How do I export my VMWare Windows Installation?

[markbraisa]

I need to formate my Mac, and I belive to have heard that it is possible to export your VMWare Windows installtion and have it run in the exact same way, after a format of my Mac. How would I do this?

 

[Guy Incognito]

Simply copy the .vmwarevm bundle (located in ~/Documents/Virtual Machines) to an external HD or another machine. When you're done reformatting, copy it back.

 

[markbraisa]

Simply copy the .vmwarevm bundle (located in ~/Documents/Virtual Machines) to an external HD or another machine. When you're done reformatting, copy it back.

And that's it?

That's easy. Thank you!

 

[markbraisa]

Simply copy the .vmwarevm bundle (located in ~/Documents/Virtual Machines) to an external HD or another machine. When you're done reformatting, copy it back.

Wait a minute. What .vmwarevm bundle? Is this the filename of the file which I should copy over? Because I do not have any file called that.

 

[Guy Incognito]

Yes you do. What files are in the folder ~/Documents/Virtual Machines?

Mine, for example, has a file called Windows XP Professional. Right-clicking on that file and selecting "Get Info" shows (under "Name & Extension") that it's actually called Windows XP Professional.vmwarevm. To back up this VM, I simply copy this file to another location.

It's possible that you'll see other files, such as a .vmx and .vmdk files. In that case, copy all of them.

 

[markbraisa]

Yes you do. What files are in the folder ~/Documents/Virtual Machines?

Mine, for example, has a file called Windows XP Professional. Right-clicking on that file and selecting "Get Info" shows (under "Name & Extension") that it's actually called Windows XP Professional.vmwarevm. To back up this VM, I simply copy this file to another location.

It's possible that you'll see other files, such as a .vmx and .vmdk files. In that case, copy all of them.

Oh yeah. Right, my bad. Thanks a lot!

 

[Guy Incognito]

You're welcome. Good luck.