> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/knowledge-base/virtual-machines/importing-a-physicalvirtual-machine-into-vergeio.md).
# Importing Physical Machines and Individual VMs into VergeOS
The **VergeOS Clone Utility (VergeOS-clone.iso)** can be used to import external physical or virtual machines into VergeOS as virtual machines. This process is optimized for PtoV (physical-to-virtual) and non-VMware VtoV (virtual-to-virtual) migrations using efficient block transfer.
{% hint style="info" %}
**For VMware environments, use the VMware connector instead of the VergeOS Clone Utility.**
{% endhint %}
## Prerequisites
### VergeOS System (Destination)
* Network URL accessible from the source VMs.
* VergeOS credentials with VM creation permissions.
* Sufficient available vSAN storage for VM drives.
{% hint style="info" %}
**VergeOS vSAN global deduplication reduces the space requirement by handling zero blocks.**
{% endhint %}
* Adequate RAM/CPU to run the imported VMs.
### Source Machine (Physical or Virtual)
* Network connection accessible to the VergeOS system.
* USB/CD-ROM for the VergeOS Clone ISO.
* At least 1 GB of RAM to boot and run the ISO.
## Selecting Sync Method
* **HTTPS Upload:** Default method requiring minimal configuration.
* **vSAN-direct Sync:** Optimized for LAN connections (requires additional network setup, not recommended for WAN).
{% hint style="info" %}
**vSAN-direct sync is only allowed to the host system, not directly to tenants.**
{% endhint %}
## Obtaining the VergeOS Clone Utility
1. Select **Import/Export** > **Dashboard** from the top menu.
2. Click **Download Clone ISO** from the left menu to download the most recent version of the file.
3. A pop-up message will display indicating download progress. When the transfer has completed the message will briefly indicate "Download Complete" before the pop-up disappears.
4. Locate the ISO file on your local machine (e.g. the Downloads folder)
{% hint style="info" %}
**You can make a bootable USB using the** [**Creating Bootable Installation Media**](/plan-and-deploy/implementation-guide/install-media.md) **guide, substituting the Clone ISO.**
{% endhint %}
## Using the VergeOS Clone Utility
1. Boot the source machine using the VergeOS Clone ISO.
2. Select **Launch Clone Utility**.
3. Choose the **NIC** to connect to the VergeOS system.
4. Select **DHCP** or configure a **Static IP**.
If using static IP:
* Use the arrow keys to navigate between fields.
* Press Enter to edit a field and configure the IP, subnet, gateway, and DNS.
5. Enter the **VergeOS system URL** and **credentials**.
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Ensure the user has permissions to create VMs.**
{% endhint %}
6. Confirm the **VergeOS connection** and proceed.
## Clone Utility Configuration
1. Enter the **name** for the VM to be created on VergeOS.
2. Select the **disks** to be cloned.
3. Adjust any **Advanced Settings**:
* **Send Threads:** Default = 4. Adjust for high-latency or high-speed connections.
* **MAC addresses:** Choose whether to clone existing MAC addresses or generate new ones.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Setting threads too high may degrade performance.**
{% endhint %}
4. Begin the clone process by selecting **Start Clone**.
## Resuming a Clone
If a clone import fails or is interrupted, boot the source machine from the VergeOS Clone ISO again and resume by selecting the previously used VM name.
## Direct vSAN Network Configuration
The **Direct vSAN** transfer method can be used for faster cloning over a local network. It is not recommended for WAN connections.
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Direct vSAN can only be used to transfer to a root system (not directly to a tenant).**
{% endhint %}
### Network Rules Setup
Three networking rules must be created:
### Core Network Rule - 14201 PAT Rule
1. **Name:** vSAN PAT
2. **Action:** Translate
3. **Protocol:** TCP
4. **Direction:** Incoming
5. **Source:** Any / None (default)
6. **Destination Type:** Custom\
**Custom Filter:** ui\
**Destination Ports:** 14201
7. **Target Type:** IP/Custom\
**Target IP:** ui
{% hint style="info" %}
**UI is a VergeOS keyword that must be entered in lowercase.**
{% endhint %}
### Core Network SNAT Rule
1. **Name:** vSAN SNAT for Clone Utility
2. **Action:** Translate
3. **Protocol:** TCP
4. **Direction:** Outgoing
5. **Source:** Any / None (default)
6. **Destination Type:** My Network Address\
**Destination Ports:** 14201
7. **Target Type:** My Router IP
### External Network Rule - 14201 PAT Rule
1. **Name:** vsan PAT
2. **Action:** Translate
3. **Protocol:** TCP
4. **Direction:** Incoming
5. **Source:** Source IP/IP range of the incoming clone transfer
6. **Destination Type:** My Router IP\
**Destination Ports:** 14201
7. **Target Type:** IP/Custom\
**Target IP:** ui
Once the rules are created, click **Apply Rules** to finalize the configuration.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
### Failed DHCP
If DHCP cannot be found:
* Verify there is an active DHCP service.
* Ensure network connectivity is available through the selected NIC.
### Login Failed
* Check the username, password, and URL format (no "https\://").
* Verify static IP settings and DNS configuration if using static addressing.
### OpenSSL Errors
These errors indicate network problems. Check for MTU mismatches or other network issues.
### Permission Denied
Ensure the VergeOS user has the necessary permissions to create VMs.
{% hint style="info" %}
**If the initial clone fails due to permissions, you can resume the process or delete the VM and restart the clone.**
{% endhint %}
***
{% hint style="info" %}
**Document Information**
* Last Updated: 2024-08-29
* vergeOS Version: 4.12.6
{% endhint %}
---
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