How can I move the Vmware virtual Hard Drive files?

vmware-player

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Solution 1

VMWare is a company not a product, presumably you mean a client-based product such as VMWare Server or Workstation? if so can you update your question?

Probably the most fool-proof way of doing this would be to remove the server from your list of VMs but don't choose the 'remove from disk' option. Then move the VM directory/files from C: to V:, then browse to the new directory and double-click the appropriate .vmx file. This should then either add the VM back into your list or start a wizard to do the same. Worst case scenario just choose 'add new VM' and choose the 'use existing virtual disk' option.

Solution 2

I'm presuming you're talking about VMware Workstation -- just move the files where you want them, remove the virtual disks from the VM configuration (don't delete them), then add virtual disks, select the option to add existing virtual disks, then locate your .vmdk files.

Note that your virtual disk actually consists of the .vmdk, which is a metadata descriptor, and the -flat.vmdk, which actually contains the data. You'll want to move both of these to the same location.

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peter

I started programming in high school, making my own versions of popular games (Lunar Lander). I wrote some parts in Assembly Language. I eventually bootstrapped a healthcare startup to $3M revenue. I began my professional career working for consulting firms, then started my own software company and created 17 programs providing speech therapy to stroke survivors . I marketed and sold it worldwide. A few years ago, I fully automated my company so it wouldn’t need my involvement, freeing me for new challenges. I’ve spent my career helping technical and non-technical stakeholders understand each other’s needs. A few years ago, I returned to consulting, sharpening my skills in areas that I most enjoyed as a business owner. As I took classes and read a wide range of books, what particularly resonated was the importance of listening. For example, each sale happens in the prospect’s mind. They know what they want. They’ll tell us if we ask and listen with genuine curiosity. I first learned this selling our software. After I explained what a patient needed, caregivers often asked “how did you know exactly what we need?”. I just smiled, never revealing my secret: I asked curious questions. You told me. I listened. It turns out, that’s helpful in all sales, and all communication. I’ve loved consulting with a variety of businesses, but I miss learning & growing with a team working toward a common purpose. My Resume Portfolio

Updated on September 17, 2022

Comments

peter almost 2 years

I have limited space on my C: drive and lots on my V: drive. I'd like to move the VMware Player's virtual HD files (and any large supporting files) to my V: drive.

Any pointers to how I do that?

(I'm afraid to just move the file. Tried that once w/ Virtual PC and it was a mess because the program was expecting it to be in the old location.)
peter over 13 years

Yes, I mean VMware Player. But I can't find the virtual hard drives (.VMDK) files.
peter over 13 years

I moved the folder that contained the .vmdk and .vmx, etc. files. Then double-clicked on the .vmx file and it asked if I had moved or copied the file (such smart software!). Viola!