[Solved] How to import zip file backup of Windows Guest?

Discussions about using Windows guests in VirtualBox.
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BDub122
Posts: 7
Joined: 11. Oct 2014, 15:30

[Solved] How to import zip file backup of Windows Guest?

Post by BDub122 »

I once created a backup of a Windows guest by simply shutting the guest VM down and using Winzip to zip up the contents of the guests directory (e.g. .vbox, .vdi, shapshots sub-directory, logs sub-directory). I realize now that I should have instead used VirtualBox's "Export Appliance" option. However, since I have this .zip file that contains the files that comprise the guest VM I unzipped this ol6 VM to the directory that contains my host VMs ("E:\Virtual Machines\VirtualBox VMs"), to create the "E:\Virtual Machines\VirtualBox VMs\ol6" directory which contains the files I mentioned earlier in this post. What can I do now to make VirtualBox aware of these files? I don't have an appliance to import. . .

Thank you for your assistance.

I'm using Virtualbox version 4.3.16
mpack
Site Moderator
Posts: 39134
Joined: 4. Sep 2008, 17:09
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Mostly XP

Re: How to import zip file backup of Windows Guest?

Post by mpack »

No, you were quite right not to use Export/Import. Using ZIP is a potential complicating factor, as not all versions support large files.

Anyway, see here for how to move a VM - you've already done most of it.
BDub122
Posts: 7
Joined: 11. Oct 2014, 15:30

Re: How to import zip file backup of Windows Guest?

Post by BDub122 »

That worked. Thank you!
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