Windows 7 - P2V conversion - Convert your Windows system to run on a Virtual Machine

Hi guys

If you want to try running Virtual machines but don't want the hassle of installing a brand new OS as a Virtual Machine you can do the reverse of Virtual to Physical (V2P) . This is called P2V (Physical to Virtual) and usually presents less problems than the reverse operation. You can make a Virtual Image of your existing Windows system which will work as a VM.

This will work on Windows or Linux . The example here is on a Linux Host but it also works on a Windows Host.

You can use the FREE virtualisation software. VMWARE SERVER, and VMWARE PLAYER are free offerings -- the VMWARE server is good because it means that you can connect directly to a VIRTUAL WINDOWS MACHINE from a remote computer. You need the (Free) vmware server to do this --With vmware workstation you can only connect to the HOST computer but with the server version you can RDP directly to the virtual machine.

Convert Physical Windows Systems Into Virtual Machines To Be Run On A Linux Desktop | HowtoForge - Linux Howtos and Tutorials


Cheers
jimbo

with workstation you can rdp directly to the VM, but it must not be using NAT for the virtual network. IF you give the VM its own IP, then you can rdp in just like normal.

Cool idea! It sounds like also a good way to keep backups of your good installation.

Well the windows 7 system backup is a VHD, although i have not tried it i don't see any reason why you could not just mount or boot from it.

Well the windows 7 system backup is a VHD, although i have not tried it i don't see any reason why you could not just mount or boot from it.[/QUOTE]

Sorry, it ain't that simple. The backup VHD does not have the same "hardware" if used inside a VM -- you need to change the HAL (hardware abstraction layer). This should automatically occur if you import the backup as a virtual machine using Workstation 6.5.3

Unfortunately I have not been successful at this so far -- my Windows 7 boot ends with a blue screen. Looks as though there are other obstacles. Anybody know?