> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.vex-nx.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.vex-nx.com/vex-nx-user-guide-1/images/bulk-folder-import.md).

# Bulk folder import

Use bulk import when appliance folders are already on a workstation and you want them in the Image Library without uploading each file through the browser. Prefer **Convert & add** when you have one or a few files on your PC.

## Flow

1. **Transfer** folders to the appliance (SCP/SFTP).
2. **Scan** the staging parent in **Images -> Import -> Bulk import**.
3. **Import selected** for ready folders, or **Convert selected** for **Needs prepare**.

You must hold licences for any vendor disks you transfer.

## Staging drop zones

Canonical path: `/opt/vex-nx/staging/...` (SSH user is typically `vexnx`). Drop zones are created world-writable (`0777`) at install and again when `pram-api` starts.

| Path                      | Contents                                                                               |
| ------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `.../staging/qemu`        | One subfolder per QEMU appliance (`.qcow2`, disks, optional ISO)                       |
| `.../staging/dynamips`    | Dynamips IOS `.bin` / `.image`                                                         |
| `.../staging/iol`         | IOL/IOU binaries; shared licence at `/opt/vex-nx/staging/iol/iourc` (required to boot) |
| `.../staging/docker`      | `docker save` tarballs                                                                 |
| `.../staging/bulk-import` | Mixed / legacy                                                                         |

Layout rule: **parent folder -> one child folder per appliance**.

Example:

```
/opt/vex-nx/staging/qemu/
  iosv-15.6/
    hda.qcow2
  asav-9.14/
    disk.qcow2
  vjunos-switch-22.2R1.9/
    virtioa.qcow2
```

`virtioa.qcow2` is a **bus-matched disk name** for virtio attachment (already-qcow2). It does not convert the image or speed Junos boot - see Import images.

## Transfer from Windows

OpenSSH example:

```powershell
scp -r "D:\images\qemu\*" vexnx@192.168.1.50:/opt/vex-nx/staging/qemu/
```

Repo helper (from the VEX-NX / pram-lab checkout):

```powershell
.\scripts\import-images-bulk.ps1 `
  -Source "D:\images\qemu" `
  -ApplianceHost 192.168.1.50 `
  -Dest "/opt/vex-nx/staging/qemu"
```

Prefer **move** into the library when the UI offers it, so you do not double disk usage on Hard Disk 1.

### IOL licence

Put a valid `iourc` at **`/opt/vex-nx/staging/iol/iourc`** (or beside the `.bin`). Format:

```
[license]
<hostname> = <16-char-licence>;
```

Hostname must match `hostname` on the appliance; the value must match this host's Cisco hostid. VEX-NX never generates Cisco licences.

## Scan and register in the UI

1. **Images -> Import** -> scroll to **Bulk import**.
2. Pick a runtime chip (`qemu`, `dynamips`, `iol`, ...) or enter the staging parent path.
3. **Scan all folders**.
4. Review the summary chips: Ready / Empty / Needs prepare / Errors.
5. Tick legal acknowledgement.
6. Choose options if needed: skip existing canonical names; prefer move from staging.
7. Select folders:

* **Select all ready** -> **Import selected**
* **Select needs prepare** -> choose **Platform for Convert selected** -> **Convert selected**

8. Watch progress (import job bar, or convert progress text for Needs prepare).

Bulk scan, bulk import, and Convert & add keep running on the appliance if you leave **Images** (for example to Labs or Home). Return to **Images -> Import** to see progress or results. Job state is in memory only - it resets if the API restarts.

| Status        | Meaning                           | Action                                |
| ------------- | --------------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Ready         | Usable disks (typically qcow2)    | Import selected                       |
| Needs prepare | Convertible only (VMDK/OVA, etc.) | Convert selected + platform           |
| Empty         | No usable disks                   | Fix folder contents                   |
| Error         | Scan failed                       | Read error text; fix path/permissions |

## After bulk import

Open **Library**, set platform mapping if needed, then assign images to nodes in Design.

For browser-side convert of a few files, use Import images -> Convert & add instead of SCP.


---

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