how do I restore a windows guest which gets a virus...

[rockie12_us]

I have a windows xp guest installed on my ubuntu 9.04 host

I have installed the windows software I need and before I get a virus in this windows guest... I thought I would simply copy the .virtualbox directory on the unbuntu host and save it to a jump drive... then if I get a virus... can I just delete this folder and copy it back in from the jump drive to have an image of the machine and be back in business? Or is it harder than that?

Thanks in advance for your assistance
Dean-O

[Perryg]

If you do get a virus it will be within the VDI of the program that you were using. You would be better of cloning the VDI or Exporting is so you have a viable good copy to restore from. The *.xml just holds the information of what it uses.

[rockie12_us]

Thanks... newbie here,,, how do I clone the windows guest as you mentioned or export it? Can I just copy that .virtualbox folder and its contents now that it is clean and then copy that back when and if I get a virus?

[Perryg]

You need to read the users guide. It spells it out for you. Click on help in the VBox GUI then contents then go to export, or clone VDI.