How to copy files from local machine to remote virtual machine?

Question

Is there an easy way I can copy files directly from my machine to the virtual machine? I have downloaded a lot of .HTML files on my desktop and I need them on the virtual machine, I noticed that I cannot just copy and paste there. If that doesn't work (copy/paste) I am sure there is a way to share the files I cannot remember.

Additional Info: I am using a Windows XP machine. I am connected to a virtual machine through Windows Remote Desktop Connection. The VM I am connected to is Windows 64-bit also XP machine.

Answer 1

If the two machines are networked, why not just make a standard windows share from one machine accessible by the other?

Answer 2

1. Open Remote Desktop and click the Local Resources tab
2. Check the Clipboard box and click More...
3. Check Drives and click OK

Now when you connect, you will be able to copy and paste files directly from the local machine to the remote machine.

Whereas the clipboard works for copying and pasting basic content such as text (assuming clipboard sharing is enabled), sharing disk drives via the Local Resources tab is the key to being able to seamlessly copy and paste files across Remote Desktop.

Answer 3

Rather than give you a specific solution, judging by the way you have asked the question I think it may be more helpful for you to fundamentally see things in a way which you should.

Forget that it is a VM. You can connect to it in all the same ways that you can with any other machine on your LAN, including from the host which runs the VM.

So just use network shares, or whatever other method you would usually use between two locally networked machines.

Answer 4

Open the file system of remote machine using run. Steps are:

• click on Start -> run
• Type \IP addresss of remote machine
• type user id and password

Now you can see remote machine file system in explorer. In the addres bar type: \\ip_address\C$ this will open the C drive of remote machine. Now you can paste the file here or traverse any other location and paste files. No need to share disk or folders.

Answer 5

A possible solution would be to save your files to a USB flash drive and then unplug and replug the device while you are in your VM's session. The VM should recognize it and you should be able to copy the files thus.

Answer 6

Well if the VM you are connect to has an internet connection, you can use any number of online services to upload your files from the local machine and download them to the virtual machine. Some services you can use to upload files online are:

1. Megaupload
2. Rapidshare
3. Fileserve

You can also zip your files and upload them to GoogleDocs, even if they are not in a standard GoogleDocs format. Upto 1 GB of files are allowed by GoogleDocs.

Answer 7

You can copy and past over a RDP connection. But it is also possible to disable it. Make sure, on the local resources tab, that you check the Clipboard.

While you are connected to the VM, you'll see a processes called RDPclip.exe or something similar. Kill it and restart it on the other side and see if that helps.

Answer 8

For Microsoft systems it is possible to have copy paste option from host to virtual system. I have done with XP as host and 2003 enterprise edition as virtual machine. But i had used Microsoft Virtual PC for that...

Use Edit of Virtual PC software for simply drag the file from host to desktop of virtual system.

Answer 9

IN VM,Just goto c drive>progfiles>Vm ware>vm tools and press vmuser.exe file

Thats it..now you can copy data to VM and VM to local machine

Repeat this untill you get it..

Answer 10

Simply copy any file from local system, and paste it on the VM- virtual machine's desktop, You can then use it.

Answer 11

Simple copy from local machine and paste on VM desktop worked like anything! Local machine having windows 7 and Ubuntu VM in VMplayer.