How To Convert 2gb Split Ubuntu

Convert Split VMDK Files into a Single ESXi Disk

To convert multiple 2GB split VMDK files into a single, native ESXi disk format, you will use the built-in ESXi utility vmkfstools. This usually happens when we migrate from Virtualbox to ESXi.

⚠️ Prerequisite You must complete snapshot consolidation (Method 1 or 2 from the previous steps) before doing this. Converting while snapshots exist will result in data loss.

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Step 1: Prepare the VM

1. Shut down the Ubuntu Desktop VM completely

   Disk conversion cannot be done while the VM is powered on.

2. Open an SSH session to the ESXi host

3. Navigate to the VM directory (where you previously ran ls):

cd /vmfs/volumes/<datastore-name>/Ubuntu-Desktop/

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Step 2: Run the Conversion Command

We will use the -i (import/clone) option. This creates a new disk in the correct format while leaving the original disk files intact as a backup.

Run the command:

vmkfstools -i "Ubuntu-22.04.3.vmdk" -d thin "Ubuntu-Single.vmdk"

What this means:

• Ubuntu-22.04.3.vmdk → The descriptor file that references the 2GB split chunks

• -d thin → Creates a Thin Provisioned disk (uses only actual data space)

• Ubuntu-Single.vmdk → The new, consolidated disk

Result:

When the progress reaches 100%, you will see:

• Ubuntu-Single.vmdk (descriptor)
• Ubuntu-Single-flat.vmdk (actual data)

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Step 3: Swap the Disks

Now point the VM to the new disk.

1. In the ESXi Web Client, right-click the VM → Edit Settings

2. Locate Hard Disk 1 and click Remove (X)

   ⚠️ CRITICAL: Do NOT check “Delete files from datastore” You are only detaching the disk, not deleting it.

3. Click Add Hard Disk → Existing Hard Disk

4. Browse to the VM folder and select:

Ubuntu-Single.vmdk

1. Save the settings

2. Power On the VM and verify it boots correctly

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Step 4: Cleanup (After Verification)

Once you are 100% sure the VM runs correctly using the new disk:

1. Return to your SSH session

2. Delete the old split disk files to reclaim space:

rm Ubuntu-22.04.3-s00*.vmdk
rm Ubuntu-22.04.3.vmdk

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✅ Final Result

• Single, clean ESXi-native VMDK
• Thin provisioned
• No snapshots
• Easier backups and management

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