How do I package an existing VM that was not created using vagrant up command?

Question

I installed a VirtualBox and then installed a Ubuntu 12.10 Server Base OS in it. I have installed all kinds of php packages and other packages in it. My friends recommended me t

Answer 1

Any VirtualBox can be packaged to Vagrant Base Boxes (basically OVA with a Vagrantfile).

Problems are: the VM is not build as per the vagrant base boxes, if you are not sharing it on vagrantbox.es then it'll be fine.

Just install vagrant (via gem or the installer), run the following command in the VM folder to package it to .box

NOTE: For Vagrant 1.2.x, the recommended install method is using the OS specific package. Ruby Gem is NOT available for 1.2.x.

vagrant package --base ubuntu --output /path/to/ubuntu.box

Remember, if you want to share the vagrant base box with others, better to read the docs and follow those rules to make it easier for others.