virtualbox.org

Hi to all,
I am now trying, after the big disappointment of vmware workstation (very unstable), to use VB (with Server 2016 as host) on which to run my CENTOS server.
I was able to automatically configure startups and shutdowns with a cool program called Vboxheadlesstray and now I'm very happy. The instability problems of Vmware (quite) every time a windows task starts have ceased.
I only have a problem related to backups of the virtual machine: I cannot open the copies at the same time as the virtual server, even if I open them without a network.
So I have no way of testing whether backups work.
Anyone have any idea how to test?
Thank you,
Gianluca

PS: I'm currently using weeam free for VM backups. Is there any program more suitable for backups?

The best backup is a full file & folder copy of a completely shut-down (not save-stated) guest folder, containing all the files therein, as well as any disk files that may reside outside the folder. The backup can be FC file-compared, or hashes can be taken and compared for off-site backup where FC would not be practical. If the disk file(s) are inside the folder right next to the guest's .vbox file, then that backup can be restored to any capable Virtualbox host. If a disk file is outside the guest folder, then the .vbox file contains an absolute path to the disk file, and that path must be re-created on the new host (or the .vbox file needs to be manually edited).

No special software needs to be used for these backups.

If you want to back up a running VM, use installed-in-the-guest backup software that is compatible with whatever you're doing inside the guest OS.

Hi Scottgus1,
thanks for your reply.

If you want to back up a running VM, use installed-in-the-guest backup software that is compatible with whatever you're doing inside the guest OS.

About a running VM, if I correctly understood, you suggest to use a program inside my VM centos to backup the same VM. Is it right?
But I have no idea about which program and how to do that. Any tip?
Thanks
G.

I don't know that one either. If it were Windows, I'd say use Macrium Reflect.