Retrieving files from a DOS partition within VMWare

In the event of a crashed NetWare server as a VMWare guest where file access is not possible, there may be a requirement to retrieve files from the DOS partition. This is in light of the host server not having a floppy drive available, or where remote access is needed.

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Ensure the DOS tools (VMFTP) are copied to the DOS partition, for example, C:\DRDOS\

[These need to be in place before any crash]

1) Create a VMWare shared folder

VM Settings > Options > Shared Folders > [create folder on host]

2) Boot server to DOS, either using it's existing DOS partition or a boot CD

3) Run VMFTP from DOS

4) Setup local directory path, for example, LCD C:\NWSERVER\

[Enter LCD to confirm]

5) Setup remote directory, for example, CD /VMSHARE

[Enter PWD to confirm]

6) Create empty file on host and give full access to file (777 on a Linux host)

[Example filename: DOSLOG.TXT]

7) Transfer file from guest to host

[Example, PUT LOGGER.TXT DOSLOG.TXT]

8) The guest file LOGGER.TXT will then transfer to the hosts file DOSLOG.TXT

All the steps are usual FTP commands, apart from step 6.