.VMSS File Extension
VMware Suspended State File
| Developer | VMware |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Data Files |
| Format | .VMSS |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an VMSS file?
The ‘.VMSS File Extension’ holds a significant position, serving as a portal to suspended states within VMware environments.
This article delves into the depths of this file format, exploring its origin, structure, technical specifications, advantages, disadvantages, conversion methods, and compatibility across different operating systems.
More Information.
The .VMSS file extension emerged as a solution to a common challenge faced by virtual machine users – the need to pause and resume operations seamlessly without losing progress or data.
Before its inception, users had limited options for preserving virtual machine states, often resorting to time-consuming shutdowns or hibernation methods.
With the introduction of the .VMSS file extension, VMware revolutionized virtualization by offering a more efficient and practical approach to state preservation.
It enabled users to suspend virtual machines instantaneously, allowing for quick resumption of work without compromising system integrity.
Origin Of This File.
The birth of the .VMSS file extension can be traced back to VMware, a pioneer in virtualization technology.
VMware introduced this file format as a means to capture the exact state of a virtual machine at a specific moment in time.
It allowed users to suspend virtual machine operations, preserving the entire system’s state, including memory, CPU, and device configurations.
File Structure Technical Specification.
The .VMSS file format comprises a structured set of data that encapsulates the entire state of a virtual machine.
At its core, it includes information about memory contents, CPU registers, device configurations, and other essential parameters necessary for recreating the virtual machine’s state.
The technical specifications of the .VMSS file format may vary depending on the version of VMware software used.
In general, it adheres to a standardized structure designed to facilitate seamless suspension and resumption of virtual machine operations.
How to Convert the File?
Converting .VMSS files to other formats or vice versa can be challenging due to their proprietary nature.
VMware provides tools and utilities that facilitate migration between different virtual machine formats, including .VMSS.
One common method for conversion involves using VMware’s built-in utilities, such as VMware vCenter Converter, which allows users to convert virtual machines between different formats, including .VMSS.
Alternatively, third-party software solutions may offer conversion capabilities for .VMSS files, although compatibility and reliability may vary depending on the software used.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Instantaneous Suspension: Users can pause virtual machine operations at any moment, preserving the system state without shutting down or hibernating the machine.
- Quick Resumption: Upon resuming operations, virtual machines can be restored to their exact state, allowing users to pick up where they left off without any loss of data or progress.
- Efficient Resource Management: Suspended virtual machines consume minimal resources, freeing up system resources for other tasks or virtual machines.
- Backup and Recovery: .VMSS files serve as reliable backups, enabling users to revert to a specific point in time in case of system failures or data corruption.
Disadvantages:
- Storage Overhead: .VMSS files can consume significant storage space, especially for large virtual machines with extensive memory and configurations.
- Compatibility Issues: .VMSS files may not be compatible across different versions of VMware software, leading to potential compatibility issues during migration or restoration processes.
- Performance Impact: While suspended, virtual machines may experience slight performance degradation due to resource allocation constraints.
How to Open VMSS?
Open In Windows
- Ensure you have VMware Workstation installed on your Windows system.
- Double-click on the .VMSS file, or open VMware Workstation and use the “Open” option to load the suspended virtual machine.
Open In Linux
- Install VMware Workstation Player or VMware Workstation Pro on your Linux system.
- Use the terminal to navigate to the directory containing the .VMSS file.
- Run the command
vmwarefollowed by the path to the .VMSS file to open the suspended virtual machine.
Open In MAC
- Install VMware Fusion on your Mac.
- Double-click on the .VMSS file, or open VMware Fusion and use the “Open” option to load the suspended virtual machine.
Open In Android
- Since Android is primarily a mobile operating system, opening .VMSS files directly on Android devices may not be feasible.
- However, you can use remote desktop applications to connect to a Windows or Linux machine running VMware Workstation and access the .VMSS file from there.
Open In IOS
- Similar to Android, directly opening .VMSS files on iOS devices is not supported.
- You can utilize remote desktop applications available on the App Store to connect to a Windows or Linux machine with VMware Workstation installed and access the .VMSS file remotely.
