synchronization. Email Notification of Conversion Completion Select the Enable checkbox to activate these fields: Email addresses to send—Use this field to enter email addresses for those who should receive alerts when conversion jobs start or complete.
Email Sending Options The options available in this field are: • use MAPI • use SMTP Use the Configure button to access the Configure SMTP Preferences dialog. From this dialog, you can test the server connection that you configure. The button becomes enabled when you select SMTP. Send Messages on Intermediate Synchronizations: If you select this checkbox, you will receive email notifications on intermediate as well as initial and final synchronizations.
Password this server will be sent. Test Server Connection Use this button to test the connection to the SMTP server that you configured. ESX Server Tab Servers Lists all of the ESX Servers—by IP address and name—that are available for conversion. Allows you to add, delete, and test connectivity.
Advanced Properties Dialog 124B If you click the Advanced button on the ESX Server tab, the Advanced properties dialog displays. Although you can adjust port settings through this dialog, it is best to leave the defaults in place. 125B VA Configuration Dialog If you click the VA Config button on the ESX Server tab, the VA Configuration dialog displays. On this dialog, you can configure VA, including the number of disks it has. vConverter v4.
Xen Server Tab Servers Lists all of the XenServers—by IP address and name—that are available for conversion. Allows you to add, delete, and test connectivity. Server info The fields on this tab include general properties for the XenServers in the system: • Host name or IP • Username • Password • Verify password • Root password • Verify root password Select the Enable VA feature checkbox to configure individual XenServers.
User Profiles Tab You can add, delete, and edit user profiles through this tab. If you create a profile that you want to use for the entire network, you can set it as the default. Then, select the Use default user profile radio button to activate it. The profile that you set as the default displays in boldface. You can also configure the system to prompt for credentials. To access the User Profile Settings dialog, select Tools→Preferences→User Profiles→Add. vConverter v4.
Task Profiles Tab You can create profiles associated with conversion jobs. If you set a default profile, this will be applied to all new conversion jobs that you create, except for those added through Quick Convert. When you set a task profile as the default, it displays in boldface in the main dialog area; it also displays in the Default profile field. Task Profile Properties 126B Access this dialog through Tools→Preferences→Task Profiles→Add.
types for VMs and captured disks. If a target VM platform supports a particular adapter type, it will be listed in this field. Available types include: • IDE • LSI Logic • Bus Logic Note: For Windows 2000, select Bus Logic. For Windows 2003 and XP, select LSI Logic. This tab features these settings: VM Tab Create Virtual Machine—Enabled by default, this option allows vConverter to create a VM. This minimizes the need for manual processing. Enable Autologon on First Boot—Enabled by default.
Set Login: Clicking this button accesses the Login for Auto Logon dialog. From here, you can set a separate login for the source server. 128B Migration Tab Sometimes Microsoft releases a hotfix with an updated HAL.DLL that supersedes the file of the source format included in the current SP. This can cause a VM not to boot. To prevent this, keep the Uninstall Conflicting Hotfixes option enabled. This uninstalls hotfixes that could otherwise impact kernel files during system migration.
Login Tab vConverter v4.1 The Use Login to Access Target Server option allows you to set credentials for logging into the target server. When you select this checkbox, the Username and Password fields will be enabled.
Advanced Properties 129B When you click the Advanced button on the Conversion Tasks pane, the Advanced Properties window displays. Then, the Advanced Properties dialog displays. On its tabs, you can define disk configurations and set VM parameters. You can access dialogs that allow you to uninstall hotfixes and software as well as specify script settings and setup folder locations. Lastly, on the Login tab you can set credentials for a target.
Volume Skip Bad Sectors where Possible Adapter type volume is put into a primary partition; all the other volumes are written into logical volumes within an extended partition. Turns on/off ignoring disk read errors on the Capture Tool. If this option is off, conversions will fail if a bad sector is found in the source hard drive during capture. Adapter type for created VM and captured disks. Affects the VM configuration file and set of drivers added to converted the OS during migration.
Power Source Server OFF Instructs source server to shut down after completing a successful conversion. Power Virtual Machine ON Runs the VM after the conversion is complete. Applicable only for ESX Server and Xen targets. Install VMware Tools (Requires one logon after conversion to complete) Adds VMware Tools/Xen Tools package to a VM on ESX Server/Xen. vConverter will automatically power on the VM.
You can alter this and include additional text. NIC1-4 (tabs) These tabs allow you to create and configure up to four NICs. These fields are available on the tabs: • Create Net adapter • Connect Net at Power On • Take IP from Source Server Clicking the Change IP button accesses the IP Settings dialog, where you can update IP addresses and DNS settings.
Migration Tab Uninstall Conflicting Hotfixes If selected (default value), it instructs vConverter to uninstall hotfixes that impact kernel files during system migration. The system will have a consistent set of kernel files after moving to HAL and will boot without blue screen. Note: It is possible to convert the system without uninstalling conflicting hotfixes. This takes less time. Use Live Final Sync if Possible Select this checkbox to allow for a live final synchronization.
Windows services on the source server or target VM. This is useful for transactional systems. Set Windows services on the target to different states—e.g., Manual, Disabled. This is useful for services that control hardware, especially those that might cause a VM to hang. In addition, set Capture Status (Paused, Running, and Stopped) and VM Startup Type (Disabled, Manual, and Auto). Scripts Settings Opens the Scripts Settings dialog. Use this dialog to insert scripts (.cmd, .
Service Manager Dialog 135B Login Tab Allows users to specify credentials to log into a target server. This can be useful if a target shared folder is inaccessible for the currently configured user credentials. When you select the Use Login to Access Target Server checkbox, the Username and Password fields are enabled. vConverter v4.
Server Information Area 75B This area at the bottom of the vConverter window displays statistics about the source system currently selected in the Network Browser pane. The data displayed in this area is captured and refreshed by WMI, which requires TCP port 135 to be available. If no data displays in the Server Information area, this means that either no credentials have been associated with the source or WMI is not accessible.
2. On the vConverter window, select File→Export settings. 3. On the Save As dialog, click to select the settings to export. Click Open. vConverter v4.
Import Settings 7B Use this feature to import settings that you have defined previously. After you configure vConverter for ESX Server, Xen, tasks, and users, you can store the settings and export them for use in downstream installations. You can then import the settings. This is the general process: 1. Configure vConverter by setting it up for ESX Server and/or Xen. Create task and user profiles. Save and store all settings. 2. On the vConverter window, select File→Import settings. 3.
Note: Enter multiple criteria separated by semicolons (;) or enter wildcards. 4. Click Apply. Search results display. vConverter v4.
Add System to Convert 79B 1. In the Network Browser pane, click the All Systems tab. 2. Right-click the server and select Add to Systems to Convert. The server that you selected displays in the Systems to Convert tab. 3. Click the Systems to Convert tab. The server has been copied to this tab. vConverter v4.
Import System to Convert 80B Follow these steps to import a CSV file into the Systems to Convert tab. Before starting this process, make sure that you: • Confirm that the CSV file is available. • Confirm that the CSV file contents include three columns similar to those below, with no column labels. Machinename Credentials password SERVER1 Domain\user pass@word1 1. In the Network Browser pane, click the Systems to Convert tab. 2. Click the Import systems to convert icon. 3.
Add New Task 81B To create a new conversion task, follow the instructions below. 1. On the Conversion Tasks pane, click New Task. The New Task Editing window displays. 2. You can deselect the Show this tip again checkbox. Click Close. vConverter v4.
3. From the Systems to Convert view, drag a server to the source server hotspot. After a brief delay, the Server Information area refreshes. 4. Use the fields on the Conversion Tasks pane to define the task. Click Save. vConverter v4.
Create and Run Conversion Jobs 12B Manual Conversion Type 82B 1. From the Systems to Convert view on the Network Browser pane, drag a source to the source server hotspot. 2. Select a volume from the Sources Drives list. 3. Select a value from the Virtual Machine type dropdown. 4. Select a Transfer Mode—Block-Based or File-Based. 5. Select Manual from the Conversion Type dropdown. If the Set Credentials dialog displays, select a radio button and populate the appropriate fields. Click OK. 6.
Notes: VM configuration files include the .vmx file, log files, and other files necessary to operate a VM. vConverter will automatically create the proper subdirectory structure for a VM, based on the specified VM Name value. For direct to ESX conversions, point at the root of the VMFS volume that you want to use. If you select a folder that begins or ends with a whitespace, an error message will display. 8. Click Advanced. Close the Advanced Properties opening window. 9.
Note: This is useful for post-conversion tasks. 12. Click the Login tab. To enable the Username and Password fields and enter values for both, select the Use Login to Access Target Server checkbox. 13. Click OK. 14. On the Conversion Tasks pane, click Save. 15. Click the Start icon. vConverter v4.
Single Conversion Type 83B Before beginning this process, confirm that the DNS servers have been set through Control Panel→Network Connections. For instructions, see the Troubleshooting section of the Appendix. 1. On the vConverter window, select Tools→Preferences. The Program Preferences dialog displays. 2. On the ESX Server tab, click Add. Populate all of the fields in the Server Info area and then click Install. 3.
4. Drag the source to the source server hotspot on the Conversion Tasks pane. Enter administrator credentials for the source. Select the Save as a new user profile checkbox. Click OK. 5. When you are prompted to save the user profile, populate the Name field and click OK. 6. Set the volume to be converted by selecting the appropriate checkbox below the source server hotspot. Then, select a value from the Virtual Machine type dropdown. 7. Select a Transfer Mode—Block-Based or File-Based. 8.
13. Click Save. Note: vConverter confirms that the necessary disk space is available on the target. If there is insufficient space, this message will display. You can save the job or configure another target. 14. To run the conversion job now, click the green arrow icon server hotspot. above the target 15. Close the Conversion Control Tip window. 16. To check the progress of the job on the Conversion Monitor window, click the magnifying lens icon vConverter v4.1 above the target server hotspot.
17. After the conversion is successful, click Close. RCC Conversion Type 84B There are two ways to complete RCC—one is automated; the other is not. Both processes are described below. Automated RCC 1. From the Systems to Convert tab, drag a source to the source server hotspot. Note: Automated RCC requires at least 300MB of free space on the system volume of each Source system. 2. Select a volume from the Source Drives list. 3. Select a value from the Virtual Machine type dropdown. 4.
9. If you want to base this job on an existing task profile, select it from the Use Profile for Conversion dropdown. Click Apply. 10. Click Save. Non-Automated RCC When you add a source system for Non-Automated RCC (by boot CD or by PXE), it will display in the tree of the Network Browser pane under a branch called Cold cloning ready after you reboot. You must select the source and target from this list of servers. Also, you must select Manual or Single Conversion as the conversion type. 11.
18. Enter a path in the Target Folder field or click Browse to locate a folder. Select it and click OK. Note: If you select a folder that begins or ends with a whitespace, an error message will display. 19. If you want to base this job on an existing task profile, select it from the Use Profile for Conversion dropdown. Click Apply. 20. Click Save. vConverter v4.
Synchronized Cutover Conversion Type 85B To minimize the cutover window, synchronized cutover completes a full conversion as the source continues to run. Synchronization takes place continuously until the final commit occurs during the cutover window. In other words, vConverter completes an initial conversion. Then, at intervals that you schedule, vConverter determines which files have changed and synchronizes only those files.
11. Click Save. Note: A prompt might display, asking you to create a network share. Continuous Protection Conversion Type 86B With continuous protection, a virtual copy of a working physical system is made. The source server is only touched by the reads being done. A copy of the source server is made. Replication is performed at user-defined intervals at the target. These intervals are set to keep the source and target perpetually in sync.
8. Enter a value in the Target Folder field or click Browse to search for one. Note: If you select a folder that begins or ends with a whitespace, an error message will display. 9. If you have configured one, select a profile from the Use Profile for Conversion dropdown. Click Apply. 10. Click Save. Note: A prompt might display, asking you to create a network share. Different Destinations Cutover Conversion Type 87B 1.
Create and Run Conversion Job (Using the Wizard) 8B If you have already defined task and user profiles, you can use them in combination with the Conversion Wizard to produce conversion jobs. A few things to address before you begin: • Confirm that the DNS servers have been set through Control Panel→Network Connections. • If you intend to resize any volumes during this process, confirm that the Create Flat Disk Image option has been enabled through Tools→Preferences→Task Properties.
4. On the Step 1 dialog, populate these fields: Source server, Username, and Password. Click Next. OR Click the browse ellipsis, navigate to a server, and double-click it. 5. On the Step 2 dialog, select values from the Virtual Machine and Target dropdowns. For the target, select Network shared folder unless the VM type is VMware ESX Server. Enter a target folder—a local directory or a network file share. If you click the browse ellipsis, click to select a folder.
Note: If you select a folder that begins or ends with a whitespace, an error message will display. Enter a VM name or leave the default (the source server name) as is. If the credentials for the target and the source are different, click Set Login and enter new credentials for the target. Click OK. Click Next. 6. On the Step 3 dialog, select the checkbox for the volume that you want to convert. You can select multiple volumes. 7. Click Next. vConverter v4.
8. On the Step 4 dialog, the Create Virtual Machine checkbox is already selected if you are converting directly to an ESX Server. If you intend to resize any volumes, the Create Flat Disk Image (Non Growable) checkbox will be selected and disabled. If it is not, select it. To configure the VM, click Configure VM. On the VM Options dialog, you can define the RAM for the VM and create floppy and CD/DVD drives. Click OK or configure up to four NICs.
From the Adapter type dropdown, select IDE, Bus Logic, or LSI Logic. You can select an alternate HAL type from the dropdown—MACPI (Recommended), AACPI, and ACPI are available. 9. If the OS or extracted SP source files are not located on the source, you can specify a location for them now or anytime before the conversion job is run. Click the browse ellipsis next to the Setup Files Location field. On the Browse for Folder window, navigate to the location and click OK.
11. To schedule the job to run later, click the Edit icon on the Conversion Tasks pane. When prompted to save the task, click Yes. Click Scheduler. 12. Follow the instructions in the Reschedule Conversion Job section below. vConverter v4.
Reschedule Conversion Job 89B Follow these instructions to reschedule a conversion job to run on another date or at another time. 1. Configure a conversion job to run and save it. 2. On the Conversion Tasks pane, click Scheduler to access the date and time of the job. 3. Reset the event by double-clicking the job. On the Appointment dialog, adjust the date dropdown and time spinbox. Click OK.
Run a Quick Conversion 90B To use the Quick Convert feature, you must have a task profile created to select as the template for the quick conversion job. Otherwise, this error message will display when you attempt to select the Quick Convert command: 1. In the Systems to Convert view, right-click a server and select Quick Convert! The Quick Convert dialog displays. 2. To view details about a task, click to highlight the task and then click View Task Details. Then, click Close.
5 Using vConverter CLI
vConverter CLI Overview 13B The vConverter CLI Tool is both a console C++ application and a DLL library. It integrates all the logic necessary for converting source systems. As a caller application, it converts a system in a single action—you just call the CLI Tool and provide the conversion parameters. The tool obtains the input parameters from the command line. Console output (stdout) informs the caller application of the status of the current operation being performed by the tool.
Source Server (Windows 2000+) Target Server (Windows 2000+) Target Windows Server Agent Drive Capture tool Image Consistency Driver On-site VSS (Windows 2003+) Virtual Disk Driver Vista PE Boot Image Server Info Tool Client System (Windows XP+) UI Client CLI Tool Licensing Service Virtual Disk Driver Virtual Disk Driver Migration tool PXE Service Remote Launch Tool Target Server (VMware ESX Server/ XEN Server) Target ESX/ XEN Server Agent Target Server (VMware ESX Server/ XEN Server) Virtual
Drive Capture Tool with Consistency Support 136B This component runs on the source server. It reads and transfers disk data to the target server. Its built-in Consistency Driver tracks data changes, so there is no need to stop applications or start services to prevent disk data from modifying while copying.
TSA for Windows Hosts 14B TSA for Windows Hosts runs on a target system. The feature improves performance in writing disk images compared to writing to Windows shared folders. It is especially effective for capturing images in flat format, where initial allocation of disk space can take significant time when done over the network. The agent opens TCP port 422 and waits for an incoming connection from the Drive Capture Tool that runs on the source.
Command Line Arguments 92B Running CLI Tool Executable CLI Tool executable—vccli.exe—was primarily developed as a CLI utility for users who want to automate the conversion process by running it from batch files or who want to use it for testing. It is located in the vConverter installation folder. The format of calling vccli.exe is: vccli.
Generic CLI Tool Parameters 147B The CLI Tool—both .EXE and .
Run CLI Tool with the following command line: fileserv /su admin /sp 123456 /tserver storage \\storage\vm\fileserv.vmdk /tu admin /tp 123456 /vm vmware /adapter ide /vol c: /vol d: /flat /winsftp 186H This converts the system fileserv to the image \\storage\vm\fileserv.vmdk into VMware IDE disk file format. The volume C: will be put into a primary partition; the volume D: will be written as a logical disk in the extended partition.
Name Value Target Server Name (IP address) esxserver Target Disk Image Path /vmfs/volumes/storage1/C.vmdk Target ESX Server Agent User Login root Target ESX Server Agent User Password vmware Volumes to Convert C: D: Image format VMware VMDK flat Folder to store log files from the tools C:\logs The command line is: fileserv /su admin /sp 123456 /tu root /tp vmware /tserver esxserver: 422 "/vmfs/volumes/storage1/C.vmdk" /vm vmwareesx /adapter lsi /vol C: /flat /vo /extlogs "C:\logs" It convert
Options Required Output to Windows shared folders Description Output to ESX Server Generic Parameters /?, /help - Displays brief tool usage instructions. + Specifies the source system name or IP address. /su Specifies the user name for the launch capturing process on a source system. The user must have administrator access rights. Specifies the password for the user supplied in /su parameter.
Options Required Output to Windows shared folders Description Output to ESX Server /vm Specifies target VM: vpc| vmware| legacyvmware| virtualiron| vmwareesx + + /split vpc—Virtual PC (vhd file) • vmware—VMware Workstation 4.x and higher, and Server (vdmk file) • legacyvmware—older version of VMware Workstation • virtualiron—Virtual Iron • vmwareesx—Vmware ESX Server 3.x Turns on image files splitting. For VMware: - - /flat - - + + /adapter ide|bus|lsi|adaptec vConverter v4.
Options Required Output to Windows shared folders Description Output to ESX Server • ide—IDE adapter • bus—Bus Logic SCSI adapter • lsi—LSI Logic SCSI adapter For Microsoft products, valid values are: /vol [/resize ] • ide—IDE adapter • adaptec—Adaptec SCSI adapter (Can be used only in Virtual Server.) Adds a volume to the list of volumes to capture. - volume name (e.g., C:).
Options Required Output to Windows shared folders Description Output to ESX Server /setup - Specifies the path to Windows setup files. Used when not all files necessary for kernel migration are found on source—for instance, when the source was optimized before and the system file cache was cleaned up manually or using a program. - - If there is more than one operational system to migrate, and it is necessary to specify different setup folder locations for each, use volsetup instead.
Options Required Output to Windows shared folders Description Output to ESX Server parameter is specified, the brief tool log is also put into this folder. /nokernel - - /nodisk - - /installVmTools - /autoLogon - /badsectors - Turns off kernel migration step. Applicable only for V2V migrations to the same target platform with the same HAL parameters. Warning: Otherwise, may cause blue screen. Turns off copying drivers and registry entry modifications on the disk adapter migration step.
Options Required Output to Windows shared folders /byfile vConverter v4.1 Description Output to ESX Server - Forces Capture Tool to use by-file capturing mode, instead of by-sector by default. Must be used only for source systems with VSS support enabled—Windows XP and higher (Windows Server 2003 is best.). For older systems, will cause conversion to fail.
CLI Tool Exit Codes 93B The CLI Tool returns these exit codes: Code Description 0 No error, normal exiting. 1 Invalid command line. 10 No more licenses are available. 11 Internal license error. 30 Execution is cancelled by the user. 40 Unexpected or unknown conversion error (need to analyze log files). 100 Capture Tool: Failed to connect to source system. 101 Capture Tool: Failed to copy the executable files to a source system.
Code Description 301 Capture Tool: Failed to create output image file. 302 Capture Tool: Failed to write to output image file. 303 Capture Tool: Failed to read from a source volume. 304 Capture Tool: Failed to extract consistency driver. 305 Capture Tool: Failed to run consistency driver. 306 Capture Tool: Failed to open consistency data file. 307 Capture Tool: Failed to read consistency data file. 308 Capture Tool: Failed to start inspecting disk changes.
Brief CLI Tool Output Messages 94B Brief tool output mode is intended for the further parsing by a caller application. All the tool output messages in this mode are represented in the following format: Type Prefix is one character with a value from the following set: • s—This is a new step message. • %—This is a progress indicator message. • v—This is a version information message. Variable part is specific to different types. See the table below for these values.
31 Y Starting kernel migration. 32 Y Starting disk adapter migration. 33 Y Checking the setup files folder for current migration activity. 34 Y Running migration. 35 Y Dismounting the captured image. 40 Y Gathering the log files and cleanup temporary data. Each next message is started from the new line when using the CLI Tool executable. For CLI DLL, each next message is delivered in a separate callback function call: > clitool.exe fileserv /su admin /sp 123456 \\storage\vm\fileserv.
%229 .. %992 %996 %1000 s24 %1000 s30 s31 %1000 s34 %900 %1000 s32 %1000 s34 s35 s40 %0 %500 %1000 > A conversion result is not displayed in brief mode. The caller application has to analyze the exit code of the CLI Tool. If a step is reported as started, but there is no percentage message for the step, and the next step is started immediately, then the prior step passed. A next progress indicator message is displayed only when the progress value was actually changed.
GUI Features Not Supported by vConverter CLI 143B The CLI Tool does not support: • Explicit specification of HAL type for kernel migration. The best option is automatically applied. • Capturing the whole source disk in RAW mode. Each source volume must be specified in the command line. • Capturing volumes in separate disk images. Through CLI, a single output image file is created for all source volumes. • Creating VM descriptor files (e.g., .VMX, .VMC).
vcmt.exe Migration Tool winagent.exe Windows TSA .\migration support\VMware SYMMPI.INF, SYMMPI.SYS Folder contains necessary files for migrating to VMware platform. Contains the files listed below. LSI Logic SCSI driver VMSCSI.INF, VMSCSI.SYS Bus Logic SCSI driver vmtls.cab VMware Tools package for desktop VMware target platforms. CLI Troubleshooting 96B When requesting help troubleshooting an issue, it is important to provide log files of the CLI Tool and accompanying vConverter tools.
6 Appendix
Troubleshooting 14B This section contains some suggestions for addressing issues that you might encounter while using vConverter. Server IP Address Can’t Be Resolved 97B If you have not added a DNS entry to correspond to the IP address that you intend to use in vConverter, a message will display when you attempt to install an ESX Server. Set DNS Servers 1. To set the DNS entry, access Control Panel→Network Connections. 2. Right-click the LAN you are using and select Properties. 3.
5. Enter the DNS you intend to use in the Preferred DNS server field. 6. Click OK. 7. On the Local Area Connection Properties dialog, click Close. vConverter v4.
Manually Install a NIC Device to Work with VistaPE 98B 1. After VistaPE boots, insert the floppy/CD with the network driver. If the driver is on the host’s hard disk, skip this step. 2. Select Start→Device Installer. 3. Select the ethernet adapter in or group. Click Install. 4. Click OK. vConverter v4.
5. Specify path to the driver. 6. Click Close. 7. Select Start→PE Network Configurator. Note: If this process fails, then you are using a driver that is incompatible with VistaPE. See the Drivers section of this Appendix for a list of compatible drivers. Hot Cloning 9B During the hot cloning process, no source machine reboot is necessary.
Failed to Get Remote Resources 10B This means that the client cannot contact the source. To resolve this, navigate to C:\Program Files\Vizioncore\vConverter\Bin\Support and follow these steps: 1. Open Machines.txt and remove any entries. 2. Enter the name of the source that is causing the problem. 3. Run the file called check.vbs (included in this folder as well). • This will generate a WMI.log. If your log reads failed to connect this, it is usually a result of permissions or DNS issues.
Target VM Unavailable 103B If the target VM is not available during a synchronization, the process will be stopped. The next synchronization will occur during the next scheduled timeslot. If the target VM is powered on between the synchronizations, all file system changes will be lost except for the newly added files. These files are no longer on the source, but they do remain on the target image. Conversion Job Monitoring 104B 1. After starting a conversion job, the button below will display.
Drivers 15B These tables list all of the drivers that are compatible with VistaPE. Manufacturer SiS SiS SiS SiS IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM IBM SONY SONY Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Microsoft Amertek VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc.
Manufacturer VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link D-Link Corega K.K. Corega K.K. Corega K.K. corega K.K. corega K.K. corega K.K. corega K.K.
Manufacturer LTD GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD The Linksys Group Inc. The Linksys Group Inc. Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel vConverter v4.
Manufacturer Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel vConverter v4.
Manufacturer Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Hewlett Packard NEC NEC NEC NEC NEC Acer Acer Acer Acer Fujitsu Siemens Fujitsu Siemens Fujitsu Siemens Fujitsu Siemens Fujitsu Siemens Toshiba Toshiba Toshiba vConverter v4.
Manufacturer Toshiba Fujitsu Fujitsu Samsung Samsung Trigem Dell Atheros Communications Inc. Atheros Communications Inc. Atheros Communications Inc. Atheros Communications Inc. Atheros Communications Inc. Atheros Communications Inc. Atheros Communications Inc. Atheros Communications Inc. Atheros Communications Inc. Atheros Communications Inc. Atheros Communications Inc. Atheros Communications Inc. Atheros Communications Inc. Atheros Communications Inc. Atheros Communications Inc. Atheros Communications Inc.
Manufacturer Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell Marvell NVIDIA Realtek Semiconductor Corp. Realtek Semiconductor Corp. Realtek Semiconductor Corp. Realtek Semiconductor Corp. Realtek Semiconductor Corp. Realtek Semiconductor Corp. Realtek Semiconductor Corp. Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Manufacturer Realtek Semiconductor Corp. Realtek Semiconductor Corp. Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
Manufacturer 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com 3Com Corporation. 3Com Corporation. Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Accton Technology Corp. vConverter v4.
Manufacturer Accton Technology Corp. ASIX ASIX ASIX ASIX Addtron Allied Telesyn Cabletron Cabletron Compex Eagle by Microdyne Kingston Linksys Linksys Linksys Linksys Linksys NCR Netgear Netgear Netgear Netgear NETGEAR NETGEAR NETGEAR NETGEAR Netgear Netgear NETGEAR NETGEAR Netgear NETGEAR Racore SMC SMC SMC SMC SMC SMC SMC SMC SMC SMC SMC SMC SMC SMC SMC SMC SMC TDK CHEETAH ASIX Electronics ASIX Electronics vConverter v4.1 Device Accton EN1408T Giga-bit Ethernet Adapter ASIX AX88772 USB2.
Manufacturer ASIX Electronics ASIX Electronics ASIX Electronics PCMCIA Technology Inc. PCMCIA Technology Inc. Sundance ADMtek Incorporated ADMtek Incorporated ADMtek Incorporated ADMtek Incorporated ADMtek Incorporated ADMtek Incorporated ADMtek Incorporated ADMtek Incorporated ADMtek Incorporated ADMtek Incorporated AmbiCom Conceptronic D-Link Corporation.
Manufacturer Diamond Multimedia D-Link Corp. D-Link Corp. Linksys Group Inc. LinkSys Group Inc. MELCO INC. MXIC MXIC MXIC D-Link Corporation D-Link Corporation DAVICOM Semiconductor, Inc. DAVICOM Semiconductor, Inc. DAVICOM Semiconductor, Inc. DAVICOM Semiconductor, Inc. DAVICOM Semiconductor, Inc. DAVICOM Semiconductor, Inc. DAVICOM Semiconductor, Inc. DAVICOM Semiconductor, Inc. DAVICOM Semiconductor, Inc. DAVICOM Semiconductor, Inc. DAVICOM Semiconductor, Inc. DAVICOM Semiconductor, Inc.
Manufacturer Network Everywhere Network Everywhere PC Card Series Products PC Card Series Products CardBus CardBus CardBus CARDBUSs CARDBUSs CARDBUSs SMC Networks National Datacomm Corporation smartBridges smartBridges SURECOM Technology Corp. SURECOM Technology Corp. SURECOM Technology Corp. SURECOM Technology Corp. SURECOM Technology Corp. SURECOM Technology Corp. SURECOM Technology Corp. SURECOM Technology Corp. SURECOM Technology Corp. SURECOM Technology Corp. SURECOM Technology Corp.
Manufacturer Xircom Xircom Xircom Xircom SMC Networks, Inc U.S. Robotics U.S. Robotics ZyXEL Communications Corp PCI Ethernet Adapter Manufacturer VIA Networking Technologies, Inc.
Manufacturer Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Adaptec Promise Technology Promise Technology Promise Technology Promise Technology Promise Technology Promise Technology Promise Technology Promise Technology ULi Electronics Inc. ULi Electronics Inc.
Manufacturer DELL DELL DELL DELL DELL DELL DELL DELL DELL DELL Dell Dell Dell Dell Dell Dell Dell Dell Dell Dell LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp.
Manufacturer LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., LSI Logic Corp., IBM IBM IBM Integrated Technology Express, Inc.
Manufacturer Intel(R) Corporation VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc.
Manufacturer Hewlett Packard Microsoft ICP vortex ICP vortex IBM Corporation IBM Corporation IBM Corporation IBM Corporation IBM Corporation IBM Corporation IBM Corporation IBM Corporation NVIDIA Corporation NVIDIA Corporation NVIDIA Corporation NVIDIA Corporation NVIDIA Corporation NVIDIA Corporation NVIDIA Corporation Manufacturer (Standard IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers) (Standard IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers) (Standard IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers) I-O DATA DEVICE,INC. ULi Electronics Inc. ULi Electronics Inc.
Manufacturer Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel Intel PC Technology Silicon Integrated System Symphony Labs VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc. VIA Technologies, Inc.
Error Messages 16B Errors during Installation and Configuration 105B • This displays when you install a new version of the software over a previous version. • When you are configuring on the Conversion tab of the Program Preferences dialog, this message can display after you select Enable vzBoost and click Install. • If you do not populate the Name field on the Task Profile Properties dialog, a message displays. • After installation is complete, this message might display. vConverter v4.
• When you click Yes, this message displays. • After installation is complete, this message displays to indicate that licensing must be activated. If you click Activate, the Activation Wizard opens. • This message might display when you click the Install button on the ESX Server tab of the Program Preferences dialog. This can occur when insufficient or invalid information is entered on the fields of the tab. vConverter v4.
• This message might display when you enter inconsistent passwords for root and then click the Install button on the ESX Server tab of the Program Preferences dialog. • If you have not confirmed that a DNS entry exists for the IP address that you plan to configure through the ESX Server tab on the Program Preferences dialog, this message will display. See the Troubleshooting section of the Appendix for instructions on entering DNS information.
• If the value in the Server name or IP field on the Configure SMTP Preferences dialog is invalid, a message will display when you click the Test Server Connection button. • If the value in the Server name or IP field on the Configure SMTP Preferences dialog is valid but unresponsive, a message will display when you click the Test Server Connection button.
• If you click Cancel on the Conversion Tasks pane while you are creating a task, this message displays. • When you are creating a task using the Create Conversion Task command, you populate the fields on the Conversion Tasks pane. If you enter a local path in the Target Folder field, this message displays. • These messages can display during installation. vConverter v4.
Errors during Activation 106B • If you attempt to reuse a serial number that has been used for license activation previously, an error message will display. Errors Adding a Source Server 107B • If you enter invalid credentials, you will receive this message. vConverter v4.
• If the credentials entered do not have logon access to the server, you will receive this message. • If you right-click a server in the Network Browser pane and select Add to Source, this message might display. Errors during Conversion 108B • When files that are required for conversion are missing from the source server, this message can display. vConverter v4.
• If you are using the Conversion Wizard to configure a job and you click the Cancel button at any point in the process, this message displays. • These messages can display at any time during conversion. • If you right-click a server in the Network Browser pane and select Create Conversion Task, this message can display. • This message can display when you click the Start Conversion icon on the Conversion Tasks pane: vConverter v4.
• When you click Browse on Conversion Tasks pane, this message can display. • In All Systems view, when you right-click a server and select Create Conversion this error message can display. • When you save a conversion job, this message might display. • If you try to exit vConverter before you complete the new task creation process, a message will display. vConverter v4.
• If you right-click a server in the Systems to Convert view and select Quick Convert, a message will display if you have not created and saved a conversion task on which to base the job. • If you right-click a server in the Systems to Convert view and select Create Conversion Task, a message will display if you have not set a default task profile through Tools→Preferences→Task Profiles. • This message can display if a server connection is unreliable.
• This message can display at any time during the conversion process. vConverter v4.
