12.0

Add an Existing Virtual Hard Disk
You can add an existing virtual hard disk to a virtual machine. You can copy or move the disk to
your virtual machine, or share it between virtual machines.
Caution Moving the virtual hard disk can break other virtual machines that are using the virtual
hard disk, because this is the equivalent of removing the hard disk from one physical computer
and installing it in another.
Procedure
1 Select Window > Virtual Machine Library.
2 Select a virtual machine in the Virtual Machine Library window and click Settings.
3 Click Add Device.
4 Click Existing Hard Disk.
5 Click Add Device.
6 In the Open dialog, navigate to the location of the existing .vmdk hard disk file.
7 Select the method for adding the virtual hard disk file.
Option
Description
Make a separate copy of the virtual
disk
Default. Copies the virtual hard disk file to this virtual machine’s package.
Copying the virtual hard disk ensures that no conflicts exist between this
virtual machine and any other virtual machine that might be using the virtual
hard disk.
Share this virtual disk with the
virtual machine that created it
Virtual hard disk file remains in its original location. This might cause a
conflict if it is also being used by that original virtual machine.
Take this disk away from the virtual
machine currently using it
Moves the virtual hard disk file to this virtual machine’s package.
8 Click Open.
9 Click Apply.
Results
Fusion displays a progress dialog box if you select to copy the virtual disk.
Add a VMDK on a Remote Virtual Machine
You can add a virtual hard disk and select a disk image on a virtual machine hosted on a remote
server.
Prerequisites
Verify that the following conditions are met:
n You have login credentials for the server where the virtual machine is hosted.
Using VMware Fusion
VMware, Inc. 147