How do I clone/backup a VM in VMplayer?

[tankman1989]

I haven't found a way to backup or clone (even snapshot) a VM with VMplayer. I think there are options for this in VM Workstation but not the free VMplayer.

If I copy the entire folder of the VM as a backup and later restore the backup when I need to use it, will it then work once restored? Does anyone have any experience with this?

 

[SAG]

Make a complete copy while powered down. Make sure that all the config files and the disk file(s) are copied - usually all in the same location.
To restore, just overwrite so long as the vmx file hasn't changed.

Usually all the files are in Documents\Virtual Machines\VMNAME

Just backup VMNAME

 

[tankman1989]

Make a complete copy while powered down. Make sure that all the config files and the disk file(s) are copied - usually all in the same location.
To restore, just overwrite so long as the vmx file hasn't changed.

Usually all the files are in Documents\Virtual Machines\VMNAME

Just backup VMNAME

Thank you for the info!

I have the VM's installed into a specific location, not the default location, does that matter?

To backup the machine I right clicked the folder and added it to a RAR & split it into DVD+R file size. Is that good enough for a complete backup with all the config files?

 

[SAG]

With the VM powered down - files are files.
There is *always* a chance of *something* happening to the backed up files every time to copy, move, split, etc.
But it's easy enough to reassembly and fire them up on another workstation to test.

Sounds like these things are important. If that's the case, might I also suggest some sort of file-level backup of the running VM as well? Just like it were a normal baremetal computer install.... just to be safe.