How to Remove VMs from PVE

[spetrillo]

Hello all,

In VMware you can shut down the vms, and move the full directory off. You can then move it to a new server and just re-import the vm into that server. Can I do the same in Proxmox and how would I do this.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[bbgeek17]

Hi @spetrillo ,
The short answer is: no, you cannot do the same with Proxmox.

The long answer: you can do something similar in some* situations.
* depends on the storage format you use for your VM disks/images.

The configuration file is located in /etc/pve/qemu-server. However, you are unlikely to be able to simply transfer the file (ID collisions, storage, etc).

The correct answer is: use Built-in (vzdump) or PBS backup and restore to new host.

Good luck

PS I forgot that there is also, now, "qm remote-migrate" option (man qm).

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Blockbridge : Ultra low latency all-NVME shared storage for Proxmox - https://www.blockbridge.com/proxmox

 

[spetrillo]

If I use the built in vzdump can I move those backups off to another storage medium and then bring them back? I want to rebuild my PVE server.

 

[bbgeek17]

Sure, they are stored as files. The location will depend on the storage configuration. In default installation it would be under /var/lib/vz/dump
https://pve.proxmox.com/wiki/Storage:_Directory

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Blockbridge : Ultra low latency all-NVME shared storage for Proxmox - https://www.blockbridge.com/proxmox

 

[spetrillo]

Thanks...that worked like a charm. I would assume, that after I rebuild my PVE that I can just move these back to /var/lib/vz/dump and then restore them?

 

[bbgeek17]

Frankly, I've never done it. I would assume so.
You can test it by moving the files out, confirm from UI the backups are gone. Put the file/s back, check that PVE sees them.

Good luck

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Blockbridge : Ultra low latency all-NVME shared storage for Proxmox - https://www.blockbridge.com/proxmox

 

[leesteken]

Make sure the test the restore before reinstalling PVE. You need to know if the backups are perfect before deleting the original VM/CTs.

 

[gfngfn256]

I can just move these back to /var/lib/vz/dump and then restore them

I've done many times what you describe, not actually to that host (default) backup location, but to another directory-type storage (configured as backup-type storage in Proxmox backend) and as soon as you copy the file/s over, they will appear in the GUI as backups that can be restored. So I see no problem there.

However, take leesteken's advice very seriously; Test out those backups by actually restoring them (different VMID/system?) before doing anything irreversible - like deleting files/configs/VMs/LXCs etc. A surprise by meaning is unanticipated!