Capture machine as VirtualBox VM

Discussions related to using VirtualBox on Windows hosts.
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mwpowellhtx
Posts: 22
Joined: 8. May 2012, 00:38

Capture machine as VirtualBox VM

Post by mwpowellhtx »

Hello,

Is it possible to backup a computer into a VirtualBox environment? We've got a Windows 8 desktop that I'd like to capture as a VM; I'm told that VMware can do something like that. Question is whether VB can? Or what would it take?

Thanks...

Regards

Michael
noteirak
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Joined: 13. Jan 2012, 11:14
Primary OS: Debian other
VBox Version: OSE Debian
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Re: Capture machine as VirtualBox VM

Post by noteirak »

What you are looking for is a P2V tool/procedure.
Virtualbox doesn't have one, VMware has one but you need to get a paid license.

I do not know the names of the free/open source ones, but P2V is the keyword you are looking for.
Hyperbox - Virtual Infrastructure Manager - https://apps.kamax.lu/hyperbox/
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mpack
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Posts: 39134
Joined: 4. Sep 2008, 17:09
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Re: Capture machine as VirtualBox VM

Post by mpack »

The easiest solution for a Windows P2V is to run Disk2VHD on the intended PC, then build a VM around the resulting VHD.

In fact I wouldn't use the VHD, I'd use CloneVDI to convert it to VDI format first, since the latter has better reliability and performance.
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