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.vbox

VirtualBox Machine Settings

Virtual Machines

VBOX contains VirtualBox VM settings, such as CPU/memory and disk references, rather than the operating system’s actual data. Match it with its virtual disks and snapshot chain.

Main use
Store VM configuration and disk references
Data type
Text data
All sections, questions and sources

Content reviewed： · Editor：Kai

Opening steps

Choose your environment or purpose to see its steps.

Oracle VirtualBox

Preserve the original and inspect a working copy in a compatible application.

  1. Copy the complete set while the VM is shut down.
  2. Select VBOX through VirtualBox’s Add/register workflow.
  3. Inspect disks, snapshots and networking before startup.
Inspect the received file and its requirements

Establish dependencies and settings before proceeding.

  1. Check saved-settings and recipient-version compatibility.
  2. Inventory VBOX, VDI/VMDK and snapshot folders.
  3. Distinguish copy from move and check conflicts with registered VMs.

Menu labels and support vary by app, OS and version. Preserve the original before making changes.

Troubleshooting by symptom

  • Disk missing: compare recorded paths with the moved file set.
  • UUID conflict: use supported clone/registration workflows rather than arbitrary text edits.
  • Older app cannot read it: inspect settings versions/backups.
  • Previous state absent: inspect snapshot parent/child disks.

VBOX → supported clone / OVA etc.

  1. Use VirtualBox cloning/export according to migration needs.
  2. Verify target disks, boot and required data before deciding how to retire originals.

Copying only VBOX does not preserve virtual disks or snapshots.

Settings versus actual VM data

VBOX references disks. Recovering guest documents requires the appropriate disk/current state; a snapshot delta alone or parent alone may be incomplete.

Source for these steps：Oracle · Technical Background: configuration data / Oracle · VBoxManage Command Reference

Worked example: checks before handoff

Example: preserve the shut-down VM set, inspect networking after registration, then verify that required guest documents reflect the intended state.

Source for these steps：Oracle · Technical Background: configuration data / Oracle · VBoxManage Command Reference

Related-format differences

Related-format differences
Format / methodPurpose and preserved information
.vboxStore VM configuration and disk references
VDI / OVAVDI is a disk and OVA a transfer package, unlike configuration-only VBOX.
VBOX → supported clone / OVA etc.Copying only VBOX does not preserve virtual disks or snapshots.

Handling and security

Inspect shared folders, clipboard integration and networking before starting a received VM.

Questions and answers

Is the OS inside VBOX?

Normally it is configuration; OS data resides on referenced disks.

Should I edit the XML directly?

Normally use VirtualBox settings/supported commands; avoid uninformed edits to evolving internals.

Is retaining only the parent enough?

Current state may reside in deltas; retain the required chain and configuration.

Format facts: name, steward and MIME type
Formal name
VirtualBox Machine Settings
Steward / specification
Oracle
MIME type
Consult the producer or delivery system. The extension alone does not establish a MIME type.

Primary and official sources