How to convert my Ubuntu install into a VM install?
reddit / selfhosted

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devshore · 2023-10-02 06:40

I have a sweet ubuntu install with my services on it, and also have a
MacOS install (dual-boot). I want to move my Ununtu install into a VM
inside MacOS so I dont have to switch between them. How? I assume
something like “create an image of your install” and “install it in a
VM”, but specifically how?

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ElevenNotes · 2023-10-02 06:44

[https://www.starwindsoftware.com/starwind-v2v-
converter](https://www.starwindsoftware.com/starwind-v2v-converter),
it's free.

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devshore · 2023-10-02 06:51

That looks like it! Thanks

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root-node · 2023-10-02 08:04

That is for windows only by the looks of it, OP asked for Ubuntu
support.

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ElevenNotes · 2023-10-02 08:05

Works with everything, but you can also use this one: https://customer
connect.vmware.com/en/downloads/info/slug/datacenter\_cloud\_infrastru
cture/vmware\_vcenter\_converter/6\_4\_0

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root-node · 2023-10-02 08:07

Thanks

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ElevenNotes · 2023-10-02 08:15

You’re welcome.

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TrustyworthyAdult · 2023-10-03 03:13

Just make a tarball of your entire install then overwrite a stock
ubuntu vm with your tarball

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ConsiderCapybara · 2023-10-03 18:50

start up a VM from a live CD image, create boot and root partitions
(same partitions as your original system), then rsync -avPx from each
partition on your real system to the corresponding partition on your
vm. Once the files are there you mount the partitions under /mnt and
"chroot /mnt" to reinstall grub as if you've got a broken bootloader.

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arcadianarcadian · 2023-10-10 10:06

There are many ways to do it.

\- Offline converters. /u/ElevenNotes mentioned.

\- good old rsync way. /u/ConsiderCapybara mentioned.

my way? Cloning. Create a VM, run clone server on it.

you can use Partimaged or Clonezilla.