Export OVF from ESXi using OVF Tool

Sometimes you may not have access to the underlying datastore connected to an ESXi instance or vSphere cluster. Use OVF Tool to export an OVF of your required virtual machine

Download OVF Tool

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Load administrative command console

C:\Users\User> cd "C:\Program Files\VMware\VMware OVF Tool"
C:\Program Files\VMware\VMware OVF Tool>ovftool.exe –-noSSLVerify vi://ESXi-IP/VM-NAME C:\Path\To\Dump\Folder

You'll be prompted for an ESXi username/password, enter those and your OVF will begin exporting.

Note:

  1. Guest VM must be in a powered-off state

  2. As a matter of thoroughness, copy or note the original VM configuration (.vmx file) prior to export as this may need to be modified (if you're removing attached discs)

  3. OVF Tool will fail if an ISO/virtual disc is attached to the guest VM

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