Convert SPF to VMDK

Converting .spf files (ShadowProtect Full Backup Files) to .vmdk format (Virtual Machine Disk File).

Convert spf to vmdk

How to convert spf to vmdk file

Arcserve's ShadowProtect is a backup and disaster recovery program for Windows. It generates full backup files with the extension .spf.

Virtual Machine disk files, or .vmdk files, are virtual disks storing contents of virtual machines by VMware Workstation or Fusion.

Use the VMware vCenter Converter Standalone program (see below) to easily carry out an .spf to .vmdk conversion.

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Understanding SPF and VMDK file formats

SPF files are typically associated with ShadowProtect, a backup and disaster recovery software. These files are used to store backup images of entire systems or individual files, allowing users to restore their data in case of data loss or system failure.

VMDK files, on the other hand, are used by VMware products to store virtual disk images. These files are essential for running virtual machines, as they contain the data of a virtual hard disk that can be used by VMware Workstation, VMware Player, or VMware ESXi.

Converting SPF to VMDK

Converting an SPF file to a VMDK file involves extracting the data from the backup image and then creating a virtual disk that can be used by VMware products. This process is not straightforward and requires specialized software to ensure data integrity and compatibility.

Best software for SPF to VMDK conversion

One of the best software solutions for converting SPF files to VMDK is ShadowProtect itself, as it allows you to restore the backup image to a virtual disk format. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  • Open ShadowProtect and navigate to File → Open Backup Image.
  • Select the SPF file you wish to convert.
  • Choose the option to restore the image to a virtual disk.
  • Select VMDK as the target format.
  • Follow the prompts to complete the conversion process.

Another option is to use VMware vCenter Converter, which can convert physical machines and backup images to virtual machines. However, this may require an intermediate step of restoring the SPF file to a physical machine first.


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spf file conversion

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