copy vmdk file from a VM to another (ESXi)

[rschmid]

Hello,

I need to copy my virtual disk from one VM to another VM. Both VMs are running on different vSphere Hosts.
Do just select my hdd.vmdk copy and paste it or do I have to copy files like *.vmx or *.nvram?

Kind regards,
Roland

[nielsengelen]

If it's only the disk you need, then the VMDK is fine. VMX is the configuration file so no need for it.

[Vitaliy S.]

You need to copy flat VMDK and its descriptor, and then add it to another VM.

[rschmid]

how do I identify its descriptor?

Kind regards,
Roland

[Vitaliy S.]

Usually it has the same name as the flat disk, but with a relatively small size > https://venthusiastic.wordpress.com/2014/03/12/vmdk/

[rschmid]

Fileserver-VM-1_1-flat.vdmk (5.120.00 GB)
Fileserver-VM-1_1.vdmk (0,58 KB)

like above pasted example, thank you now I understand it.

Kind regards,
Roland

[Vitaliy S.]

If you want to schedule a copy operation of the disk, then you can use replication job (just pick the virtual disk you need) and then attach the replicated disk to a new VM.