How can I test a P2V VM without shutting down thePhysical Computer?

Accroding to VMM supported OS for P2V you can use online P2V with those OS

• Windows Server2008 (32-bit)
• Windows Server2008 (64-bit)
• Windows Server2003 (32-bit) SP1 or later
• Windows Server2003 (64-bit) SP1 or later
• WindowsXP Professional (32-bit) SP2 or later
• WindowsXP Professional (64-bit) SP2 or later
• WindowsVista (32-bit) SP1 or later
• WindowsVista (64-bit) SP1 or later

and offline P2V for

Windows2000 ServerSP4 or later (Offline P2V only)

Windows2000 Advanced ServerSP4 or later (Offline P2V only)

So, the answer of your question is YES if your OS is one of the supported OS for online P2V.

Note: Some servers Like DC need offline P2V even thier OS is supported

I guess my question was not understood.

I know theese OS are supported. Waht I want to do is virtualize a windows 2003 SP1 SQL Server with about 14 Databses.

This is a production Server.

Before I shut down the physical server and take it off the network I want to make sure the virtual server works just like the physical server. I know I can not have both on because it will cause problems.

So how can I test this VM? can I change the MAC address and if so how can I do this, because as we know when you do a P2V everything gets duplicated. What else can I do so that this VM can be tested without causing problems with the physical server?

Thanks

Chaging the mac will not help since the machine will have the same name as the physical server, you will have a name conflict.


Perform the P2V.
Go to the VM properties, disconnect the VM from the production network or connect it to a test network.
turn it on and run your checks and change the machine name if you want.
when you are done turn it off, and connect it to production network again.

Use this video to fix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reb4eMcpl20