Converting windows 2003 server into VMware VM and later to a physical server

[genesis]

Hi

We use VMware and I have one of the old Windows 2003 server and would like to convert into VMware virtual machine and later convert into a physical server.

I have VMware V centre Converter standalone installed on one of the PCs .

 

Will I be able to convert this windows 2003 server into VMware virtual machine and later convert into a physical server using a different hardware?

Any help would be great.

Thanks

[Davit2005]

Coverting to a VMWare should be easy with the Standalone converter. However converting to Physical after that will be a bit more of headache if not close to impossible.

 

I'm prob not the only one to suggest that this is 2003 and you should be looking at moving the services provided to a more up to date OS as XP/2003 are not supported by Microsoft.

[FN-GM]

I think your bigger issue might be the hardware compatibility with Server 2003. You will struggle finding drivers etc for the modern stuff.

[Arthur]

Couldn't you run the VM as it is by installing ESXi on the other hardware? Is there any reason why it needs to be physical?

[ricki]

I think this is the convertor to VMware server https://www.vmware.com/uk/products/converter.html

[ricki]

Converting back to physical will be fun but you could try acronis or clonzilla the problem is the raid drivers