How to export and import VM in XenServer?

In the digital age, organizations face many challenges, and importing and exporting virtual machines has become more important than ever before in Citrix XenServer. The advent of VMs enables organizations to implement multiple independent operating system instances on physical servers, creating endless possibilities. By exporting and importing VMs to other environments, organizations can rapidly expand their business and reach new markets across geographic boundaries.

Benefits of exporting and importing VM in XenServer

By taking advantage of the import and export functions in XenServer, you can fully utilize the benefits of virtualization for efficient management and operation of your business.

On the export side, you can use VMs as backups of important data. No matter what kind of failure occurs, by importing the backed up VMs, you can quickly restore business operations. This backup and recovery capability greatly reduces the risk of data loss and ensures that your business is back up and running again quickly.

On the import side, you can import virtual machines into other physical servers or virtual environments (V2V). This provides you with great flexibility and scalability without having to invest a lot of time and resources in setting up a new physical infrastructure. You can quickly meet varying demands and better cope with business changes and expansion.

The following will describe four methods for XenServer to export and import VMs . Each method has its own unique features that you can choose based on your needs. Regardless of which method you choose, XenServer provides the flexibility and reliability to help you efficiently manage and operate your VM environment.

Exporting and importing VM with command line in XenServer

In XenServer, the command line is like your magic tool. With magical commands, it automates VM import and export tasks, saving you time.

At the same time, by using the command line in XenServer to export and import VM, it provides a simple and swift way. You can easily perform operations and select parameters and configurations as needed for VM migration and backup. This approach significantly improves efficiency and convenience.

With a single command, you can use the command line to export a virtual machine in  XenServer. Just enter the following command:

xe vm-export vm=xxxxxxx(VM uuid) filename="C:\Users\admin\Desktop\2323.xva"(filepath and filename.xva)

To import VM in XenServer, all you need to do is to enter the following script:

xe vm-import sr=xxxxxxx(SR uuid)  filename="C:\Users\admin\Desktop\2323.xva"(filepath and filename.xva)

Creating a snapshot to export and import VM in XenServer

XenServer's snapshot feature makes importing and exporting VMs easy and accurate. By creating snapshots, you can capture the original state of a VM and ensure that the imported virtual machine is exactly the same as the original state. Moreover, snapshots simplify the management process, reduce the potential for human error, and improve operational reliability.

To create a snapshot for exporting and importing VM, following these steps:

1. In XenCenter, connect to a Server

2. In Windows search box, type PowerShell > open it

3. Enter ssh root@xxxxx(XenServer-IP) > press Enter > import password > press Enter

Export a snapshot, please enter:

xe snapshot-export-to-template snapshot-uuid=xxxxxxx(snapshot uuid)  filename=555.xva(filename name.xva)

Import a snapshot, enter the following script:

xe vm-import filename=555.xva(filename name.xva) sr-uuid=xxxxxxx(sr uuid)

Exporting and Importing VMs to XVA

XVA is a file format used in XenCenter for exporting and importing virtual machines. It provides convenient backup and restore features that enable you to easily restore virtual machines to their previous state. In addition, with the help of XVA files, you can migrate VMs to other hosts quickly and flexibly. This convenient and powerful feature makes the management and deployment of virtual machines more efficient and smooth.

Export VM into XVA format

1. In XenCenter, connect to a new server

2. Right- click a VM > choose Export > define the Name and Location > choose XVA package > click Next

3. Choose a VM > click Next

4. Hit Finish

Import VM into XVA format

1. Click File > Choose Import > select a file > click open > hit Next

2. Choose a Home Server > click Next

3. Select a Storage > click Import

4. Define a Networking > click Next > hit Finish

XVA file can be also exported and imported by Xen Orchestra.

Exporting and Importing VMs using OVF/OVA Format

OVF/OVA format is an open standard that enables cross-platform migration of virtual machines by exporting them to OVF/OVA format, which facilitates the deployment of virtual machines in different virtualized environments. At the same time, exporting to an OVF/OVA format also provides flexible backup and recovery methods, as well as a convenient way to deploy virtual machines. This makes the management and delivery of VMs easier and more flexible.

Export VM into OVF/OVA

1. In XenCenter, connect to a new server

2. Right- click a VM > choose Export > define the Name and Location > choose OVF/OVA package > click Next

3. Choose a VM > click Next

4. If the exported package contains EULAs, accept it > click Next. If EULA is not included, click Next

5. Define advanced options or just click Next

6. Configure the transport VM Network > hit Next

7. Hit Finish

Import VM into OVF/OVA

1. Click File > Choose Import > select the file > click open > hit Next

2. Choose a Home Server > click Next

3. Select a Storage > click Import

4. Define a Networking > click Next > hit Finish

Best practices for VM backup and recovery with Vinchin

Vinchin Backup & Recovery is a professional data protection tool designed to help organizations perform reliable backup and fast recovery operations for VM environments.

Vinchin supports a variety of virtualization platforms, including VMware, Hyper-V, Citrix XenServer etc. Vinchin provides flexible backup policy settings to meet different data protection needs.

Furthermore, Vinchin provides an intuitive and easy-to-use management interface as well as reliable data protection and disaster recovery capabilities. Whether faced with a hardware failure, data loss, or catastrophic event, Vinchin can help users quickly recover their VM environment and ensure stable business operations.

To backup VM in Vinchin Backup & Recovery

1. Select VM Backup > click Backup > choose a VM > click Next

2. Select Backup Destination > hit Next

3. Define Backup Strategies > hit Next

4. Click Submit

To restore VM in Vinchin Backup & Recovery

1. Select VM Backup > hit Restore > select a VM

2. Define Restore Destination > click Next

3. Specify Restore Strategies > hit Next

4. Click Submit

Vinchin offers users a 60-day free trial to try it out in a real-world environment. For more information, please contact Vinchin directly, or contact our local partners.

Conclusion

In summary, this article describes four methods for exporting and importing VMs in XenServer. Each method has its unique features and you can choose the one that best suits your needs. And, this article also discusses the best practices for VM backup and recovery using Vinchin Backup & Recovery, a professional data protection tool that reliably backs up VMs and performs recovery operations quickly.