Search code examples
virtualizationhyper-v

How do you convert a physical machine into a virtual machine image for use in MS Virtual Server or Hyper-V?

I'd like to use alternatives to System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2008 is possible, in other words, any FREE tools?

Solution

  • Before SCVMM, Microsoft's solution was the Virtual Server Migration Toolkit. This requires Windows Server 2003 Automated Deployment Services, which in turn can only be installed on Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition. It's about as far from a free tool as you can get. It only works on SP1, not SP2 (unless ADS has been updated since I last checked), and you have to obtain all the patches you've applied to the physical system.

    ADS is limited to four partitions per physical disk, because it can't create extended partitions. If your physical system has more than four partitions you have a problem.

    Once you do have it running, though, it does actually work.

    Many disk copying tools like Ghost or True Image can now produce .vhd files from a physical system.