Creating virtual machine from host OS

[Javier ST]

Hello,

I would like to create a virtual machine exactly as my host operating system is, to test software and configurations before making changes permanent, for example. For sure there's an easy way to do it, but i'm unable to find it. May you point me to the relevant tutorial link?

Many thanks in advance!!

[mpack]

Google "P2V site:forums.virtualbox.org". You can't make an exact copy because the virtual hardware is different. Remember also that machine names etc must be different if the two PCs exist on any common network.

[socratis]

A couple of points:

1. If it is exactly like your system, it will not run on your system as a VM. Reason: you don't have enough resources on your host to host itself.
2. If you're on a network, it will be confusing to have two clients show up with the same credentials.
3. The hardware will be different on your VM. That may cause activation issues.

Edit: Crap, I didn't even see mpack's reply...

[Javier ST]

Ok understood.

Let me explain mi idea, so you can point me in the right direction.

Basically what i intend to do, is create like a "gohst" image of mu system drive/partition, and be able to run it as a VM, so i can test configurations and or applications before being unable to go back, much easier than running ghost and creating several large images every time i need to do some testing. If i can run my system as a VM, i could easily just test something and then power off the VM and "nothing has happened".

What would be the best way to achieve this?

Thanks

[mpack]

Yes, we already understood the application. As I said, Google for "P2V site:forums.virtualbox.org" - this has been discussed many times over many years. Look for methods involving Disk2VHD.

[Javier ST]

Many thanks for your clues. I'll try to get on and comment any issues.

Regards