Ensure the target user account has a functional bash shell mapped to it. Open /etc/passwd and verify that the line ending matches /bin/bash instead of /sbin/nologin or /bin/false : # Correct format: root:x:0:0:root:/root:/bin/bash Use code with caution. 4. Disk Devices Mounted to Multiple Locations
VMware Standalone Converter relies on an explicit one-to-one architecture mapping between physical system paths and logic volumes. VMware vCenter Converter Standalone - VA.gov
Always use the latest version (VMware vCenter Converter Standalone 6.4 or 6.6+), which restored support for modern Linux distributions and updated encryption standards. Summary Checklist Can you SSH into the source using the same credentials? Is PermitRootLogin set to yes ? Is the /tmp directory writable and executable? Are rsync and tar installed? Are you using the IP address instead of the hostname?
: Older versions of the Converter may struggle with modern SSH HMACs. Ensure your sshd_config supports older algorithms like if the connection fails immediately. 2. File System & Partitioning Errors
Log into the source Linux machine via console or a standard user SSH session. Open the SSH daemon configuration file: sudo nano /etc/ssh/sshd_config Use code with caution.
The application log file vmware-converter-worker.log will record structural warnings such as:
Would you like a one-page checklist or a script to run on the Linux source to auto-fix common issues?
The "unable to query the live Linux source machine" error is a complex issue, but it is almost always resolved by methodically working through the root causes. The key is to use the migration logs and the manual execution of vmware-sysinfo.sh to pinpoint the exact failure. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be well-equipped to overcome this roadblock and continue with your migration project.
: Ensure the .bashrc or .profile files for the user account (typically root ) do not contain any echo or interactive commands. These can disrupt the SFTP stream the converter uses to copy information.
I can provide the specific commands or configuration lines needed for your exact setup. Share public link
Are the on the same subnet? Which version of VMware Converter are you running?
SFTP engines expect clean machine readable protocol outputs when starting data exchanges. VMware vCenter Converter Standalone - VA.gov