So we are unable to export this VM.

Can we delete this VM from hyper-v manager then create a new VM.

Next we want to copy the folder with the original VM folder to  D drive from E drive on the same hyper-v host.

Next we want to reassociate this original VDX file in the VM folder that has been moved to D drive with a newly created VM on this same hyper-v host.

Will this work??  When we turned off the server then attempted to export it fails to complete. 

Shutdown the VM and make a copy the VHDX. Create a new VM using the attach an existing hard disk option.

I don't see any reasons why this won't work.

Have you tried using the Move option in Hyper-v to change the VM's location if this is what you are trying to achive?

• Proposed as answer by BrianEhMVP, Moderator 10 hours 51 minutes ago
• Unproposed as answer by BrianEhMVP, Moderator 8 hours 40 minutes ago

Our advice could be more relevant if we understood what you are trying to achieve.

Is what you have asked possible?  Yes.

But you should be able to figure that out faster using a test VM than asking the question here.

If you are trying to Export, what is the error that you are receiving?

hmmm,... do not see the move option?

What version of Hyper-V are you managing?

when I shut down the VM it would not copy some files because there was a process connected to VHD filer.

source hyper-v is 2008 r2

destination hyper-v is 2012 r2

Also checked 2012 R2 hyper-v host. Just added to SCVMM.

Do not see hyper-v manager under tools in the 2012 r2 host.  Is this normal?  I could have sworn that there is a hyper-v manager in 2012 r2?  Can you suggest something?

Export won't help you then anyway.

You simply need to copy over the entire VM configuration with folder.

You have to power off your VM, then you should be able to export.  But again, It won't gain you moving to 2012 R2.

The other option is to in-place upgrade the 2008 R2 to 2012 R2 (the Hyper-V Server that is).

http://itproctology.blogspot.com/2015/02/migrating-vms-from-hyper-v-2008-or-2008.html

Adding Hyper-V does not automatically add the management tools. 

They are independent steps of the Role addition.

And, if you enabled the role with PowerShell / DISM you won't get the tools by default as you do with the GUI.

But, 2012 R2 management tools won't manage 2008 R2.  Only as far back as 2012.

Can click remove VHD from VM then copy it to another drive on same server.

Then can I browse to new location?? for the VM.

Since you are running 2008 R2, yes, you can:

1. Remove the VHD from the VM configuration.
2. copy the VHD to some other location.
3. Add the VHD in this new location to the VM configuration.

You cannot perform a storage migration as 2008 R2 does not support that.

If you want to move the entire VM (configuration and virtual disks) to a different location, then export and import is actually your best / safest option.

Don't understand the root of your export error.   I have never seen that before.

If you want to copy the files of a stopped VM - without exporting - you will need to stop the VMMS.  To do this - click the "Stop Service" button in Hyper-V Manager (note - this will not effect any running virtual machines). You can then copy the files and start the service when you are done.