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Back up virtualbox for a fresh install - while migrating to 64 bit

rated 0 times [ 10] [ 0] / answers: 1 / hits: 13031 / 3 Years ago, mon, may 3, 2021, 3:42:50

I usually take the upgrade path in ubuntu, rather than fresh install, but I'd like to try the latter route for 12.04.

However, one of the most thoroughly configured and critical tools on my system is the virtualbox windows virtual machine that I run for some key tasks I have not yet been able to move entirely to Linux.

How can I ensure that I completely back this up when I wipe and install for 12.04? Will it be in exactly the current state? Which files will I need to back up to guarantee all settings and content transfer correctly?

Also, a major part of my motivation in doing a fresh install is that I intend to go from a 32-bit 11.10 to a 64-bit 12.04 setup. Will this affect/break my virtual machine?

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tonhorn

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answered 3 Years ago luringdge · Accepted Answer

You can use the "Appliance Export Wizard" in VirtualBox to export your VM and then import it again on your reinstalled system. I'm using VirtualBox 4.1.8, but this feature has been around for at least a couple of versions.

Exporting a VM

Open VirtualBox

Go to the File menu and select Export Appliance

Select the virtual machine (VM) you want to export and click Next

Choose where you will save the exported VM and click Next

Review settings and click Export

Copy the exported VM to an external hardrive (or put it on a partition that will survive the reinstall). Once you've reinstalled, you can import the VM.

Importing a VM

Open Virtualbox

Go to the File menu and select Import Appliance

Choose the file to import and follow the rest of the prompts.