Move Copy of VM to Another Machine

[RobertBrady]

I have a working copy of VM on my machine with mirror of our webserver and SQL Database

I am trying to create the same VM on my Laptop

I made a copy of my current VHD file, then I installed VM on my laptop, then tried to open the VHD file

The VM starts then says it can't find the NTLDR, so it doesn't boot

Do I try "Exporting Appliance" from my working VM machine, then Import Appliance"??

Any other methods to make this transfer as seamless as possible??

[AnotherLife]

Export and import is the best way, it also compresses it. And of course it transfers all settings of the VM, not just the disk. It's better if you use the same virtualbox versions, too.

[Perryg]

Since version 4.* you can copy the guests folder (that has it all) to the new location and use the VirtualBox add feature. Better portability and does not have the wmdk issues of export/import

[RobertBrady]

The Export/Import method worked. Thanks for the prompt replies.

BTW - Where is the "Guest" folder??

[Perryg]

Right click the guest in the VirtualBox main manager and left click show in file manager.

[RobertBrady]

Sorry, I wen thru the entire main app -- couldn't find something that said Guest

I looked at the Documentation. Not much there.

Could you "take me by the hand" ?? LOL

[Perryg]

See the guest that is highlighted in the screen shot? Right click on it

VMM.png (141.41 KiB) Viewed 1356 times

[AnotherLife]

I think it's call "Show in Explorer" in Windows.

But I'd rather use export/import. Not sure what these vmdk issues are or if they apply to my uses.

[Perryg]

I think it's call "Show in Explorer" in Windows.

But I'd rather use export/import. Not sure what these vmdk issues are or if they apply to my uses.

You will when one finally hits you. That said to each his own. I am just stating why the decision to create the folder and portability of the add feature. Everything is exactly the same in both locations, where export/import can vary.

[AnotherLife]

Well, if there is something I should be aware of, please inform me. Because I export my development VM as a backup regularly. I use static/fixed size virtual disks btw.