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Importing VMs with the Wizard

The VM Import wizard leads you step by step through automatically importing your own virtual machines (VMs) to CloudShare.

Before starting the Import wizard:

  1. Check your VM format compatibility, install the connectivity tools, and create a valid VM image. For details, see Preparing for the VM Import above.
  2. Review the critical tips found here.

VM Import Wizard Workflow

The VM Import wizard runs according to the following steps:

  • CloudShare quickly validates your OVF file to inform you if there will be any problem using it for the import process.
  • All heavy disk files will be uploaded to CloudShare in the background, after initiating the import. If you have multiple VMs to import, you can start the next VM import while the current disk files are uploading.
  • CloudShare automatically connects the imported VM to the account cloud folders and the CloudShare network.
  • When the import is complete, the newly created snapshot can be edited or modified like any other.

Upload OVF File for Quick Validation

  1.  Select VM Import > Import VM.
  2.  If prompted, click Open Aspera Connect. The STEP1: OVF Validation page appears.

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  1. Click UPLOAD to upload the .ovf file for validation, and browse to the file location. CloudShare checks the .ovf file to verify the compatibility of the VM you are importing. This typically takes up to one minute. If validation is complete and successful, the Validation Success! message appears.

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If you imported a VirtualBox OVF version 2.0 or 0.9 file, a warning appears with an autocorrect option.

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If validation fails, an error message appears. The message tells you the reason for the validation failure and provides guidance for solving the error. Follow the guidance provided and repeat the steps as necessary until you obtain a Validation Success! message.

  1. If validation is successful, click Upload your VM to continue.
  2. For VirtualBox OVF version 2.0 or 0.9, click Autocorrect OVF to continue.  

CloudShare will make the necessary corrections to your OVF file to enable the import. Your resulting VM will have 1 GB RAM and 1 CPU. These resources are modifiable after import. If you prefer that your imported VM inherits the original RAM and CPU settings, click 'I'll fix it...' and create a VirtualBox OVF version 1.0 file for upload instead.

Uploading Disk Files and Providing Details

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  1. Click Browse VMDKs and browse to each .vmdk file. Repeat this until all the .vmdk files from the VM export are added (you can multi-select files).
  2. Optionally, change the Machine name and Machine description.
  3. Enter login credentials for the VM in the Admin Username and Admin Password fields.
  4. Select the relevant project from the Project drop-down list. The imported VM will be accessible to any users who have access to the selected project.
  5. Select the OS Type for the VM (i.e., Linux or Windows) from the drop-down list.
  6. If it does not already appear, select the OS Name for the VM from the drop-down list.
  7. For the full benefit of the VM import process, leave Automatically connect machine to CloudShare network checked. CloudShare will automatically assign an IP address to the VM and connect it to the CloudShare network. For Linux VMs, this option also installs the CIFS client on the machine, which is needed for the machine to access cloud folders.
  8. Click Upload VM.
  9. If Aspera Connect requests permission to allow a connection with the Aspera server, click Allow. The VM import will begin.

You do not need to leave the page open while the import is in progress. The import could take several hours, depending on the speed of your Internet connection and the size of your files. There is no need to leave your page or browser running during the process. 

While one import is in progress, you can start a new import process to import another VM, if needed.

Checking the Import Status

To check the import status at any time, select Import VM from the menu and then VM Import List. The VM Imports page lists all VM imports and their status. From the list, you can click on one import job in the Name column to see more details.

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Adjusting and Creating a New Snapshot

When the VM Import process is finished, CloudShare automatically makes it available for use in any environment:

For details on how to create an environment that uses an imported VM, click here.

An imported VM always uses the following default configuration:

  • The VM is connected to a CloudShare network with secure access (accessible only via the CloudShare Environment Viewer if Connect to a network is selected).
  • The Environment Viewer uses a standard Overview tab and a tab for connecting to the imported VM.

We recommend that you review the newly imported VM and make all of the required adjustments. To quickly locate a newly imported VM, click VM Import > VM Import List.

In addition, we recommend reviewing the following environment parameters:

  • Network Configuration: Click Edit Environment > Edit Networks and modify the network configuration, as needed.
  • CloudShare Viewer: Click Edit Environment > Customize Viewer if you need to modify the participant’s viewing experience. For more information, see Customizing the Viewer.

Creating a New Snapshot

When you have completed the required adjustments, remember to take a snapshot in order to create a blueprint for reuse.

Viewing All VM Imports

To see a complete listing of all imported VMs currently in your account, from the VM Import menu, click VM Import List. The VM Import List will be displayed.

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