convert vmdk to VBox

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Saulosw
Posts: 3
Joined: 29. Jan 2019, 18:31

convert vmdk to VBox

Post by Saulosw »

Hi,
I'm trying to convert a VM from vmware to Virtualbox.
I already try to open the disk with VB but got error INIT 18: boot failure
now I create a ovf file from VMWare but still can't import.
I have few disk I need to move from VMWare to VBox.
Thanks for any suggestion.
mpack
Site Moderator
Posts: 39156
Joined: 4. Sep 2008, 17:09
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Mostly XP

Re: convert vmdk to VBox

Post by mpack »

Wrapping the disk in an OVF will not change the content, and it's the content that isn't valid.

Two options: either the disk you supplied was never bootable, or it's GPT formatted and you didn't enable the EFI BIOS option.
Saulosw
Posts: 3
Joined: 29. Jan 2019, 18:31

Re: convert vmdk to VBox

Post by Saulosw »

thanks,
I don't kmow about the EFI BIOS option .
So now I got no error but I'm stack at a black screen. :(
mpack
Site Moderator
Posts: 39156
Joined: 4. Sep 2008, 17:09
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Mostly XP

Re: convert vmdk to VBox

Post by mpack »

What is the guest OS?
Rootman
Posts: 251
Joined: 1. Oct 2012, 18:29

Re: convert vmdk to VBox

Post by Rootman »

It's been a while but I remember having to specify the disk controller as IDE in order for it to work right. I am not sure if the EFI and IDE combo will work but it might just.

If you really want a STA controller you can then add a second controller as SATA and then run the guest and install any drivers for it, then down the guest, swap the disk image form the IDE to the SATA controller nd fire it up. I've done this before, that is before I found out that there is absolutely no benefit whatsoever as each interface runs at exactly the same speed since they're emulated.

Sorry if there is anything wrong about this, it's been a while since I've done it.
mpack
Site Moderator
Posts: 39156
Joined: 4. Sep 2008, 17:09
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Mostly XP

Re: convert vmdk to VBox

Post by mpack »

INT18: Boot Failure means that the BIOS found the drive, but it isn't bootable. That's a BIOS boot failure, not Windows. So, I wouldn't expect this to be a case that's solved by changing drive controllers for Windows benefit - but there's no harm in trying.

All of this assuming that the guest OS is Windows, which the OP has yet to say.
Saulosw
Posts: 3
Joined: 29. Jan 2019, 18:31

Re: convert vmdk to VBox

Post by Saulosw »

Thanks to all.
I manage to convert the newest VM using the VMWare export to OVF and then with VB I was able to import it and now is working.
I still have to move an older VM (2010) :mrgreen: that I' not able to convert with VMWare tool to OVF, any suggestion is appreciated.
For your information I'm on Ubuntu/Manjaro latest versions.
:D
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