Universal Unique Identifier (UUID)

Every virtual machine is automatically assigned a universal unique identifier (UUID). The UUID is generated when you initially power on the virtual machine and ensures that the virtual machine is properly identified. It is stored in the SMBIOS system information descriptor and can be accessed using standard SMBIOS scanning software, such as SiSoftware Sandra or smbios2.

The UUID will remain constant as long as the virtual machine is not moved or copied to another location. If you move or copy the virtual machine to another location, you will be prompted to specify whether you moved or copied the virtual machine the first time you power it on. If you specify that the virtual machine was copied, the virtual machine will receive a new UUID.

Configure a virtual machine to keep the same UUID

A virtual machine can be configured to always keep the same UUID, even when it is moved or copied. When you configure a virtual machine to keep the same UUID, you will not be prompted to specify whether you moved or copied the virtual machine the first time you power it on.. Here are the steps:

1. Power off the virtual machine.

2. Open the virtual machine configuration file (<VM-NAME>.vmx) in a text editor of your choice and add the following property:

uuid.action = “keep”