After conversion, it automatically installs VMware Tools, adjusts HALs (for Windows), and reconfigures network adapters. You can also resize disks, change SCSI controllers (LSI Logic SAS vs. BusLogic), and even reconfigure the target datastore on the fly. This saves hours of manual cleanup. The Bad – Where it shows its age 1. Windows‑only GUI for the full installer Yes, there’s a Linux CLI version (converter‑tui), but the feature‑rich GUI runs only on Windows. If you’re a pure Linux admin, you’ll either need a jumpbox or get comfortable with command‑line flags. The GUI also feels like it hasn’t had a design refresh since 2015 – it works, but it’s clunky.
I’ve been using (both standalone and the integrated version) for the better part of seven years across multiple data center consolidation projects. If you’re working in a mixed physical + virtual environment, this tool is likely already on your radar. After dozens of P2V (physical-to-virtual) and V2V conversions, here’s my detailed, long-form review. The Good – Why I keep coming back 1. P2V reliability for legacy systems The standout feature is converting old, fragile physical servers (Windows Server 2003, 2008 R2, even some weird Linux distros) into VMs without reinstalling the OS. I’ve migrated a production SQL Server 2005 box that hadn’t been rebooted in 1,200+ days. Converter handled the volume shadow copy service gracefully, re-mapped the storage controllers, and the resulting VM booted on the first try. For hardware-bound legacy apps, this tool is borderline magical. vm ware converter
If VMware ever kills this tool, many small-to-medium businesses will be in serious trouble. For now, keep a copy of the standalone installer on your admin USB drive – you will thank yourself someday. This saves hours of manual cleanup