Save Machine State using a Batch Command on Windows host

[arishtech]

How can I initiate save machine state and close virtualbox using a batch file command from the host windows server 2008 machine?
I just want virtualbox do save state of the running vm when the host is shutting down instead of just doing a dirty shutdown. I cant find any such option under settings.
I believe this should be a standard default feature of the program. Also users should be able to start the VM on logon OR run it in the background as a service (which loads on startup) without having to hack all day.
Any input will help. Please keep this thread going till a solution is developed.

[Perryg]

Well switch to Linux where you can do all of this.
Only kidding it can all be done kind of in Windows. You need to read Chapter 8 VBoxManage in your VirtualBox users manual.
Also if you look at the Windows as host forum you can see the start as service discussion.

[arishtech]

Thank you Perry. It is good to know that this is possible on windows. I am wondering why these basic options are not available as GUI settings?

[Perryg]

Well I would only be guessing but for the most part it is not that useful to the normal end user as far as the included in the main manager.
They must keep it simple and they are always trying to add things without making it too cluttered. VirtualBox is a total powerhouse and it would get out of hand real fast to try to include things in the GUI. As for the start as service I can only guess here as well, but to keep VBox open source you need to be real careful what you include. 3rd party may be your only way. Not to mention the development it would entail spread over all of the formats that VirtualBox supports.