Recovering Files from a Broken Virtualbox Machine

In the world of virtualization, data loss can be a frustrating experience. However, if you’re using VirtualBox and your virtual machine (VM) breaks, there are several methods to recover your files. This article will guide you through the process of recovering files from a broken VirtualBox machine.

Understanding VirtualBox and VDI Files

VirtualBox is a powerful x86 and AMD64/Intel64 virtualization product for enterprise and home use. It allows you to create virtual machines where you can install different operating systems. Your virtual machine’s data is stored in a Virtual Disk Image (VDI) file.

When a VirtualBox machine breaks, the VDI file may become inaccessible. However, all is not lost. There are ways to recover your data.

Method 1: Convert .vdi to raw disk and use testdisk

This method involves converting the .vdi disk to a raw disk and then using a data recovery tool called testdisk.

Step 1: Convert .vdi to raw disk

Open your terminal and run the following command:

VBoxManage clonehd <sourcename> <clone.raw> --format RAW

In this command, <sourcename> is the path to your .vdi file and <clone.raw> is the name of the output file. The --format RAW parameter specifies the output format as raw disk.

Step 2: Use testdisk to recover files

After converting the .vdi to a raw disk, you can use testdisk to recover your files. Run the following command in the terminal:

testdisk <clone.raw>

<clone.raw> is the path to the raw disk file you created in the previous step. Testdisk will allow you to browse and recover files from the broken .vdi.

Method 2: Add broken .vdi as a drive to a new virtual machine

This method involves adding the broken .vdi as a drive to a new virtual machine and then recovering the files.

Step 1: Create a new virtual machine

Create a new virtual machine in VirtualBox without mounting the broken .vdi.

Step 2: Add the broken .vdi as a drive

After creating the new virtual machine, add the broken .vdi as a drive.

Step 3: Recover the files

Install testdisk on the new virtual machine and use it to recover your files.

Method 3: Recover from snapshots

VirtualBox allows you to take snapshots of your virtual machine. If you have taken snapshots of your .vdi, you can recover your files from these snapshots.

Method 4: Recover from a corrupt VDI using 7-Zip

If your VDI file is corrupt, you can use 7-Zip to recover your files. Open the VDI file with 7-Zip and extract the files you need.

Conclusion

Data loss can be a stressful experience, but with the right tools and methods, you can recover your files from a broken VirtualBox machine. Whether you choose to convert your .vdi to a raw disk and use testdisk, add the broken .vdi as a drive to a new virtual machine, recover from snapshots, or use 7-Zip to recover from a corrupt VDI, remember to avoid writing to the broken .vdi until your data is safely recovered.