Windows 7: Create VHD on flash drive?

Well, I'm at my wit's end here with getting 7 virtualized and portable.

And that's why I come here to see if creating a virtual hard drive onto a flash drive and then installing 7 on it is possible. I honestly didn't realize that Windows can support virtualization until a while ago...

So I'd say I'm pretty new to Hyper-V, is that what it's called? I don't have much knowledge of how to use it properly and I'd love some info from you guys on how to use it. Most importantly, does it operate like VMware, where you can run the operating system in tandem? What are its benefits and drawbacks?

Also, does it support USB based virtual hard drives?

In case if you're wondering why I need this, it's because my ultimate goal of getting Office 2010 installed on it and take it where ever, a foreign laptop, puter, best buy, colleges, meth labs, strip clubs, anywhere. But Microsoft seems to be making this task difficult with Office's ridiculous anti-piracy measures that are screwing the process up and having Windows not able to install on whatever drive. I understand that running an operating system off a flash drive is somewhat slow, but it's better than nothing in my book.

I'm getting to the point of installing ubuntu and making it look like 7, then using Wine to get Office installed. I kind of don't want to do that since ubuntu is a whole other beast for super, uber geeks.

If "Office" is your goal. Open office on a linux bootable USB should be the easiest and totally legal solution. My understanding is that Open Office is quite compatible with MS Office 2007 now --- Office 2010?. I think linux Mint will support Open Office. You probably need an 8GB USB.

+1, this is the way I would do it too.

May I suggest another approach? This is how I am keeping my documents with me, accessing them from any computer with Internet access.

• First, create or edit a document as you wish. When finished, click File on any Office application (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.):
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• Save document to your Windows Live SkyDrive (if you have chosen not to be permanently logged in to Live, you need to enter your Live credentials when asked):
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• Choose Save As location normally as you would do when saving to local computer:
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• Your document is saved on SkyDrive and is accesible from any computer with Internet access:
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• You can even edit / create documents using Office Live, no MsOffice needed on computer you are using. Just click the document to open it on Office Live:
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Easy!

Kari

Thanks! You guys' suggests are pretty great!

I prefer using Office 2010 since it's pretty. Open Office is great and all, but to me, it's kind of a pain to use when I know Office's commands and settings like the back of my hand, and also, PowerPoint 2010 is simply amazing. I'm thinking Wine and ubuntu is the best way to go.

As for SkyDrive, I do use that from time to time but sometimes I don't have network access when I'm around. So much for the cloud right?

Sorry, I just thought this part was hilarious!

Hi there
As always I tend to look at the question THE OTHER WAY AROUND.

Why not create ANY LINUX distro you like -- it will easily fit on to a bootable USB stick.

Then on this OS install VBOX or vmware and install a WINDOWS VM on which you can install your favourite Windows products - in particular OFFICE 2010 or whatever.

You can easily fit even a Windows Windows 7 installation on to a 32 GB USB stick -- or if you are careful you might get it on to a 16 GB USB stick.

Just boot your Linux USB - then start the vm application whether it's vmware or vbox and open your Windows VM. An XP Virtual system will run Office 2010 as well and you should be able to get the whole kybosh on to a 4GB USB stick.

Remember the Windows Virtual machine is only DATA as far as the linux os is concerned so you don't need to format it as separate partitions.

You've now got a 100% portable Windows system !!!!! - take it to the "Pole dancing" club too if you want !!!!

Cheers
jimbo

Yeah, it looks like I'm forced to install linux on the flash drive and do it from there...shucks, although that's not the best method I'd go for there doesn't seem to be a way around it.

And yes, I will take it an exotic dance club!

Which was the first suggestion you were given. Again I would recommend linux Mint on a 8GB flash drive. There should be an option to download Open Office from Mint - easy.

Yeah... I take a while to mull things over and research things further before I make my mind up...