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 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

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

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