[Resolved] Guest Addition needed when importing a VM

[52ROSt]

Host VB 6.0.4
Linux Mint 19.3 MATE

I am running VMs (Windows XP and W7 ) in LM17.3 KDE and want to import these machines into my new Linux system.

Do I need to install Guest Addition in VB 6.0.4 before I can import these virtual Windows machines?

What is the best format for exporting the virtual Windows machine for import into VB 6.0.4?

Thanks in advance for your helping replies.

[socratis]

Do I need to install Guest Addition in VB 6.0.4 before I can import these virtual Windows machines?

The Guest Additions (GAs) are not a requirement. They're a "nice to have". But if you've already installed them, there's no need to reinstall them.

What is the best format for exporting the virtual Windows machine for import into VB 6.0.4?

Take a look at the FAQ "Moving a VM". Pretty much you copy the whole VM folder, and you add the VM to your new host.

[52ROSt]

Thanks for your reply

The Guest Additions (GAs) are not a requirement. They're a "nice to have". But if you've already installed them, there's no need to reinstall them.

The Guest Addtions are installed in my old Linux machine. Are they carried over when I copy a machine from my old to my new Linux machine?

Moving the entire folder is what I will try.

[socratis]

The Guest Additions are a "program" that's installed in the VM. Your question is similar to asking me "I have installed Firefox in my VM, will it be carried over?". Of course it will...

On the other hand it never hurt anyone if the GAs are reinstalled once more. Or many times...

[52ROSt]

@socratis

Thanks for your helpful explanations. The Firefox example was an excellent one.