How to use the command 'VBoxManage clonevm' (with examples)

The VBoxManage clonevm command is a powerful tool for managing virtual machines in Oracle VirtualBox. It allows users to create copies—or clones—of existing virtual machines, which can be useful in a variety of scenarios such as testing, development, or simply as a backup. This command offers several options to customize the cloning process, ensuring the user has full control over the creation and configuration of the cloned virtual machines.

Clone the specified VM

Code:

VBoxManage clonevm vm_name

Motivation:
Cloning a virtual machine is particularly useful when you need an exact duplicate of an existing VM to conduct tests or experiments without risking the original setup. It saves time compared to configuring a new VM from scratch. By using this basic version of the command, you can quickly create a sterile copy of your VM that can safely be altered, run in parallel with the original, or packaged for distribution.

Explanation:

• VBoxManage: This is the command-line interface for Oracle VM VirtualBox, which allows the user to perform various tasks without using the VirtualBox GUI.
• clonevm: This stands for ‘clone virtual machine,’ the specific function that creates a duplicate of the VM.
• vm_name: The name of the virtual machine you wish to clone, ensuring you specify the right existing VM to duplicate.

Example Output:
A cloned virtual machine will be created with its own unique identifier. The output might look something like this:

0%...10%...20%...30%...40%...50%...60%...70%...80%...90%...100%
Clone UUID: acbd1234-5678-abcd-5678-abcdef123456

Specify a new name for the new VM

Code:

VBoxManage clonevm vm_name --name new_vm_name

Motivation:
When working with multiple virtual machines, it is important to clearly differentiate between original and cloned VMs. By specifying a new name, you can prevent any confusion or overwriting of existing data. This customization of names helps in maintaining a well-organized and easily identifiable set of virtual machines.

Explanation:

• --name new_vm_name: This argument allows you to rename the cloned VM to something more descriptive or suitable, replacing the default name, which might be automatically chosen or too generic for your needs.

Example Output:
The clone will be duplicated with your specified name, showing a similar progress report:

0%...10%...20%...30%...40%...50%...60%...70%...80%...90%...100%
Clone UUID: acbd1234-5678-abcd-5678-abcdef123456
New Name: new_vm_name

Indicate the folder where the new VM configuration is saved

Code:

VBoxManage clonevm vm_name --basefolder path/to/directory

Motivation:
Storing VM configurations in specific directories helps in organizing and locating your VMs especially in shared environments or when dealing with multiple projects. By indicating a particular folder for your cloned VM, you ensure that related files are easy to find and manage. This is particularly practical for managing resources in environments with storage policies or dedicated project directories.

Explanation:

• --basefolder path/to/directory: This defines the path to where the cloned VM’s configuration files should be saved. By specifying the path, you can control the file organization and storage strategy.

Example Output:
The cloning process might provide an update similar to:

Saving clone to /path/to/directory
0%...10%...20%...30%...40%...50%...60%...70%...80%...90%...100%
Clone UUID: acbd1234-5678-abcd-5678-abcdef123456
VM saved in directory /path/to/directory

Register the cloned VM in VirtualBox

Code:

VBoxManage clonevm vm_name --register

Motivation:
Registering a cloned VM makes it immediately available in the VirtualBox environment for use without requiring additional setup steps. This is particularly beneficial when you want the clone to appear in the VirtualBox GUI automatically and be ready for immediate launch. This step can streamline workflows, especially in fast-paced testing or production environments where time is of the essence.

Explanation:

• --register: This argument ensures that the clone is entered into the VirtualBox registry. By performing this, the VM becomes accessible in the list of available VMs within the VirtualBox GUI, simplifying the user interactivity process.

Example Output:
The registration process is indicated as follows:

0%...10%...20%...30%...40%...50%...60%...70%...80%...90%...100%
Clone UUID: acbd1234-5678-abcd-5678-abcdef123456
VM registered successfully

Conclusion:

The VBoxManage clonevm command, with its various options, provides a comprehensive set of tools for creating and managing clones of virtual machines in VirtualBox. By leveraging these capabilities, users can efficiently manage their VM resources with precision, catering to specific needs and workflows, making virtualization more robust and user-friendly.