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pragyasharma
Staff
Staff
October 28, 2025

Technical Tip: How to migrate FortiAnalyzer VM to FortiAnalyzer Nutanix AHV

  • October 28, 2025
  • 0 replies
  • 1956 views
Description This article describes the steps required to migrate from a physical FortiAnalyzer-VM device to a virtual FortiAnalyzer AHV. It includes backup, configuration editing, VM deployment, and restoration steps.
Scope Applies to users who want to move from FortiAnalyzer-VM to a FortiAnalyzer AHV on Nutanix.
Solution

To migrate a FortiAnalyzer VM to Nutanix, follow these steps:

 

  1. Deploy a New VM on Nutanix: 

Use a compatible FortiAnalyzer image/template provided by Fortinet to deploy a new VM on Nutanix AHV. Ensure the new VM matches the FortiAnalyzer version running on the existing environment for compatibility.

 

  1. Backup Configuration and Logs: 

On the existing FortiAnalyzer VM, perform a full backup of the configuration and logs. Use the GUI or CLI to export the backup files.

Create a full backup of the FortiAnalyzer device using the following guides:

 

  1. Restore Configuration on Nutanix VM:

Import the configuration backup to the new FortiAnalyzer VM on Nutanix. Adjust any network settings as necessary to match the new environment.

 

Use 7-Zip or another archive tool to open the backup file and navigate to the following path: FAZ_Backup.dat\FAZ_Backup\var\fwclienttemp\system.conf.

 

  • Open system.conf.
  • Replace all instances of FAZ_VM64 with FAZ_AHV.
  • Save the file back into the archive.

 

For additional guidance, refer to Technical Tip: How to Migrate FortiAnalyzer Log and Config to Another Unit.

 

Tip: v7.4.3, 7.6.0 or above: 'Migrate from a different platform' option can be used without editing the backup file.

 

2025-10-27_12h06_22.png

 

  1. License Validation: 

Due to the change in UUID, it will be necessary to re-validate and activate the FortiAnalyzer license. Have a look at the KB article below to download the license file from the support portal.

Technical Tip: How to reuse FortiManager/FortiAnalyzer VM license

 

  1. Verify Functionality:

Ensure that all configurations are correctly applied and that the FortiAnalyzer is functioning as expected.

Check connectivity with connected devices and verify log collection. These steps will help ensure a smooth migration while preserving configurations and logs. 

 

Related document:

Deploying FortiAnalyzer on Nutanix