Importing and exporting a virtual disk
You can import and export VMware Cloud Server virtual disks using the
FTP service.
- Import - allows you to use a VMware virtual disk uploaded to the FTP space in the Aruba Cloud infrastructure.
- Export - allows you to create an image of a VMware Cloud Server disk and save it to the FTP space.
Checking virtual disk compatibility
After uploading the VMware virtual disk in .vmdk format to the FTP space, log in to the Control Panel and go to VMWARE ON ARUBA CLOUD > Compute essential > Disk Import.
The Virtual Disks section lists the disks uploaded to the FTP space. The system checks whether the virtual disk format and specifications are compatible with Aruba Cloud systems, but does not check its contents.
You can import disks marked as COMPATIBLE.
Importing a virtual disk
Connecting the virtual disk to an existing VMware Cloud Server
- Go to the VMware Cloud Server details page;
- go to the Virtual Disks section;
- locate an unused disk and go to CONNECT;
- in the Choose the virtual disk to use window, select the virtual disk available in the FTP space;
- go to CONNECT.
Using the virtual disk as the primary disk of a new VMware Cloud Server
- Start creating a VMware Cloud Server;
- in 2. Choose Template, go to ENABLE FTP IMPORT;
- in 3. Select Resources, next to HD 1, go to CONNECT DISK;
- select the virtual disk uploaded to the FTP space and complete the VMware Cloud Server configuration.
The primary disk (HD 1) must be enabled to boot the operating system. If you do not connect a virtual disk uploaded via FTP during creation, a VMware Cloud Server without an operating system will be created.
Exporting a virtual disk
Before proceeding, check that the
FTP service is active and that there is enough space available in the FTP space to save the disk image.
- Go to the VMware Cloud Server details page;
- if the Cloud Server is on, shut it down;
- go to the Virtual Disks section;
- next to the disk you want to export, go to EXPORT;
- in the Export HD window, check the path where the files will be saved in the FTP space;
- go to OK, EXPORT.
During the export, two files are created in the FTP space: a .vmdk file and the corresponding -flat.vmdk file.
You cannot export a virtual disk if there is an active snapshot on the VMware Cloud Server.
The export time varies depending on the disk size. You cannot use the VMware Cloud Server while the export is in progress.