ImportImage Failure – FirstBootFailureException due to Network Connectivity

The FirstBootFailureException you're encountering during the ImportImage process suggests that there might be some issues with your VM configuration that are preventing it from properly booting and establishing network connectivity in the AWS environment. Here are some additional steps and considerations to help resolve this issue:

1. Ensure that DHCP is enabled in your network configuration. AWS relies on DHCP for network setup, so static IP configurations may cause issues.

2. Verify that your VM's network interface is set to start automatically on boot. Sometimes, network interfaces might be configured to start manually, which can cause connectivity issues during import.

3. Check if there are any custom network scripts or configurations that might interfere with AWS's network setup process. Remove or disable any such scripts temporarily for the import process.

4. Make sure that the GRUB bootloader is properly configured and that the default kernel is set correctly. Issues with the bootloader can prevent the VM from booting properly in AWS.

5. Disable any security software, firewalls, or hardened configurations temporarily. These can sometimes interfere with the AWS import process and prevent proper network setup.

6. Ensure that your VM is using a supported kernel version. Some older or heavily customized kernels may not be compatible with AWS's infrastructure.

7. If you're using logical volume management (LVM), verify that the volume group activation is working correctly. LVM issues can sometimes cause boot failures.

8. Double-check that all necessary drivers for your virtual hardware are included in the initial ramdisk (initrd) or initramfs.

9. Review your cloud-init configuration to ensure it's not causing any conflicts or errors during the initial boot process.

10. Consider creating a minimal version of your VM with just the essential components needed for booting and network connectivity. This can help isolate the issue and ensure a successful import.

If you've verified all these points and are still experiencing issues, you may want to review the VM import logs for more detailed error messages. These logs can provide additional insights into what's causing the boot or network connectivity failure.

Remember that the import process is designed to work with VMs that are as close to a clean, default installation as possible. Any significant customizations or non-standard configurations may need to be temporarily removed or adjusted for a successful import.
Sources
Troubleshooting VM Import/Export - VM Import/Export
Troubleshooting AWS SMS - AWS Server Migration Service