P2V: Veeam Agent => IR => VMware - cleanup needed ?

[JLundgren]

Hello,

We are planning to convert HPE BL440c bladeservers to VMware vm.

I understand the process using Instant Recovery.

But what about cleanup process afterwards ?
I would assume hidden hw-devices still remain even if they are not connected to anything.
What worries me is the HPE software that in some cases are still connected to old devices.
And could cause problems/be hard to uninstall.
Any suggestions/advice ?

[HannesK]

Hello,
independent from whatever technology is used to do a P2V, I personally would clean up. Once it's a VM, it's easy to test / roll-back. And it can be done "at any time".

Best regards,
Hannes

[jorgedlcruz]

I have a done a few of those conversions in the past. As Hannes said, open the device manager and delete everything that does not exist anymore, maybe on the VM BIOS clean up diskette or other not used hardware like com ports etc. I would as well delete all of those realtek or raid controller software if not required, HPE usually has ton of extra software: iLO, Network drivers and software, etc. Once virtual, make a backup and snapshot, and start cleaning outside peak hours.

But most important, be proactive and install VMware Tools before the migration, so once the conversion finishes you have Network, and proper display settings.

Thanks!

[JLundgren]

Thanks for your suggestions !

Have any of you encountered problems when uninstalling vendor/HW-specific software after conversion ?
Since the old devices does not exist/are not connected anymore.

[jorgedlcruz]

Hello Johnny,
In my experience, I was even having errors on some of that software as they were in the automatic-start, and they could not find the hardware anymore. Once virtual, you can always do snapshots/Backups easily in case something breaks.

We can not comment much or give you a definitive answer on those third-party software/hardware drivers, but as said, it will be virtualized, so a lot of flexibility.

Keep us posted