Today I will show you how to backup your virtual machines in Virtualbox.
Open up Virtualbox to get a screenshot similar to that shown below.
Now go to File – Export Appliance to start the Appliance Export Wizard shown below.
Now you have to choose which virtual machine you want to backup. For the purpose of this tutorial I will choose Ubuntu 11.10. Once you have chosen click next.
If you see the above message do not be alarmed. What this means is that if you export a saved machine and then try to import it at a later date it will not work. To make it work either export a virtual machine in a powered off state or when you import a virtual machine in a saved state disconnect the virtual hard drive and then reattach it again.
Next we have to decide where you want to save your virtual machine backup. Best practice is not to save it on the same hard drive as the one which hosts your virtual machine.
Once you have chosen the backup location just click next.
All that is left to do is check over your settings (screenshot above) and click Export. Your virtual machine will then be backed up to the specified location.
About the Author
Hi I’m Chris Wakefield the owner of ComTech IT Support. I provide Windows, Mac and Linux based IT Support to small businesses in Stirling, Alloa and Falkirk.
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