VirtualBox VM Migration: From One Computer to Another

# 1. Understanding the Principles of VirtualBox Virtual Machine Migration

In this chapter, we will delve into the principles of VirtualBox virtual machine migration, including the concept of virtual machine migration and how VirtualBox virtual machine migration works.

## 1.1 What is Virtual Machine Migration
Virtual machine migration refers to the process of moving a virtual machine instance from one physical host to another. During the migration process, information such as the virtual machine instance's disk, memory, and network configuration is copied or migrated to maintain the integrity and continuity of the virtual machine.

## 1.2 How VirtualBox Virtual Machine Migration Works
The working principle of VirtualBox virtual machine migration mainly involves the following steps:
- **Exporting the virtual machine files**: In the source computer, export the virtual machine files to a single file using VirtualBox's export feature.
- **Copying files to the target computer**: Copy the exported virtual machine files to the specified location on the target computer via the network, USB drive, or other media.
- **Importing virtual machine files**: In the target computer, use VirtualBox's import feature to import the virtual machine files and reconfigure the virtual machine's hardware settings.
- **Adjusting settings and starting the virtual machine**: In the target computer, adjust the virtual machine's hardware settings, start the virtual machine and perform necessary tests to ensure successful migration.

By following these steps, we can achieve VirtualBox virtual machine migration, allowing the virtual machine instance to seamlessly migrate from one computer to another.

# 2. Preparations Before Migration

Before performing virtual machine migration, thorough preparations are required to ensure a smooth process.

### 2.1 Confirming Compatibility Between Source and Target Computers

Before starting the migration, it is necessary to confirm the hardware and software compatibility between the source and target computers, including:
- Confirming whether the target computer's hardware configuration meets the requirements for running the virtual machine.
- Confirming whether the operating systems of the source and target computers are compatible.
- Confirming whether the target computer has VirtualBox of the corresponding version installed.

### 2.2 Backing Up Virtual Machine Data and Configuration Files

Before virtual machine migration, it is imperative to back up virtual machine data and configuration files to prevent data loss or configuration errors. Backing up can be done through the following steps:
1. Open the VirtualBox management interface.
2. Select the virtual machine to be backed up, right-click and choose "Export Virtual Machine".
3. Set the storage path for the exported file, choose "Export". Options include exporting all contents of the virtual machine or just configuration files.
4. Copy the relevant data files of the virtual machine to the backup location, including virtual hard disk files, etc.

After confirming the compatibility between the source and target computers, and completing the backup of data and configuration files, the virtual machine migration operation can begin.

# 3. Exporting VirtualBox Virtual Machines from the Source Computer

Before virtual machine migration, it is necessary to first export the virtual machine from the source computer, so that it can be imported into the target computer. Below are the detailed steps to export VirtualBox virtual machines from the source computer:

### 3.1 Steps to Export VirtualBox Virtual Machines

1. Open the VirtualBox management interface.
2. In the virtual machine list, select the virtual machine to be migrated, ensuring the virtual machine is turned off.
3. Click on the "File" toolbar button, and choose the "Export Virtual Machine" option.
4. In the pop-up export virtual machine dialog box, select the virtual machine to be exported and click the "Export" button.
5. Wait for the export process to complete; the exported virtual machine file will be saved at the specified path.

### 3.2 Setting the Storage Path for Exported Files

When exporting virtual machines, you can set the storage path for the exported files, making it easy to locate the exported virtual machine file during subsequent migration. Here are the steps to set the storage path for exported files:

- In step 4, click the "File Path" button in the export virtual machine dialog box.