Do VMs export with snapshots?

This is for discussing general topics about how to use VirtualBox.
Post Reply
LPIII
Posts: 29
Joined: 18. Jun 2022, 01:23

Do VMs export with snapshots?

Post by LPIII »

I take snapshots on Linux distros installation screen for desktop environments. Can I just load the snapshot I want and export the VM without the step shots or must I delete them?
mpack
Site Moderator
Posts: 39156
Joined: 4. Sep 2008, 17:09
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Mostly XP

Re: Do VMs export with snapshots?

Post by mpack »

Just export them. Exported VMs must use VMDK, so snapshots will be merged automatically during the export process.

But: I hope you aren't using export to migrate a VM to another VirtualBox host. If it will still be VirtualBox then export is not necessary or advised: just copy the VM folder: Howto: Move (or copy) a VM.

Snapshots are not advisable either.
LPIII
Posts: 29
Joined: 18. Jun 2022, 01:23

Re: Do VMs export with snapshots?

Post by LPIII »

Thank you. Can I backup a VM and transfer that to another installation of VB?
scottgus1
Site Moderator
Posts: 20965
Joined: 30. Dec 2009, 20:14
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Windows, Linux

Re: Do VMs export with snapshots?

Post by scottgus1 »

LPIII wrote:Can I backup a VM and transfer that to another installation of VB?
mpack wrote:If it will still be VirtualBox then export is not necessary or advised: just copy the VM folder: Howto: Move (or copy) a VM.
QED.
LPIII
Posts: 29
Joined: 18. Jun 2022, 01:23

Re: Do VMs export with snapshots?

Post by LPIII »

I moved my VM and think I may have missed something. I put the VM's holder in VirtualBox VMs, yet It's not in virtualbox:
Attachments
CUsersLPIIIVirtualBox_VMsLubuntu_22.04_64-bit 11-08-2022 12⦂05⦂36⦂720 PM.png
CUsersLPIIIVirtualBox_VMsLubuntu_22.04_64-bit 11-08-2022 12⦂05⦂36⦂720 PM.png (42 KiB) Viewed 3702 times
mpack
Site Moderator
Posts: 39156
Joined: 4. Sep 2008, 17:09
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Mostly XP

Re: Do VMs export with snapshots?

Post by mpack »

It doesn't matter where the folder is. The VM will only be visible when you register it (double click on the .vbox file).

And incidentally, please turn off the Windows feature that hides files extensions for known file formats (see the View menu in your screenshot, then check "File extensions" to the right of the resulting toolbar).
Post Reply