How do I backup my full virtual machine?

Using Virtua1Box's built-in export function is definitely a convenient way to backup virtual machines, but one of the major drawbacks is that the exported OVA/OVF files can get pretty hefty, especially if your VM has a lot of data or a large virtual hard drive. I’ve found that when I export my larger VMs, the files can quickly eat up space on my external hard drive. If you're not careful, you might find yourself running out of storage way sooner than expected!

Sometimes, about backup virtual machines, if you're exporting a VM with unique configurations or certain hardware settings, importing it into another system (especially older versions of Virtua1Box or other virtualization software) can result in compatibility issues. I’ve faced a couple of headaches when trying to move VMs between setups, and it can get a bit messy. While the files are easy to export, they aren't compressed by default. So, if you're working with multiple backups, like I sometimes do, you may end up with a bunch of large files to manage. Compared to tools that include built-in compression, this can seem like a downside if you're limited on storage.

This export method isn't a live backup, so if you're actively using your VM, any changes made after you start the export won't be included in that backup. I’ve had instances where I started a backup right before leaving work and then realized I forgot to do something important in the VM. It’s a race against time!