Make a backup of all VMs

This is for discussing general topics about how to use VirtualBox.
Post Reply
Markie
Posts: 15
Joined: 23. Sep 2015, 16:56

Make a backup of all VMs

Post by Markie »

I remember I've tried this years ago and I messed up, because I missed one important thing to save, so before I do this again, let me ask here.

I have VirtualBox installed on Win10 pro and I have 5 different VMs of which I have the machine setup installed in the default folder, but for the virtual HDDs I have created a folder on an external HDD.

So the question is now: If I want to format my system drive to install a clean windows, then reinstall VirtualBox and get all my VMs back without having to reinstall those as well, what do I have to save from where in my system?
The .vdi files I have on the external drive already, so that's saved already, but what else is needed?

If I remember correctly, there's not only a Name.vbox for each VM, but also a ..... how shall I call that? .......... summary file that lists all the VMs (which is the one I missed saving last time).
BillG
Volunteer
Posts: 5102
Joined: 19. Sep 2009, 04:44
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Windows 10,7 and earlier
Location: Sydney, Australia

Re: Make a backup of all VMs

Post by BillG »

Unless you decided to put them somewhere else they should all be in the same folder. On a Windows host they will be in Users\yourusername\VirtualBox VMs.

In that folder there is a sub-folder for each vm with all of its files (except the .vdi file in your case).
Bill
socratis
Site Moderator
Posts: 27330
Joined: 22. Oct 2010, 11:03
Primary OS: Mac OS X other
VBox Version: PUEL
Guest OSses: Win(*>98), Linux*, OSX>10.5
Location: Greece

Re: Make a backup of all VMs

Post by socratis »

Markie wrote:there's not only a Name.vbox for each VM
BillG already answered that part...
Markie wrote:but also a ..... how shall I call that? .......... summary file that lists all the VMs
You're thinking of "VirtualBox.xml". See the location at the UserManual, ch. 10.1 Where VirtualBox stores its files. These are mostly preferences for the main program, and (as you remember) a list of all the registered VMs.
Do NOT send me Personal Messages (PMs) for troubleshooting, they are simply deleted.
Do NOT reply with the "QUOTE" button, please use the "POST REPLY", at the bottom of the form.
If you obfuscate any information requested, I will obfuscate my response. These are virtual UUIDs, not real ones.
Markie
Posts: 15
Joined: 23. Sep 2015, 16:56

Re: Make a backup of all VMs

Post by Markie »

Thanks, that's the info I wanted, much apreciated.
Post Reply