Backing up a virtual machine

[gabe]

Is it possible to back up a VM installation so that I can simply copy it back when I need it?

I would like to create a Win XP VM, set it up right, and then copy it, say to an external HDD or DVD so that I can reuse it if I have any problems with the installed version. Can I do this? If so, what file or files do I need to copy?

thanks.

 

[Erich]

You can do this from the Parallels GUI using File > Clone. You can also manually copy the .hdd and .pvs files to another location. I've used both methods without any trouble.