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Capture machine as VirtualBox VM

Posted: 18. Dec 2012, 00:57
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

Re: Capture machine as VirtualBox VM

Posted: 18. Dec 2012, 01:48
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.

Re: Capture machine as VirtualBox VM

Posted: 18. Dec 2012, 13:23
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.