VB newbie needs smaller .vdi hd on OSX host

[rpiper32]

I have created a 100 GB VB HD (70 GB actual) on my 120 MB OSX host which now says I am running out of space. How can I backup (clone) my .vdi to a dropbox folder so I can delete and create a small virtual drive?

[loukingjr]

How big is the .vdi file when you click on it? it's not filled to 70GB is it? If it is I hope you have lots of space in your Dropbox account.

[mpack]

The "VM" is just a folder on your hard drive, containing files. You back it up as you would any other file folder.

[loukingjr]

My impression was the reason anyone would want to backup a file to their Dropbox account was because they don't have an external drive to back up to. Of course if the VM folder really is 70GB that requires a very large and paid for Dropbox account. It also could take hours to upload depending on the OP's upload speed.

edit: a 70GB file would take approx 17.5 Hours @ 10 Mbps.

[rpiper32]

The file is approx. 46GB of the 70GB on my mac. I am looking for the correct syntax using VBoxManage clonehd to "copy" to dropbox (yes, I have over 100GB available), then remove/delete the vm and create another, only smaller, to free up space on my mac's hd, then "restore" .vdi so I don't have to re-install os, apps, etc...

[loukingjr]

Sorry if I sound a little dim but, if the OS, apps etc. you have on the guest .vdi now take up 46GBs, they will take 46GBs when you restore them. Did you create a 70GB fixed disk or a dynamic disk? If it's a dynamic disk it only takes up the 46GBs that is being used. Plus, if you upload the guest to your Dropbox account and delete it from your Mac, what will you restore from?

[rpiper32]

I initially created a 100GB dynamic virtual HD. Thats why I am trying to find out how to back it up, remove the 100GB virtual, create a 60GB virtual, restore the .vdi from backup and free up 40GB on my MACs hd.

[loukingjr]

That's what I was trying to explain. even though you created a 100GB guest it only takes up the amount of space that is being used. In your case, 46GBs or 70GBs. Where did you get the 70GBs from? It can't be both 46GBs and 70GBs. How much space is left on your Mac?

BTW, if you are using a laptop and you have no external drive, make sure Time Machine is off otherwise it will create cache files waiting to be sent to a backup drive.

[mpack]

I believe the OP is saying that he has 70GB of free space on the host HD, and he's concerned that his 100GB (max) 46GB(current) guest hd could overflow that.

This would be quite easy to solve if you weren't so low on working disk space. So I would suggest doing some of the following the work on a second PC. First run the gparted live CD ISO inside the VM and shrink the partition size (not the drive size) to 50GB. Then shut down the VM, move the VDI to a PC with plenty of space and run CloneVDI to clone and compact the drive (keeping the old UUID). You can use the clone as a one for one replacement.

Though it must be said: a guest which has filled 46GB out of 50GB will possibly not be very stable. Freeing up some space on the host and guest is probably a good idea.

Oh - and fit a larger HD in the host, if possible. 120GB is ludicrous by today's standards.

[loukingjr]

I believe the OP is saying that he has 70GB of free space on the host HD, and he's concerned that his 100GB (max) 46GB(current) guest hd could overflow that.

mpack, After rereading the thread I think you are correct that the 70GB is the free space on the host drive. I also think your solution makes sense. The only other solution that comes to mind is to bite the bullet and purchase an external HD to have more work space. I believe you can purchase a 500GB external drive for well under $100.

[mpack]

Well, if external also means removable then I usually don't recommend those. I would prefer to upgrade the internal drive.

[loukingjr]

Well, if external also means removable then I usually don't recommend those. I would prefer to upgrade the internal drive.

you've never owned a Mac huh? most Mac laptops are difficult to work on.

[mpack]

you've never owned a Mac huh? most Mac laptops are difficult to work on.

So I've heard, which is why I've never owned a Mac.

Still, it's a Intel based PC using standard components, in particular the drive which I assume is SATA - it ought to be upgradable, whether with Apple's blessing or not, unless they deliberately cripple the OS.

[loukingjr]

no, it can be done. if nothing else at an Apple store. $$$