LKBEN11091: VMware error message "failed to export virtual appliance: an item with the same key has already been added"
Symptom
Upon trying to export a virtual appliance (VM) from an ESX Server, the exports stops with error
Cause
Export is only possible with more than one snapshots
Solution
This message ("Failed to export virtual appliance: an item with the same key has already been added") happens, if your virtual machine (VM) includes different snapshots.
VMware stores snapshots only as differantials to the origanal VM. The export-routine is not capable of exporting each individual snapshot.
You need to delete all snapshots, then you'll be able to export again.
Alternatively you only can make clones from different stages.
Bottom line: use snapshots only for short periods of time for immidiate fall backs, they are not intended for keeps...
By the way, a windows server off his active directory for a period of time might need a lot hands-on anyway ;-)
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this document is intended for your information only. Lubby makes no claims to the validity of this information. Use of this information is at own risk!About the Author
Author: - Keskon GmbH & Co. KG
Wim Peeters is electronics engineer with an additional master in IT and over 30 years of experience, including time spent in support, development, consulting, training and database administration. Wim has worked with SQL Server since version 6.5. He has developed in C/C++, Java and C# on Windows and Linux. He writes knowledge base articles to solve IT problems and publishes them on the Lubby Knowledge Platform.