How to duplicate a linked clone?

[keith204]

I have the following setup:


A: Dev Sandbox (linked base for LC1, LC2, LC3) - Windows Server 2008
LC1: A set of differences
LC2: A set of different differences
LC3: [this is the linked clone in question]


For LC3, I realize that the necessary components to install will be nearly identical to LC1 (there only one more application I need to install). Rather than installing all the diffs again, I'd like to do a "clone" of LC1.

Is it possible to clone LC1? I'm under the impression that a full clone will create a standalone VM (possibly 20gb)...but a linked clone will rely on LC1 as its base. Can I clone LC1 in a way that LC3 will use the base A?

[mpack]

Yes, it is possible to clone LC1, but I'm afraid that will not solve your problem. It is not possible to install updates on one machine and have them be automatically be absorbed into the "past" of other linked machines. Only new clones of the updated VM will have the update. Older clones can either be deleted, or must be updated separately.

[keith204]

Yes, it is possible to clone LC1, but I'm afraid that will not solve your problem. It is not possible to install updates on one machine and have them be automatically be absorbed into the "past" of other linked machines. Only new clones of the updated VM will have the update. Older clones can either be deleted, or must be updated separately.

Ah, no that's totally OK. I don't expect them to stay in sync (and don't want them to)

More simply put, LC1 would be the ideal starting point for LC3.

Which type of clone do I do? A linked clone?

[mpack]

I'm the wrong person to ask, since I do not trust differential disk images (snapshots and linked clones). Either a linked clone or a full clone is possible. The former will result in LC1 and LC3 both using differences of a difference image. The latter will result in a stand-alone VM, which is easier to back up and capable of surviving deletion/damage to LC1.