Windows 7 VHD

PiKe · 23 Jun 2009 at 10:37

Would I be correct in thinking that by using a VHD installation, I effectively create a 'file' on my hard disk which is then treated as a separate partition by Windows 7 allowing me to try it without ruining the rest of my OS?

(Worst case scenario delete the VHD?)

Bossk128 · 23 Jun 2009 at 16:31

I believe so, yes!

Edit: Although if Win7 has some kind of catastrophic crash that affects the structure of the hard drive, say the power has to be cut mid write, then I guess that maybe the write may not be confined to the area of the HDD within the VHD.

I guess the only way to try it out safely would be with two drives.... Can it be insalled onto an external drive/USB stick?

J.B · 23 Jun 2009 at 19:29

You have the jist of virtulisation there. The host PC will see it as a file on the hard drive. THe virtual machine will see it as an entire hard drive.

If you are running 7 dont use MS virtual PC, use Sun Virtual Box instead as it allows for graphics acceleration.

Skeeter · 23 Jun 2009 at 21:51

Yep, spot on. And use VirtualBox too, MS Virtual PC hasnt been changed for years so lacks functionality.

ns400r · 23 Jun 2009 at 23:14

Would I be correct in thinking that by using a VHD installation, I effectively create a 'file' on my hard disk which is then treated as a separate partition by Windows 7 allowing me to try it without ruining the rest of my OS?

(Worst case scenario delete the VHD?)

Yes.

Try Googling "How to install Windows 7 on a virtual hard disk ".
This is one such link - http://forums.techarena.in/guides-tutorials/1175447.htm

Uses your actual hardware so no issues with 'lack of functionality'. You'll get Aero e.t.c. if your hardware supports it.
Simple to revert back to your original OS.

RobH · 24 Jun 2009 at 12:37

ns400r said:
Yes.

Try Googling "How to install Windows 7 on a virtual hard disk ".
This is one such link - http://forums.techarena.in/guides-tutorials/1175447.htm

Uses your actual hardware so no issues with 'lack of functionality'. You'll get Aero e.t.c. if your hardware supports it.
Simple to revert back to your original OS.

That method is the same concept that Ubuntu uses if you're familiar with the WUBI installer. It creates a file on your disk that the boot loader can boot from. It's a great idea if you don't want to use a VM but also don't want to mess up your partitions.