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Importing VMs from Uploaded Media Images#

Importing via Media Images is a convenient way to import a single VM at a time. VM Data files, such as VMX, VMDK, OVF, VHD(X) are uploaded to the vSAN and then selected for import.

Import VM (config and disks) from Media Images#

Info

Hyper-V VMs should be exported to .ova/ovf or VMware format before upload, -OR- use the Create VM Shell, Import VM Disks* method below to create the VM first and then import disks

  1. Upload configuration and disk image files to the vSAN. For instructions on uploading files to the vSAN, see Uploading Files to the vSAN.
  2. Navigate to Virtual Machines > + New VM.
  3. From the options list, select --Import from Media Images--. Available files (that have been uploaded to the vSAN) will appear in the Selections Available list on the right side. Click to select the VM configuration file (e.g. .vmx,.ovf)
  4. Click Next (bottom of the screen).
  5. The VM Name will default to the name of the selected configuration file if left blank; otherwise a name can be specified.
  6. By default MAC Address(es) of VM NICs will stay the same as the source VM. If this option is unselected, the system will generate new, unique MAC address(es).
  7. Select Preferred Tier, or leave at --default--. This determines the tier first attempted for VM storage. See the Preferred Tier page for more information.
  8. When fields are entered as desired, click Submit. The VM instance is created and the dashboard for the new VM is presented.

Create VM Shell, Import VM Disks#

  1. Upload disk image files to the vSAN. For instructions on uploading files to the vSAN, see Uploading Files to the vSAN
  2. Create a new Custom VM, assigning appropriate hardware specifications and NIC device(s).
  3. Add a new drive to the VM, being sure to select Import Disk in the Media field.
  4. Select the appropriate Interface (IDE, SATA, Virtio-SCSI, Virtio-Legacy, etc.)
  5. Select drive Media File (.vhd,.vhdx, *.qcow, raw, etc.) from the dropdown list. (VM Drives provides detailed drive creation instructions.).
  6. If applicable, repeat the drive creation steps for additional drives.