Create VM of current system to test big changes

[CarT]

I have a laptop with 1 hard drive (80gb)

I currently run CentOS 5.4 and I want to create an image of my current hard drive so that I can play it in a VM Player (VirtualBox).

What utility can I use to create a disk image? Also, Since i'm only using 20gb. I think I want to make a "sparse" file so that the image only takes up about 20gb.

Now... if there is an easier way to do this... let me know. I tried a few tutorials online with no progress. I spent all day yesterday trying to figure this out. Literally, all day.

Rgs,
Andrew

[HROAdmin26]

There are TONS of guides out there...no idea what you've done/haven't done...

Only "simplest/easiest" method I would suggest is to use VMware's Converter tool (free.) You can convert the laptop to a VMware .vmdk image. VirtualBox can use .vmdk files.

[CarT]

Hmmm... I just tried that software you recommended and couldn't figure out how to do it. It won't let me complete things without having a server.

It's surprising how difficult this is.

Thanks for trying though.