P2V Post-Migration question

[DP Admin]

Post-migration task, step 3:
"Modify the system hostname"

Why must I do this? I want the same machine as a virtual, not a renamed clone of it. Can somebody explain why this is not optional?

Thanks in advance,
Brit

[Rob Buxton · Accepted solution]

During the P2V process you can select whatever host name you want, including the same one you started with. I've donw that on all the servers I've migrated.
Just make sure they're both not started at the same time!

[DP Admin]

Update:

I performed the P2V and kept the same hostname. Indeed, as long as you don't have them on at the same time you are fine.

I did, however, encounter one other issue about the IP address, which also needed to remain the same. After the conversion, I could not assign the same IP address to the virtual NIC. I got an error that stated that the NIC had the same IP address as a "hidden" one and it would not let me continue with that address. I found MS KB 269155 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/269155/en-us) which allowed me to see the hidden NIC, uninstall it, and assign the original host's IP address to it. Now my P is truly a V!
Also, what is the difference in the boot.ini after the conversion? I now see a "converted" windows option as the first. What's this about?

Thanks,
Brit

[Rob Buxton]

You can also just ignore the warning for the NIC, as it can't be used you can just re-assign the old address. I've never actually gone through the bother of removing the old device.

I'm not sure about the alternate boot, but I've seen at least one server that failed on the non-HP boot.
Also, if you're going to migrate any W2K Servers make sure you know the local admin account password, you may need it.