Windows 7: Virtual Machine without Virtualization

Lordbob75 · 05 Jun 2009

Hello all,

I have the Q8200, which doesn't support Virtualization (oh well....).

I need to run x86 windows for work, but I would rather not reinstall Seven on my computer (I don't want two installs). Is there a Virtual machine I can use, (free please!!!!!) and how do I use it? I have not used one before...

~Lordbob

Barman58 · 05 Jun 2009

Hi David,

Have a look at Virtualbox think that now works without the hardware support

Haven't included a link as you can always Bing it

Lordbob75 · 05 Jun 2009

Thanks Nigel.

I am running into an interesting problem. What I am trying to do is boot Windows 7 32 bit in a VM from my x64 Seven. I need to be able to install things on it, and keep them there. I want to have this save to either a VHD on my computer, or a folder or something. I can't find ANYTHING about this on the web.....
Anyone know how?

~Lordbob

Barman58 · 05 Jun 2009

Hello David,

As far as I know virtualbox will work with Windows 7 as both a Client and a guest.

It creates a virtual disk which you can install things on so should meet your needs there.

The need for virtualisation in hardware is I believe no longer needed after version 2

Have a read here ....

Windows 7 as guest on VirtualBox

Documentation - VirtualBox

I have used it on x64 with x86 XP as guest without issues but I have hardware support so it's not a real test for your circumstances

Lordbob75 · 05 Jun 2009

Ok, thanks Nigel.

Testing it now.

~Lordbob

jimbo45 · 05 Jun 2009

Hi there

If you use vmware workstation you can save virtual machines by using the "Clone" operation - this simply saves the entire VM on to another disk or folder -- you can then open and run this VM on another machine etc.

You can also save the VM with standard software like Acronis True Image. To restore you need to create the Acronis bootable media, open / create a "New" virtual machine and then boot the restore media and restore your image

cheers
jimbo

Lordbob75 · 05 Jun 2009

Quote: Originally Posted by jimbo45

If you use vmware workstation you can save virtual machines by using the "Clone" operation - this simply saves the entire VM on to another disk or folder -- you can then open and run this VM on another machine etc.

What I am asking (forgive me if this is obvious) is if I can install things in the VM OS and keep all those settings, info, and changes.

~Lordbob

Barman58 · 05 Jun 2009

Hi,

Yes the vm is saved at the end of a session - it's just like having a separate install, but in a special "virtual" machine rather than a physical one

.

With most systems you create a machine set up how you need it with memory, hdd, etc and then install the OS as if you were on a normal PC You can also share items from the parent machine so if you need to install software etc you can mount iso's in virtual CD drives etc.

Lordbob75 · 05 Jun 2009

Quote: Originally Posted by Barman58

Hi,

Yes the vm is saved at the end of a session - it's just like having a separate install, but in a special "virtual" machine rather than a physical one

.

With most systems you create a machine set up how you need it with memory, hdd, etc and then install the OS as if you were on a normal PC You can also share items from the parent machine so if you need to install software etc you can mount iso's in virtual CD drives etc.

Alright, well, Virtual Box was MUCH easier to set up and use than VMware, and it let me use a VHD, which I liked. So it seems to work now, thanks Nigel.

~Lordbob

Barman58 · 05 Jun 2009

No problem David,

Have fun

Windows 7: Virtual Machine without Virtualization

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