What happens to the guest OS configuration when a virtual machine is reverted from its snapshot?
Final answer: When a virtual machine is reverted from its snapshot, the guest OS configuration is rolled back to the state at the time the snapshot was taken. Any changes made after the snapshot will be undone.
Explanation:
When a virtual machine is reverted from its snapshot, the guest OS configuration is essentially reset to the state it was in when the snapshot was created. This means that any modifications, updates, installations, or changes made to the guest OS after the snapshot was taken will be erased. The guest OS will be returned to its previous state, as captured by the snapshot.
Rollback of Configurations:
Any changes made to system settings, installed software, or user files on the guest OS will be reverted back to the snapshot's state. For instance, if a software update was installed or specific system configurations were modified after the snapshot was created, reverting the VM to that snapshot will eliminate those changes.
Impact on Guest OS:
Reverting a VM from a snapshot only affects the guest OS configuration. It does not alter the virtualization infrastructure or the host OS. The changes are limited to the specific virtual machine and the OS running within it.
Example Scenario:
Let's consider a scenario where a snapshot was taken three days ago. Since then, some files were added, system settings were adjusted, and software was installed. If the VM is reverted to the snapshot from three days ago, all these changes made in the past three days would be removed, and the guest OS would be restored to the exact state it was in when the snapshot was created.
It's crucial to carefully consider the implications of reverting a VM from a snapshot, as any data or configurations made post-snapshot will be lost. This functionality can be useful for restoring a VM to a known good state or troubleshooting issues that arose after a particular snapshot was taken.
Important Note:
Keep in mind that reverting a VM to a snapshot should be done cautiously, as it can lead to data loss if not handled properly. It's recommended to have backups and a clear understanding of the current state of the VM before performing a rollback.