Virtual Machine State (XenServer)

In the Virtual Machine State step in the Virtual Machine Configuration Wizard, you specify the state in which you want the wizard to leave the XenServer virtual machine when you finish working through the wizard steps. If you choose one of the options to take a snapshot, the option you select also controls the state to which AppDNA reverts the virtual machine at the start of each Install Capture.

The options are:

• Power off and take snapshot (recommended) – If you choose this option, the wizard powers off the virtual machine and takes a snapshot of its state. This option means that AppDNA restarts the virtual machine at the start of each Install Capture. For example, if you use Install Capture to import five applications, AppDNA restarts the virtual machine five times (once at the start of each capture). Although slower than the next option (which suspends the virtual machine before taking the snapshot), Citrix recommends this option because it ensures that the virtual machine is in a clean state at the start of every Install Capture.
• Suspend and take snapshot – If you choose this option, the wizard suspends the virtual machine state and takes a snapshot of its state. This option means that AppDNA starts the virtual machine from a suspended state at the start of each Install Capture. This generally reduces the startup time but may be less reliable than restarting from the powered off state.
• Revert to snapshot – If you choose this option, the wizard discards any changes made to the virtual machine while working through the wizard and reverts the virtual machine to the existing snapshot. Choose this option if you are running through the wizard to check an existing configuration or to change the output location, for example.
• Leave running, I will stop it myself – If you choose this option, the wizard leaves the virtual machine running. You then need to shut the virtual machine down yourself before you attempt to run an Install Capture.