Gary Cochrane

VMware Tips for AE’s

VMWare Tips

• Topics− VMware Shrink− Resetting after a demo or training class− Performance tips

Shrinking Virtual Machines

• Q. Why is my VM so large?− A. Because Windows never really deletes anything…

»Yes, with the right software, files can still be un-deleted»Even after having emptied the Wastebasket? Yes

• Q. What can I do about it?− A. Use the VMware “Shrink” tool

Virtual Machine hard drives

2. Size established when VM is created

1. Stored as 1 (or more) files on your host hard drive

I typically use 10-12 GB

2. VM hard drive size cannot be modified afterwards

Virtual Disk Creation

Virtual Machine – Split hard drives

2. Again, Maximum Size established when VM is created.

1. Multiple files, each up to 2 GB on your host hard drive

Maximum Size (Ex: 10 gb)

Actual Size

Hard drive use – over time

2. When one fills up, usage spills over to the next

1. Each 2 GB (on your host hard drive) gets filled as it is needed

Maximum Size

Used space – active file

Used space – deleted file

Un-used space

Hard drive use – over time

2. Windows uses up all un-used space, before reclaiming deleted files

1. Deleted files are still files!

Maximum Size

Used space – active file

Used space – deleted file

Un-used space

Hard drive use – over time

2. Again, Total Size established when VM is created.

1. Multiple files, each up to 2 GB on your host hard drive

Maximum Size

Used space – active file

Used space – deleted file

Un-used space

Hard drive use – over time

2. Again, Total Size established when VM is created.

1. Multiple files, each up to 2 GB on your host hard drive

Maximum Size

Used space – active file

Used space – deleted file

Un-used space

“High Water” mark

2. Shrink – moves files so that they are contiguous

1. Prepare for shrinking – converts deleted files to un-used space

Maximum Size

Actual VM Size

Shrink Process

2. Shrink – moves files so that they are contiguous

1. Prepare for shrinking – converts deleted files to un-used space

Maximum Size

Used space – active file

Used space – deleted file

Un-used space

Shrink Process

2. Shrink – moves files so that they are contiguous

1. Prepare for shrinking – converts deleted files to un-used space

Maximum Size

Used space – active file

Used space – deleted file

Un-used space

Shrink Process - Complete

2. Shrink – moves files so that they are contiguous

1. Prepare for shrinking – converts deleted files to un-used space

Maximum Size

Final Size

How to Shrink?

• Boot up the VM, then…

How to Shrink - continued

• Switch to Shrink tab− Select> Prepare to shrink

Optimizing the Shrink process

• Before starting the shrink process− Delete any un-necessary files from the VM− Run Windows Disk Cleanup on the VM disk

»Right-click the disk, choose Properties, and then Cleanup

− Run Windows defrag within the VM

• Now start the shrink process

Training Class/Demo tips

• How to reset machine after demo, or class− In other words, how to get machine back to state

before demo:»Non-persistent disks»VM Snapshots

Non-persistent Mode

• Does not save any changes− Enable it only after VM is ready to go!

»Boot VM»Run Demo/Class»Shutdown VM

− VM does not save any changes, and is automatically ready for next demo/class

»If student shuts machine down in middle of class, you’re in trouble…

Enabling Non-persistent Mode

Enabling Non-persistent Mode

Enabling Non-persistent Mode

Revert-to-Snapshot Mode

• Very similar to Non-persistent mode− Enable it only after VM is ready to go!

»Take Shapshot»Boot VM»Run Demo/Class»Shutdown VM

− VM does not save any changes, and is automatically ready for next demo/class

Enabling Revert-to-Snapshot Mode

Enabling Revert-to-Snapshot Mode

Before booting VM, take Snapshot

Before booting VM, take Snapshot

VM Performance tips

• On host machine− If possible, store VM’s on second hard drive

»Allows your host O/S to own the primary drive, and the VM to own the secondary

− Defrag often, VM files are large, and tend to fragment as a result