Clone current host OS to a guest virtual machine

Question

I would like to run a few repeated checks on a setup procedure I am documenting, to verify my document. I would like to somehow create a VM that replicates the environment on my machine, i.e. the host machine, onto a guest VM. Then I can use Windows' System Restore on the guest to start at the point before I commenced the setup procedure and repeat it as many times as required until no more trial-and-error etc. is required to supplement my document.

I have Virtual PC and VirtualBox available to install as host environments, running on Windows 7 Professional.

Solution 1

See the article VirtualBox P2V Success for how to convert a Windows machine to VirtualBox by using the VMware vCenter Converter.

Another possibility is Paragon Backup & Recovery (Advanced) Free, using the P2V Migration wizard, which can, according to the documentation, convert any partition to a VM.

Solution 2

Yet another possibility: Disk2vhd.

Comments

[hanshenrik]

I've finally tried this, but I get a startup error on the guest box. I'll follow up and report back.

[harrymc]

Added another possibility.

[tambunan]

@ProfKaos: which one works for you?

[hanshenrik]

@pistaloper I'm no longer using Virtual Box but VMWare Player, and its cousin VMWare vCenter Converter does a beautiful job.