.vbox-prev

Extension: Oracle VM VirtualBox Settings Backup File

Developer: Oracle

The `.vbox-prev` file, linked to Oracle’s VirtualBox virtualization software, acts as a crucial backup for your virtual machine (VM) settings. It’s automatically generated by VirtualBox and contains a snapshot of your VM’s configuration at a specific point in time. This includes vital details like the amount of RAM allocated, the type and size of hard drives connected, network adapter configurations (including MAC addresses and network settings), and other hardware specifications. Essentially, it’s a safety net ensuring you can restore your VM’s settings to a previous state if something goes wrong—whether it’s a software crash, a corrupted VM configuration, or even accidental modifications to the settings. Think of it as a “previous version” of your VM’s settings file. Understanding this file is important for maintaining the stability and recoverability of your virtual machines.

While you don’t directly open a `.vbox-prev` file like a document, its contents are automatically used by VirtualBox. If your primary VM configuration file (typically a `.vbox` file) becomes corrupted, VirtualBox might attempt to use the `.vbox-prev` file to restore your VM to its previous working state. You won’t find a program specifically designed to open it; its functionality is entirely integrated within VirtualBox. Therefore, simply ensuring VirtualBox is installed and functioning correctly is enough to leverage the backup contained within the `.vbox-prev` file. Deleting this file is generally not recommended unless you’re certain you no longer need the backup it contains, as it could prove invaluable in case of unforeseen issues with your virtual machine.