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Using VMware Workstation virtual machines in Fusion
Details
This article provides information about using VMware Workstation virtual machines in Fusion.
Solution
Fusion and Workstation virtual machines are interchangeable. There is no need to use VMware vCenter Converter when moving a virtual machine between Workstation amnd Fusion. The virtual disk formats are the same and the virtual machines can be used in either program.
However, when moving a virtual machine between Fusion and Workstation (or vice-versa), you must remember these points:
Workstation virtual machines keep their files in folders, whereas Fusion virtual machines keep their files in a virtual machine bundle. Fusion can use the folders created by Workstation without issue, and Workstation will see the Fusion bundles as folders.
Note: To convert a Workstation virtual machine folder on your Mac to a bundle, add .vmwarevm to the virtual machine folder's name. For example, a Workstation virtual machine folder called Windows 7 would be a bundle on the Mac if it is renamed to Windows 7.vmwarevm.
Workstation has some features that Fusion does not. Fusion will show a warning (but still work), or simply ignore the feature, depending on the feature:
Snapshot trees: Fusion supports snapshot trees, like Workstation, but the Fusion interface does not display the trees. Instead, it simply shows a list of snapshots.
Teams: Fusion does not support teams and will ignore them.
Parallel ports and serial ports: Fusion does not run on Macs that have either of these devices. If a virtual machine that has a parallel port or serial port connected is powered on in Fusion, Fusion presents a warning that the connected device does not exist. The virtual machine continues to power on when the warning is dismissed.
Linux virtual machines may be optimized for the processor on which they were created. All Macs use Intel processors, but your Workstation host may have an AMD processor. If this is the case, see Migration to a different processor (1011788).
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