Convert SV2I to OVF

Understanding sv2i and ovf file formats

SV2I files are Symantec System Recovery Image Index files, used by Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery (now Veritas System Recovery). These files act as index files for backup images, helping restore entire systems or individual files. They are not standalone disk images but work alongside V2I and other backup files.

OVF (Open Virtualization Format) is a standard file format for packaging and distributing virtual appliances or virtual machines. OVF files are widely supported by virtualization platforms like VMware, VirtualBox, and Microsoft Hyper-V, making them ideal for sharing and deploying virtual machines across different environments.

Why convert sv2i to ovf?

Converting an SV2I (and its associated backup files) to OVF allows you to migrate a physical or backed-up system into a virtual environment. This is useful for disaster recovery, testing, or moving legacy systems to modern virtual infrastructures.

How to convert sv2i to ovf

Direct conversion from SV2I to OVF is not possible, as SV2I is an index file, not a disk image. The process involves two main steps:

1. Restore the SV2I backup to create a virtual disk image (such as VMDK or VHD).
2. Convert the virtual disk image to OVF format using virtualization tools.

Step-by-step conversion process

1. Restore the SV2I backup:
   • Use Veritas System Recovery or Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery to restore the SV2I backup as a virtual disk (VMDK or VHD).
   • In the software, go to Recover My Computer or Convert to Virtual Machine and select the desired virtual disk format.
2. Convert the virtual disk to OVF:
   • Use VMware vCenter Converter (free) to import the VMDK or VHD and export it as an OVF package.
   • In VMware vCenter Converter, use Convert Machine → Select Source Type → VMware Workstation or Other Virtual Machine, then choose Export as OVF.

Recommended software for sv2i to ovf conversion

• Veritas System Recovery (or Symantec Backup Exec System Recovery): For restoring SV2I backups to virtual disk formats.
• VMware vCenter Converter: For converting virtual disks (VMDK/VHD) to OVF format.

Summary

While you cannot directly convert SV2I to OVF, you can restore the backup to a virtual disk and then convert that disk to OVF using reliable tools like Veritas System Recovery and VMware vCenter Converter. This process enables seamless migration of physical or backed-up systems into virtual environments.