[RESOLVED] Virtual PC (Copying Files)

[DeanMc]

Hi Guys,

I have finally done it and bit the virtualisation bug, its not to shabby either, I have 4GB for ram on roder to speed up this puppy. What I want to know is after I finish making a base install file can I just copy it and create a new VM and specify the copy as the disk drive?

Or am I doing it wrong?

[dclamp]

I dont understand, are you saying once you install a VM, you want to make a copy of that VM and like rename it?

[DeanMc]

Well virtual pc is already installed, I then create a virtual machine which creates a virtual hard drive, I was wondering if I can just copy this virtual hard drive and link it to a new virtual machine.

Well I know it works I am using it now, what I want to know is if its ok to do.

[dclamp]

I think the only problem would be if you tried to run both the virtual machines at the same time. As they would both be accessing the same vhd

[DeanMc]

Well it would be a copy not the same one.

[JuggaloBrotha]

What you're saying is possible as I do this at home, Copy both the *.vhd file and the *.vmc file and you can rename the *.vmc file to whatever new VM name you want. Also Name the folder it's in to the new name as well and both will show side by side in VPC.

[gep13]

Hey,

Agreed. There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to do this. The only caveat is that you should also rename the Computer Name of the VM, that way, if you need to, you can have them both running at the same time. If you don't rename the VM then you will get a naming conflict. This can cause problems depending on what you have installed on the VM, so take some time to think about it before you do it. For instance, if SQL Server is installed on the VM, then renaming the computer causes quite a few problems that need to get resolved.

Gary

[DeanMc]

Oh, that could be an issue given that I use SQL Server express for my source control. What if I just copy the hard drive and set up a new VM and select the "use existing hard drive".

I imagine that would be the same as simply swapping the hard drive. Would that also cause an issue for SQL Server?

[gep13]

Hey,

It's hard to say without actually trying it unfortunately. I would suspect that there would have to be some work to get it running.

Unless of course you run the VM in "local" only mode, where it has no access to the external network, but I am guessing this is something that you would need.

Gary

[DeanMc]

Hmm,

This would only be an error if the server instance is installed before the copy right? I mean if I installed after the copy it would be alright? Is that correct?

I would never need to run two of them at the same time (My poor pc wouldn't allow it anyhoo)

[gep13]

Hey,

Before saying to much more, I should point out that even though you are running VM's, as far as I am aware, you still need to have a valid operating system license for that VM.

Yes, if you were to install SQL Server after you renamed the VM, then this shouldn't be a problem.

Gary

[DeanMc]

I know, I got an MSDN premium subscription so I have the license's sorted

Although do I need a liscense for each VM too? I just had one license assigned for VM since I only use it once at a time. My thinking was that I generally would only ever have one VM at a time, it just saves the hassle when you can delete one and use the copy to start with a fresh install for a big project!

[gep13]

I know, I got an MSDN premium subscription so I have the license's sorted

Good man!!

Although do I need a liscense for each VM too? I just had one license assigned for VM since I only use it once at a time. My thinking was that I generally would only ever have one VM at a time, it just saves the hassle when you can delete one and use the copy to start with a fresh install for a big project!

As far as I am aware, the MSDN subscription gives you permission to use Operating System licenses for development purposes on Virtual Machines, but you need a "full" license for your host machine.

[DeanMc]

Yeah I got win7 ultimate off a friend who works for MS (She got like 5 copies free!) so im ok there!

Grand so, the best thing to do is to just have a minimal installation and work with that one!

[gep13]

Yip, sounds like a plan

Gary

[DeanMc]

Thanks Guys, Reps All round!

[dclamp]

Thanks Guys, Reps All round!

Lies! I got no reps

[DeanMc]

Oh that was because I gave too many out that day (I was falling behind) sorted now!