Article ID: 954280 - Last Review: November 22, 2010 - Revision: 1.1

Error message when you try to export a virtual machine on a Windows Server 2008-based computer that uses Hyper-V: "An error occurred while attempting to export the virtual machine"

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SYMPTOMS

When you try to export a virtual machine on a Windows Server 2008-based computer that uses Hyper-V, you may receive the following error message:
An error occurred while attempting to export the virtual machine.
Virtual machine name failed to export.
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CAUSE

This issue may occur if one of the following conditions is true:
  • The virtual machine is configured to use a virtual hard disk that no longer exists.
  • The virtual machine is configured to use a virtual hard disk for which the virtual hard disk path is incorrect.
  • The virtual machine is configured to use a virtual network that no longer exists.
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RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:
  1. Open the Hyper-V Microsoft Management Console (MMC). To do this, click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Hyper-V Manager.
  2. Right-click the virtual machine that did not export, and then click Settings.
  3. Examine the network adapters or the legacy network adapters to see whether there is a configuration error message listed.
  4. Take one of the following actions, depending on whether a configuration error message is listed:
    • If a configuration error message is listed, select the network adapter that lists the configuration error message, click a valid virtual network in the Network drop-down list, and then click OK.

      Or, click Not connected in the Network drop-down list, and then click OK.
    • If a configuration error message is not listed, verify that the hard drives point to valid virtual hard disk (.vhd) files, and then click OK.
    .
  5. Right-click the virtual machine that did not export, and then click Export.
  6. Select the location where you want to export the virtual machine, and then click Export.
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APPLIES TO
  • Windows Server 2008 Enterprise
  • Windows Server 2008 Datacenter
  • Windows Server 2008 Standard
  • Windows Web Server 2008
  • Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems
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Keywords: 
kbhyperv kberrmsg kbprb kbexpertiseinter kbtshoot KB954280
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