How to use the command 'vboxmanage-clonevm' (with examples)

This article provides examples of how to use the ‘vboxmanage-clonevm’ command, which allows users to create a clone of an existing virtual machine (VM). This command is useful for creating copies of VMs for testing purposes or to create backup copies.

Use case 1: Clone the specified VM

Code:

VBoxManage clonevm vm_name

Motivation: This use case allows users to create a clone of a specific VM without making any changes to the new copy. This is useful when a user wants to create an exact replica of an existing VM.

Explanation: The ‘clonevm’ command is followed by the name of the VM that needs to be cloned. This parameter specifies the VM that will serve as the source for the new clone.

Example output: The command will create a clone of the specified VM without any changes. The new VM will have the same configuration and settings as the original VM.

Use case 2: Specify a new name for the new VM

Code:

VBoxManage clonevm vm_name --name new_vm_name

Motivation: This use case is helpful when users want to create a clone of a VM with a specific name. It allows users to easily identify and distinguish between the original VM and the clone.

Explanation: In this use case, the ‘–name’ argument is used to specify the desired name for the new VM. By providing a new name, users can easily differentiate between the original VM and the clone.

Example output: The command will create a clone of the specified VM with the provided name. The new VM will have the same configuration and settings as the original VM, but with a different name.

Use case 3: Indicate the folder where the new VM configuration is saved

Code:

VBoxManage clonevm vm_name --basefolder path/to/directory

Motivation: This use case allows users to specify the folder where the configuration files for the new VM clone will be saved. It gives users more control over the organization and storage location of their VM clones.

Explanation: The ‘–basefolder’ argument is used to indicate the path to the desired folder. When the command is executed, the new VM’s configuration files will be saved in this specified folder.

Example output: The command will create a clone of the specified VM with the same configuration and settings as the original VM. The new VM’s configuration files will be saved in the specified folder.

Use case 4: Register the cloned VM in VirtualBox

Code:

VBoxManage clonevm vm_name --register

Motivation: This use case is useful when users want to immediately register the cloned VM in VirtualBox, making it easily accessible and manageable through the VirtualBox interface.

Explanation: The ‘–register’ argument signals the command to register the cloned VM in VirtualBox. Upon execution, the cloned VM will be listed and can be managed, started, and stopped using the VirtualBox interface.

Example output: The command will create a clone of the specified VM and register it in VirtualBox. The cloned VM will be visible and can be managed through the VirtualBox interface.

Conclusion

The ‘vboxmanage-clonevm’ command is a powerful tool for creating clones of existing virtual machines. By learning how to use the different use cases of this command, users can efficiently create VM clones, customize their names and storage locations, and register the clones in VirtualBox for easier management.