VM Optimizer (Really) Shrinks VM's
Chris Wolf, in his TechLine column for MCP Magazine found what looks to be a fantastic tool for getting the size of virtual machines down to a more manageable level.
This tool, called VM Optimizer...
"...works by removing unneeded files and disabling unnecessary programs and services. Among the optimizations that are performed: Stop and disable unnecessary services, Uninstall MSN, Remove unnecessary files (temp, log, autorecover, help, service pack and Windows Update cache), and Defragment the virtual hard disk."
Chris continues...
...In my test lab, I recently used VM Optimizer to slim down the Windows Server 2003 VM that I use as a baseline image for each Microsoft Virtual Server VM that I manage. Before using VM Optimizer, the VM consumed 2.9 GB of storage space. After completing the optimization process, the VM’s virtual hard disk was reduced to a gig. I then zipped the optimized Windows 2003 VM and was able to reduce it to only 345 MB, which allows the VM to be copied to a CD-ROM, as well as consumes a lot less storage space on the server’s hard disk.
I haven't tried the tool myself yet, but will shortly as the virtual machine images I'm building for TechMentor are getting bigger than the hard disk space I have available. According to Chris, this tool works with VMware and Microsoft Virtual Server / Virtual PC images.
Check out Chris' full piece at:
http://mcpmag.com/columns/article.asp?editorialsid=1873
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