As an IT administrator, one of the most important tasks is to keep computers running and secure. This means setting up virtual machines, or VMs, to run different applications and services. One of the most common uses of VMs is to install operating systems, such as Windows or Linux, so they can be tested and used in an isolated environment.
To create a VM, it is often necessary to convert a disk image, or .img file, into a format that can be used by virtualization software such as VirtualBox. This article will discuss how to convert an .img file into a usable format for VirtualBox.
The first step is to install VirtualBox on your system. Once installed, you can open the program and select “New” from the File menu. This will bring up a wizard that will allow you to create a new virtual machine.
Once the wizard is finished, you will be able to select the type of operating system you want to install on the VM. After selecting the OS, you will need to select the storage type. You will usually want to select “Dynamically Allocated”, as this will use the least amount of hard drive space.
Once the storage type is selected, you will be able to choose the size of the virtual drive. The size should be at least as large as the size of the .img file you are attempting to convert.
Next, you will need to select the “Create” button. This will create the virtual machine and open the “Storage” tab. You will need to select the virtual drive you just created and select the “Add Hard Disk” icon.
From the “Add Hard Disk” window, you will need to select the “Choose Existing Disk” option. From here, you can select the .img file you want to convert. When you select the file, you will be asked to select the format you want to use. You will need to select “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)”.
Once you have selected the format, you will be able to select the “Create” button. This will create the new VM and you will be able to boot it up and begin using it.
In summary, to convert an .img file into a usable format for VirtualBox, you will need to install VirtualBox, create a new virtual machine, select the type of operating system you want to install on the VM, select the storage type, select the size of the virtual drive, select the “Create” button, select the virtual drive, select the “Add Hard Disk” icon, select the “Choose Existing Disk” option, select the .img file, select the “VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)” format, and select the “Create” button. Once this is done, you will have a usable VM that can be booted up and used.
