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Move Copy of VM to Another Machine

Posted: 16. Nov 2012, 20:50
by 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??

Re: Move Copy of VM to Another Machine

Posted: 16. Nov 2012, 23:20
by 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.

Re: Move Copy of VM to Another Machine

Posted: 16. Nov 2012, 23:35
by 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

Re: Move Copy of VM to Another Machine (Answered)

Posted: 16. Nov 2012, 23:38
by RobertBrady
The Export/Import method worked. Thanks for the prompt replies.

BTW - Where is the "Guest" folder??

Re: Move Copy of VM to Another Machine

Posted: 16. Nov 2012, 23:50
by Perryg
Right click the guest in the VirtualBox main manager and left click show in file manager.

Re: Move Copy of VM to Another Machine

Posted: 17. Nov 2012, 00:15
by 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

Re: Move Copy of VM to Another Machine

Posted: 17. Nov 2012, 00:25
by Perryg
See the guest that is highlighted in the screen shot? Right click on it
VMM.png
VMM.png (141.41 KiB) Viewed 1357 times

Re: Move Copy of VM to Another Machine

Posted: 18. Nov 2012, 17:13
by 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. :D

Re: Move Copy of VM to Another Machine

Posted: 18. Nov 2012, 17:23
by Perryg
AnotherLife wrote: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. :D
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.

Re: Move Copy of VM to Another Machine

Posted: 18. Nov 2012, 23:01
by 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.