> 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/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/import-from-vmware.md).

# Importing VMs from VMware Service Backup Jobs

## Overview

{% hint style="info" %}
**Key Points**

* Recommended method for importing multiple production VMware VMs
* Creates a direct agent connection to VMware environment
* Allows synchronizing backups of running VMs
* Supports incremental backups for efficient transfers
  {% endhint %}

This guide explains how to import VMware virtual machines using VergeOS's VMware service backup functionality. This method is optimized for production environments and allows for minimal downtime during migration.

## Prerequisites

* Access to both VMware and VergeOS environments
* VMware service configured and running in VergeOS
* Sufficient storage space in VergeOS vSAN
* Network connectivity between VMware and VergeOS environments
* Appropriate permissions in both environments

## Steps

### 1. Initial Backup Process

1. **Run Initial Backup**:
   * Perform first backup while VMs are running
   * Monitor backup duration and size
   * Continue running incremental backups until backup durations stabilize
2. **Final Backup**:
   * Power down source VMs in VMware
   * Perform one final backup to capture clean state
   * Verify backup completion

### 2. Import VMs from Backup

1. Navigate to the VMware Service:
   * From the top menu, select **Import/Export**
   * Select **VMware Services**
   * Double-click appropriate VMware service
2. Access Backup Jobs:
   * Select **Backup Jobs** from left menu
   * Double-click desired backup job
   * Click **Import VMs** in left menu
3. Configure Import Settings:
   * Select/deselect VMs for import
   * Choose whether to preserve MAC addresses
   * Select preferred storage tier
   * Click **Submit** to begin import

{% hint style="success" %}
**Pro Tip**

Keeping MAC addresses unchanged (default setting) helps avoid network reconfiguration in guest operating systems, as they will maintain their existing network identity.
{% endhint %}

## Advanced Options

### Storage Tier Selection

* **Default**: Uses system's default storage tier
* **Custom**: Select specific tier for imported VMs

### MAC Address Handling

* **Preserve MAC** (Default): Maintains original network identity
* **Generate New**: Creates new MAC addresses for imported VMs

## Troubleshooting

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Common Issues**

* **Import Failure**:
  * Solution: Verify storage space and network connectivity
* **Slow Transfer**:
  * Solution: Check network bandwidth and consider using incremental backups
* **VM Won't Start**:
  * Solution: Ensure VMware tools are installed and verify hardware compatibility
    {% endhint %}

## Additional Resources

* [VMware Backup/DR Guide](/knowledge-base/backup-dr/vmwarebackupdrguide.md)
* [Configuring VMware Service VM NIC IPv4 Settings](/knowledge-base/networking/vmware-service-vm-nic-ipv4-configuration.md)
* [Viewing Import Jobs](/run-the-platform/virtual-machines/view-import-jobs.md)
* [Preferred Tier Usage](/knowledge-base/storage-vsan/preferred-tier-usage.md)


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