Keeping only 4 last snapshots of a scheduled basis snapshot chain

[devPRO]

Hello,

I have created a scheduled routine to create a weekly snapshot of a VM(Using Task Scheduler and VBoxManage).

Over time a long snapshot chain is being kept.

I want to save the last 4 snapshots (a month) every time, what would be the command for that? (this can also be a PowerShell Script)

Your help is highly appreciated,
Rotem

[socratis]

I have created a scheduled routine to create a weekly snapshot of a VM

Since the Snapshot feature is a user-initiated one, I suggest you create a scheduled routine to merge older snapshots.

Remember that 1) Snapshots are *not* backups, 2) Snapshots work at the disk-sector level, not at the file level, 3) a backup isn't a backup until a successful restore has been attempted.

[mpack]

Hello,
I have created a scheduled routine to create a weekly snapshot of a VM(Using Task Scheduler and VBoxManage).

Over time a long snapshot chain is being kept.

Why? You do realize that a well placed shot of corruption, at the second snapshot let's say, would lose you the entire snapshot chain? Snapshots are not backups, in fact they increase the probability of losing data. Backups are backups.

[socratis]

Actually mpack's post reminded me that I should have pointed you to the "Snapshot basics" post. Make sure you read it thoroughly and understand why:

1) Snapshots are *not* backups

Snapshots are not backups ... Backups are backups.