This article applies to:

·     Virtual Machine

Question:

·     How you can back-up a virtual machine (program and data)?

Information:

This document describes the best practices for backing up a virtual machine. It details the issues that must be taken onto consideration, the steps in an ideal process.

To back up the entire virtual machine (the operating system installation, application files and settings, and all user data), copy the .vmwarevm bundle (the object within the Virtual Machines folder), and while the virtual machine is shutdown.

Note: Ensure that the virtual machine is shut down and not suspended.

Because of the length of time involved, and a high potential for redundant data, this method is best used on an occasional basis, after installing new programs/updates or making significant configuration changes.

For constantly-changing data files, it is best to use any or all of these methods:

·     Any network-based backup method (depending on your network settings, the virtual machine could be like just another machine on your network).

·     Store, copy, or move the data files to be backed up into a Mirrored or Shared folder and use Time Machine to back up that folder from the Mac OS.

Note: For more information about mirrored folders, see Setting up mirrored folders for your Mac and virtual machine (1014127). For more information about shared folders, see sharing a folder from your Mac to a virtual machine (1004055).

·     Back up to removable media (such as CD, DVD, or flash drive) for one-off, non-scheduled backups.

These methods are easy and non-intrusive enough to be used regularly (such as daily). It is possible to set up Windows Scheduled Tasks so that any of these options can happen automatically (assuming the removable media is present and has the space available).

For example, an ideal backup procedure would include these steps:

1.  Initial setup

a.  Program and data backup

§  Mirroring:
Set up Mirrored folders, and store all of the files you create in Windows in a Mirrored folder (thus keeping it on the Mac). For more information, see Setting up mirrored folders for your Mac and virtual machine (1014127).

OR

§  Sharing:
Set up Shared folders, and store all of the files you create in Windows in the Shared folder. For more information, see Sharing a folder from your Mac to a virtual machine (1004055).

OR

§  Manual / scheduled copy:
Copy the files you want to back up from where they're saved into Windows into a shared folder. This copy can be scheduled, to run automatically. For more information, see:

§  XP: Microsoft's Knowledge Base article, How To Schedule Tasks in Windows XP

§  Vista: Microsoft's Vista support article, Schedule a task

§  Windows 7: Microsoft's Windows 7 support article, Schedule a task

b.  Operating system and application backup
When the VM is shut down, copy the VM bundle to an external drive (for example, your Time Machine drive).

2.  Regular maintenance
On a regular basis, back up your Mac's folders (including the Shared / Mirrored folders) using your regular back up method. If you use Time Machine, this happens automatically (assuming your external drive is plugged in) every hour. In most other backup programs, this can be scheduled. Backing up the Mac folders, containing your Windows data, ensures that your Windows files and data are backed up.

3.  Occasional maintenance
There is no need to back up your VM bundle unless you make configuration changes to an application or the operating system, or install new programs or OS updates. After doing this, you can drag your VM bundle to the external disk (you can replace the old/original copy, to save space) to back it up.

Notes:

This article contains some external links. Accuracy and availability of those links is not granted.