cloning EXISTING XP setup into a Vbox question

[himagain2]

Hi I have searched - found literally thousands of entries!
http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Migrate_Windows
was closest but not understandable to this totally-user-only-non-geek.

Short question:
I have a complex XP setup on my machine. Exactly how I want it. (millions of hours of work and utils installs, now just right)

Can I clone it all into a vbox exactly as is in some way?
Same machine, no changes, same progs, just in a vbox for safety.

Thanks,

[mpack]

The link you refer to seems to describe the procedure clearly enough to me. I'm afraid the design of Windows makes it an inherently complex process, so that link provides as simple a description as you are going to find.

Note that I'm saying that the procedure seems clearly described: but I've not tried it, so cannot say that it's accurate and complete.

[Sasquatch]

Himagain, please check http://forums.virtualbox.org/viewtopic.php?t=9697 for how to access the native install in VB. You can then, with that setup, clone it to a VDI file. You have to keep in mind that the MBR will not be available in the VDI, unless you say so explicitly. Do note that when using RAW Disk Access, you cannot have that partition or drive mounted to the Host system. So unless you don't have a dualboot system, you need some other computer or OS to do this task.

[himagain2]

Hi there people,
Many thanks for the pointers and DOZENS of warnings contained therein!
But as a non-geek, it might as well be in Chinese.
I have managed to use Vbox before - not as easy as VMWare IMHO - to install XP, but that was off a std install disk.

What I was asking was whether it is possible to clone my existing XP install on the machine ENTIRELY and simply put it in a Vbox.

But, if I'm understanding at ALL so far, it is a massive job (for a non-geek) and very dangerous.

My existing setup has many, many programs and utilities that all work together happily after years of trying. I'd like to avoid trying to find and install all those programs again - some are years old.
But on my reading so far, I might have to bite the bullet and do a new install

I am forced to spend a lot of time in research on the Net so my system is constantly being attacked on an increasing scale and even Firefox is now being exploit-attacked by the sickos.

I'd like to go all Linux, but there are so many programs I can't do without or would hate to start a new learning curve on.

Thanks for all and any advice,

Him- AGAIN!

[mpack]

I'm not sure why you would want to clone your entire PC. Why not just a bare install with just the internet browser? That way you can use the VM for surfing and for trying out suspect apps, and your host will be perfectly safe.

[himagain2]

I'm not sure why you would want to clone your entire PC. Why not just a bare install with just the internet browser? That way you can use the VM for surfing and for trying out suspect apps, and your host will be perfectly safe.

Hi there,
I use a lot of utils while browsing/researching out there (I don't really have time to browse!)
And lots of apps clash on install.

I would ideally like to use Ubuntu/or other as my base and only run Windows in a Vbox, unfortunately, no distro so far has ever worked fully for me - kubuntu comes closest and it cannot produce audio on my box. (something to do with ASUS M/bds I gather.

Looks like I *will* have to live with Windows as base, a bare VBox windows and start installing all the apps I need as I go.

Cheers!

[Sasquatch]

You can always try to create an image of your Windows, install windows fresh in VB so you have a proper MBR and restore the image inside VB. I can access the Host's network shares using NAT on 10.0.2.2 and access the image with Acronis True Image and restore it without any issues. That is the safest way.

[himagain2]

You can always try to create an image of your Windows, install windows fresh in VB so you have a proper MBR and restore the image inside VB. I can access the Host's network shares using NAT on 10.0.2.2 and access the image with Acronis True Image and restore it without any issues. That is the safest way.

Hi there!
Yes, that is the sort of thing I WAS hoping could be done.
Have to study it carefully due to my newbyphilosis, but it LOOKS more like it for me - no CLI !
Thank you,

[Sasquatch]

Keep in mind that the hardware will be different, so you need to reactivate Windows. You might also have a problem booting if you use a different hard drive controller (ide to sata or vice versa, or driver needed).

[himagain2]

Keep in mind that the hardware will be different, so you need to reactivate Windows. You might also have a problem booting if you use a different hard drive controller (ide to sata or vice versa, or driver needed).

Hi Sasquatch,

Hardware different? - reactivate Doze? ARRGGHHHH!
Been there before with Doze Support.....

Think I'd better think about it again......
I have an earlier XP copy - came with a machine and that was pre all this additional security as I recall. I will try and dig it out. I do remember installing it on a later machine without problems.....
I do agree that the "restore" idea would be the way to go if possible.

Thanks,
Himagain

Thanks!
Himagain