How to Open VDI Files in VirtualBox (Beginner’s Guide)

In today’s tech landscape, users usually need several operating systems for software development and testing purposes. Virtual machines provide a solution for this issue by generating VirtualBox disk image (VDI) files. Such VMs already have an operating system installed and configured, allowing for development and testing. Users can thus quickly open and work with the VDI file, establishing an isolated and effective test environment. In this blog, you learn “How to Open VDI File” using various manual procedures and a professional VDI recovery tool. This tool efficiently opens your VDI file in VirtualBox without altering any data intact in it.

What is a Virtual Machine?

A virtual machine (VM) is an emulation of a physical computer running as software. It executes an operating system and applications exactly as a physical computer does, but it runs entirely inside a host computer as a distinct, standalone environment.

Needs to Open VDI File in VirtualBox

There are several reasons to open a VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) file in VirtualBox:

• You can open a VDI file in VirtualBox to create a segregated environment.
• VirtualBox supports running various operating systems on a single physical platform.
• VDI files provide you with an easy means to migrate virtual machines between various physical platforms.
• Virtual machines (VMs) provide a resourceful way to use system resources.
• You can execute legacy operating systems in a virtualized environment.
• Executing virtual machines on a single host system offers cost cost-saving solution.

Opening a VDI file in VirtualBox provides an array of benefits, particularly for software development, testing, and managing different operating systems.

How to Open VDI File in a Virtual Machine?

To effectively manage, access, and test your software or application, you should open a VDI file in a virtual machine. For this, we offer you several simple methods, including:

1. Manual Methods for Opening
2. Secure Automated Tool

Manual Methods to Open VDI File in Windows

To open a VDI file on Windows, you can use Oracle VM VirtualBox. Because VirtualBox is the most common software for working with VDI files, the step-by-step process discussed below will essentially revolve around the usage of VirtualBox. But we’ll also discuss other methods in case you want to know about other ways.

1. Download and install the Oracle VM VirtualBox on your preferred system.
2. After that, run the software as an administrator.
3. Here, click on the New button located at the top of the system.
4. You will be asked by the Create Virtual Machine wizard.
5. Type in the Name of your VM and select the right operating system (OS) and version.
6. The following window requests you to assign memory to your VM.

Note: This is based on the operating system in your VDI file, but you can change it as you want.

7. In the following window, select the option: Use an existing virtual hard disk file.
8. Click on the folder icon to search your computer for the VDI file.
9. Go to the location of your VDI file on your computer. Select the VDI file.
10. After selecting, click Create to complete the creation of the virtual machine.
11. After setting up the VM settings, click Start to start the VM.

Limitations of Manual Method 

Although opening a VDI file manually in a virtual machine, there are several constraints to keep in mind.

• Opening a VDI file manually may be cumbersome for users who are not well-versed in virtualization technology.
• VDI files may not be compatible with all versions of VirtualBox.
• The manual process of creating a new virtual machine is time-consuming.
• Executing virtual machines takes up significant system resources.
• Incorrect usage of VDI files can cause corruption of data.
• May not provide smooth integration with some development tools.
• Manual setup of network adapters and shared folders in VirtualBox may be tricky at times.

Users should give careful thought to these constraints before choosing manual approaches.

Instant Solution to Open VDI File in Windows

Sometimes, while opening a VDI file, it can become corrupted. For fixing this problem, VDI Recovery Software is the perfect solution. This powerful software allows users to recover and repair data from damaged VDI and VBOX files. The software also supports major file systems such as FAT, NTFS, HFS+, and EXT. Moreover, the application can recover and restore lost VDI files from virtual machines. Its user-friendly interface ensures a smooth recovery process, walking the users step by step. Thus, this software offers an efficient method for dealing with corrupted VDI files.

Steps to Import VDI File in VirtualBox

1. Download and run the VDI Recovery Software and choose the disk type.
2. Click on the Browse icon to choose the damaged VDI file.
3. Here you can preview the file details and then click on the Next button.
4. Select the scanning mode and other options of the tool according to your preference.
5. Now, choose the volume to fix the VDI data and click on the Next button.
6. Then, select the Recovery Mode from the Standard, Advanced, and Deep ones.
7. Next, verify the preview of the scanned files in a tree structure.
8. Lastly, select the location to store the recovered VDI files and click the Ok button.

Conclusion

In summary, you learn “How to Open VDI File in a Virtual Machine,” based on your needs and preferences. Nevertheless, you have some manual steps that might suit you. If the VDI file is highly corrupted, bypass all manual steps and directly use the professional tool. This software fixes the error perfectly and gives an instant solution without any data loss risk.

Related Post: Repair Corrupted VHD Files.

Frequently Asked Question:

Q. Why is my VDI file not opening properly in VirtualBox?

If your VDI file won’t load in VirtualBox, it may be corrupted, there may be incompatible settings, or possibly there may be incompatible versions of the software. Ensure there are updates to VirtualBox and the VDI file is not corrupted.

Q. Can I access VDI files from a remote server?

Yes, you can open and view a VDI file on a remote server using VirtualBox. Make sure that you have the required permissions and network settings to view the file remotely.

Q. Are there any risks when opening a VDI file?

Though it is safe to open a VDI file, there is always the possibility of corruption of data if the file is corrupted. It is safe to make copies of your VDI files before opening or editing them.

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