Back up files in a VM to Mac

Hi,

I am just about to take delivery of a shiny new iMac. I have been seduced away from my bloated PC after 15 years. I do still need WinXP to run business software though. Now I have read on this forum that to back up the full VM would create a very large backup file.
Is it possible to back up a directory(as all my required files are stored under one directory) from within the XP VM (using my normal backup software) to a directory on OSX, then from OSX have Time Machine perform its backups in the usual way, therefore negating the requirement (for me) to back up the entire VM?

Many thanks in advance for any and all help and advice.

Regards,
Darren

 

Hello,

the simplest way to back up your OS on PC is to use Transporter.
If it not possible for you could you please specify what files you want to back up? If these files are just files you need (documents, images, etc.), you can transfer them to your Mac; for example, you can use a flash drive.

Best regards,
Stacey

 

Hi Stacey,

Maybe I should explain a little more. I will be using WinXP Pro, as a guest OS, on a daily basis to run business software that is only available for Windows. The output from this software is under one directory. it is this directory that I want to back up on a daily basis.
My question is can I use a backup program within Windows, as I do now, to perform a daily backup directly to a folder on the Mac, or possibly a shared folder that will allow Time Machine to backup this folder when it is backing my Mac machine so that all the backups are stored in one central location?
You suggest using Transporter. Can this be used to transport the folder in question from within my guest OS (WInXP), on a daily basis (ie: scheduled), to my Mac for backup with Time Machine?

I hope this helps explain the situation a little more?

Regards,
Darren

 

Hello,

you can use Shared Folders to backup your program output to Mac. And than you can use Time Machine to backup this folder.
But it is better not to backup your VM with Time Machine (only the Shared Folder), because this can be done by means of Parallels Snapshot Manager.

Best regards,
Stacey

 

Thanks for reply Stacy, just a little belated but a reply none the less.
To be honest, I find getting replies to be quite difficult on this forum (I can imagine how busy you are but surely this is what a support forum is for), as opposed to the VMWare Fusion forum (very rapid and detailed responses). As first impressions count, I will be giving Fusion first trial on my iMac.
If it does not suit my purpose, only then will I give Parallels a shot.

As I said, thanks for your reply.

Regards,
Darren

 

Darren,

if you want you could try to use a trial version of Parallels Desktop to check the efficiency of our software.

Best regards,
Stacey

 

Thanks Stacey,

Certainly, the efficiency of your software plays a large part in choosing which product to use but for me an equal part is that of the support structures in place. Efficient software is great but as no software is perfect (or user for that matter) the support systems in place are, for me, an indication of what I can expect should, or when maybe, I run into difficulties.

Regards,
Darren

 

Darren,
if user needs help with Parallels Tools, he can receive it using a number of ways.
1. He can view Parallels Desktop FAQs and Knowledge Base.
2. He can contact a technical support team free here.
3. Also the telephone support is available on a per incident fee basis.
4. And lastly he can discuss his problem online with other Parallels Users and Parallels Team on the Forum.

Also please check your PM, if possible.

Best regards,
Stacey