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zymhan
Asked: 2014-06-21 06:21:39 +0800 CST

Is it possible to export a HyperV VM from Server 2012R2 and import it into HyperV on Server 2008R2?

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I'm planning on migrating 2 HyperV VMs that are currently running on Windows Server 2012R2 to a new server running 2008R2. What's the best way to migrate the VMs? Will replication work between the two OSes? How about the export feature in HyperV? I know that it's not possible to move directly from 2008R2 to 2012R2 without an intermediate conversion, but I can't find any info on doing the reverse.

windows-server-2008-r2

2 Answers

  1. Best Answer

    I would recommend using Hyper-V 2012 R2 on all new installations. If you cannot afford Windows Server licensing for the hypervisors, use Hyper-V Server which is free.

    That said, if you are denser than 7:1 it makes financial sense to license Windows Server Datacenter Edition which entitles you to unlimited OS installs on a physical host including the hypervisor OS. A single Datacenter edition license on a two socket host will allow you to run the host OS plus unlimited guests of any Windows Server version

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  2. MDMarra is Correct, use the Hyper-V Server which is free. You need to manage it with remote tools though.

    to answer your first question, You can Migrate a 2012R2 VM if it is Version 1. If its a Version 2 you would have to do a disk copy of sorts to a version 1 VHD.

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