Today I will show you how to clone a virtual machine in Virtualbox. I can hear the voices now “Why would you want to?” To answer this I will give you a couple of examples.
1. You already run Windows 7 Professional as a virtual machine and you want to test the deployment of some new updates. You clone the existing Windows 7 virtual machine and deploy the updates on the clone machine. This way it does not effect the original system.
2. You want to test some new software you have developed for Ubuntu Server 12.04 which runs as a virtual machine. Instead of deploying it on your working system and seeing what happens you clone the Ubuntu system and use that instead. The cloned system has the exact same configuration so you get workable results.
Ok so that is WHY. Now onto HOW.
Open up Virtualbox and go to Machine – Clone.
When the wizard appears (below) choose a name for your new cloned system and click Next.
On the following screen you will be asked to choose between a Full Clone (clones everything including virtual disks) or Linked Clone (clones everything except the original disks which it links back to). For the purpose of this tutorial we will choose a Full Clone.
And that is it!! Your existing virtual machine will now be cloned.
About the Author
Hi I am Chris Wakefield the owner of ComTech IT Support. I provide Windows and Linux based IT Support, laptop repairs and computer repairs to both business and personal clients in and around Stirling.
For a list of what I can offer you why not visit my website www.comtech247.net where you will find a list of my services, testimonials, blog and much more.
