How to Backup & restore Guest OS

Discussion in 'Virtualization' started by srinivasmg, Jan 18, 2013.

  1. srinivasmg

    srinivasmg MDL Novice

    Jan 6, 2013
    3
    0
    0
    Hi Friends !

    Host : Windows 8
    Guest (External Hard Drive): Windows 7, server 2003
    & Vmware WS 9 (My Documents - Virtual Machines - windows 7, server 2003)

    - Guest OS installed to the External Hard Disk with many software's like CAD, camtasia studio, Adobe, Office, etc...

    - Suppose if I refresh or reinstall windows 8, All the programs will be Uninstalled & removed including Vmware workstation.

    Now, How to Backup Installed Guest OS & restore back later without losing anyData from VMware-guest os)

    Thank You!
     
  2. sebus

    sebus MDL Guru

    Jul 23, 2008
    6,356
    2,026
    210
    Well, seems you really have no idea about virtualization...

    Guest OS is nothing more then a set of single flat files

    If they are on external drive, you can see that whatever happens to your main internal HD (whatever OS is running) does not affect files on external USB drive
     
  3. srinivasmg

    srinivasmg MDL Novice

    Jan 6, 2013
    3
    0
    0
    thanks for the knowledge
    well.. i do know that external hd will not be affected deleted by refreshing or reinstalling. i just have No idea, how to recover Vmware Guest Os in-case of any mishap. Vmware reinstall & Can recopying or restoring (MyDocuments/Virtual Machines/Guest OS Folder) make it Play again?
    Thanks !
     
  4. sebus

    sebus MDL Guru

    Jul 23, 2008
    6,356
    2,026
    210
    Reinstall Workstation, Open VM from start screen, point to file on external drive, done

    sebus
     
  5. smithjohn

    smithjohn MDL Novice

    Jan 26, 2013
    4
    1
    0
    Many thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I really feel strongly about it and love learning much more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your website with a lot more facts? It’s extremely helpful for me.