Migrating a Windows Server 2003 Virtual Machine to Hyper-V
The learning process is always fun and can be frustrating at times. I recently started migrating my lab to Microsoft’s new virtualization technology called Hyper-V. Hyper-V is a new role in Windows Server 2008. There are a couple of issues that I’ve already run across that you need to be aware of before attempting to move a Windows Server 2003 VM from one virtual server to another.
First, you should remove the static IP number on the network cards before you shutdown the VM on the old virtual server. This is necessary because once you start the VM in Hyper-V you will need to install “Integration Services” which will install a new HAL and drivers. Once this is complete a new network card is installed and the old network card is gone. Basically, the virtual hardware is changed. The problem is that if you had a static IP number on the old network card and you now try to reuse that same IP number on the new network card you will get an error that the IP number already exists. This isn’t the end of the world as you can ignore the message, but you will see the error every time you mess with the network card properties unless there is a way to clean up the registry.
Second, you should remove the Virtual Machine Additions from Add/Remove Programs. This can be a challenge if the VMs were originally installed with version 13.552 from Virtual Server 2005 R2 (prior to SP1). You will have to find an older copy of “Virtual Machines Additions.msi” in the VMAdditions.iso from Virtual Server 2005 R2 (prior SP1) to successfully remove it from the VM.
Thank you. This really cleared up a lot for me! Your site is an IT goldmine!!
jasonmichael24
February 15, 2008 at 10:16 am
FYI – With the latest versions of the Integration servers, you need to manually take a few steps for the HAL. I wrote a complete How-To with all the details.
http://www.groovypost.com/howto/microsoft/windows-server/migrate-microsoft-virtual-server-2005-r2-vm-to-windows-server-2008-hyper-v/
Hopefully this helps a few of the readers through the process.
MrGroove
April 25, 2008 at 10:22 am