Cloning a VirtualBox VM via Ubuntu Terminal
Introduction
This guide explains how to clone a VirtualBox VM named "Template Ubuntu Server 22.04" to create a new VM called "Langflow3" on an Ubuntu 22.04 host.
Steps
1. Connect to the Host Server
Use SSH or PuTTY to connect:
ssh username@serverip
2. List Available VMs
Find the name of the VM to clone:
vboxmanage list vms
3. Clone the VM
Clone "Template Ubuntu Server 22.04" to "Langflow3" and register it:
VBoxManage clonevm "Template Ubuntu Server 22.04" --name "Langflow3" --register
4. (Optional) Bridge Network
Bridge the VM to the local network for easier access:
vboxmanage modifyvm "Langflow3" --nic1 bridged --bridgeadapter1 eno1
5. Start the VM
Boot the VM in headless mode:
vboxmanage startvm "Langflow3" --type headless
6. (Optional) Find VM IP Address
If Guest Additions is installed, retrieve the VM’s IP from the host:
vboxmanage guestproperty get "Langflow3" "/VirtualBox/GuestInfo/Net/0/V4/IP"
7. (Optional) Enable VNC Access
Set up VNC for remote access (password limited to 8 characters):
VBoxManage modifyvm "Langflow3" --vrdeport 3352
VBoxManage modifyvm "Langflow3" --vrdeproperty VNCPassword=Password1
Connect via VNC using the host IP, port 3352, and password "Password1".
8. Take a Snapshot
Create a snapshot to restore the VM to this state if needed:
VBoxManage snapshot "Langflow3" take "Initial Working State" --live
9. Power Down the VM
Shut down the VM gracefully:
vboxmanage controlvm "Langflow3" acpipowerbutton