P2V Migrations using VMware Converter - Things to remember

P2V migrations needs Planning and Preparation if you need to be successful. So, I wanted to consolidate some of the helpful links around P2V Migration and share my experience.If you have any feedback\suggestions, please feel free to comment  or contact me and I will add any additional information.The majority of the steps mentioned here are for Windows Machines. 

Helpful Links:
1)  Best practices for using and troubleshooting VMware Converter (1004588)

2) Converting a physical or virtual machine with VMware Converter takes longer than expected (1038454)

3) Disabling SSL encryption on VMware Converter Standalone 5.x (2020517)
This article helps if the Migration is taking very long.

4) Virtualizing existing domain controllers in VMware vCenter Converter (1006996)


Steps to remember before Migration:

1) From my Experience I have realized that it's best keep the configuration of the Physical Sever for the VM untill the first power on is completed and VMware tools is installed. Once Installed we can then reduce the VM configuration in terms of CPU, RAM and other devices.

2) Always have the following information handy before you start the Migration:
a) No of CPU's. How many Sockets and Cores.
b) Size of Memroy
c) How many Network Cards and which network on the ESXi Server.
d) Which Datastore to store the VM.
e) Location of the VM in the vCenter Inventory - Cluster and Folder.
f) If you think the Migraton will take time then the Final Synchronization time.
g) IP address of the Physical Machine - ipconfig /all should give you the result.

3)  Logging in as the Local Administrator is always good, however if you don't have the Administrator password. Ensure that you have logged in as a domain Admin atleast once before the Migration.

4) Install the VMware Converter locally on the Machine and star the Migration.During the end of the configuration ensure that you have disabled all Network is disconnected.

5) Ensure that you enable Final synchronization ideally Immediately if possible or schedule for a later time.
Note: that if you are doing a file clone i.e reducing the size of the disks you cannot synchronize the changes.

6) Once the Migration is complete, power on the VM with the Network card disconnected. Login to the VM and wait for the device detection to complete. You should see an icon in the Taskbar bar showing the progress.Be patient once the CD is detected you can mount the VMware tools. Install VMware tools.
NOTE: For Windows 2008 and older Machines, it is a good idea that you copy the VMware tools folder on the desktop as I have seen that it takes multiple attempts for the CD drive to be detected after the Migration. So, if you already have the VMware tools on the Desktop you can start the tools install even if the CD drive did not get installed.

7) Go to Device Manger. View => Show Hidden Devices.Remove any devices that are not relevant in the VM. In the VM properties, remove any unnecessary devices like floppy or USB.

8) Assign the IP address using the Information you had collected earlier. Shutdown the VM.

9) Power on the VM with the Network connected and wait for the VM to come up.

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