Error in Import .ova file - VERR_VD_VMDK_INVALID_FORMAT

[cianfa72]

Hi,

since some days, suddenly, trying to import an .OVA file (Windows 7 VM) I get the following error:

Code: Select all

Failed to import appliance C:\Users\20144620\VirtualBox VMs\OVA image\Win 7.ova.

Could not create the imported medium 'C:\Users\20144620\VirtualBox VMs\Win 7\Win 7-disk2.vmdk' (VERR_VD_VMDK_INVALID_FORMAT).

Result Code: VBOX_E_FILE_ERROR (0x80BB0004)
Component: ApplianceWrap
Interface: IAppliance {8398f026-4add-4474-5bc3-2f9f2140b23e}

I tried upgrading Vbox from 4.3.22 to the latest 5.0.12 without luck Vbox runs on a Win 7 host

Can someone help me ?
Thanks !

[cianfa72]

I tried to clone an existing Win 7 VM and it does work without any problem.....strange

Why importing from OVA file does not work ?

[mpack]

It's either an invalid OVA (maybe hand assembled using something that isn't a VMDK), or a corrupted download. Check the MD5 checksum to test the latter.

[cianfa72]

The strangeness is that it is the same OVA file created by exporting an existing VM (because it has not be downloaded there is no MD5 checksum to compare...)

[loukingjr]

Was it exported from VirtualBox or another program?

[mpack]

There are lots of ways to corrupt an OVA, so the fact that it's corrupted isn't a huge shock.

Export/Import is not the recommended way to move a VirtualBox VM. Howto: Move a VM.

[loukingjr]

Because I am a skeptic and I'm compelled to test features users say don't work, I exported one of my guests as an .ova and then, after deleting the original (backed up of course), I imported the appliance and of course it worked. So it goes.

Edit: No, using OVAs is not the proper way to move VMs.

[cianfa72]

Was it exported from VirtualBox or another program?

yes, it has been exported in the past from VBox. I tried also to import a backup copy from my external HD but even with it no luck

[loukingjr]

Then as mpack said, it's probably corrupted.

[cianfa72]

Thinking about it...probably I've seen this problem after an (host) system software upgrade...could be weird but, OVA file corruption could be related to it

[socratis]

(host) system software upgrade...OVA file corruption

That actually doesn't make too much sense. Software updates corrupting data files? If you think that's true, I'd start by checking my HD for signs of malfunction.

[cianfa72]

That actually doesn't make too much sense. Software updates corrupting data files?

yes, you are right (it makes no sense ) but I cannot understand why also with the VM OVA copy stored months ago on my external HD I get the same error...

[socratis]

Two questions:
1) Have you EVER imported said OVA successfully in the past?
2) What was the VirtualBox version that you exported the machine to OVA?

I distinctly remember some bugs with OVA export/import in the past. You may have been bitten by that. I'll look for them and update, after you've answered the above questions...

[loukingjr]

I exported one of my guests as an .ova and then, after deleting the original (backed up of course), I imported the appliance and of course it worked. So it goes.

I sound like a broken record.

[socratis]

Unfortunately you've disabled PMs, so I'll have to go with a public post.

Why did you feel the need to re-post your answer? Is it answering a question that was asked since you posted your reply? If you merely wanted to say that export/import works, please remember that there were bugs during that process with older VBox versions. That's what my previous question (#2) was trying to figure out...

Unless you're in a hurry to reach 10K posts