Windows 7: When Win 8 is on within VMware,Win 7 is difficult to run

The title says it all.
Win 7 ( the host OS ) is sluggish when Win 8 ( guest OS ) is running inside VMware. Seems like Win 8 is interferring ( my speculation only ).

Is that normal or is there something can be done about it so that I can run Win 7 normally.

t-4-2

Hi there
shouldn't be a problem.

Check these issues

1) How much RAM do you have on your host.

2) How much RAM have you allocated to the W8VM --- start with say 1 GB (should me MORE than enough to test a system. Note with VM's you can't assume that just because a theoretical REAL machine which you want to "Virtualize"has say 4GB then the VM has to have say the same amount.

3) if your host is running a 32 bit version of Windows 7 then your max memory usage is 4GB however much you have installed -- note you CAN run a 64 bit Guest VM on a 32 Bit host so long as the CPU has the Intel VT feature enabled (in BIOS) or equivalent AMD feature turned on.

4) you've installed VMware tools (VERY IMPORTANT or screen will be slow and mouse almost unuseable).
5) Disk I/O is a HUGE problem with slow disks - if your VM is on a slow USB device then you will just have to be patient.

If you can afford one an SSD is a great place to either install the Host OS or have your VM on it. a 120 GB SSD should have enough room for Windows 7 host and a VM image.

Sluggish systems these days are rarely due to poor software or lack of RAM. SLOW DISKS are the biggest culprit.

cheers
jimbo

1. Host OS is 64-bit Win 7 Home Premium, 4GB Ram. Hard drive capacity 640 GB

2. Guest OS is 32-bit Win 8 allocated with 2 GB memory.


4. VM Tools are installed.

Hi there
where is the VM located. If it's on the main drive (either on the Windows partition or a separate partition) you shouldn't really have a problem with a W8 VM.

note that if it's on an external USB it will take a while to load up and start properly -- you'll probably see a LOT of disk activity for a while -- just wait until all this stops.

I'd start again with a NEW VM installation - doesn't take long at all to create a new VM.

If the VM isn't powered on then in no way should it effect a currently running Windows 7 HOST.

Can't say I've noticed a problem running W8 as a VM under Windows 7 even on a laptop AND having the VM on an external USB drive.

Try reducing the W8 virtual memory allocation to say 1 GB RAM just for a test. 1GB is plenty for most tests (including a Photoshop test too !!!).

BTW have you downloaded the latest release -- I think VMware workstation is now at 8.03 and VMware player is 4.03.

Cheers
jimbo

I was using this tutorial from Brink.
VMware Player - Install Windows 8 Consumer Preview

I did not say I have problem with Win 8 or VMware player, I said when both ( guest and host OS ) are running, Win 7 is sluggish.

I have 4.0.3 version installed.

How do I reduce Win 8 memory to 1 GB ? Do I have to start from scratch ?
Can I jump to step #10 of the tutorial mentioned above and change it to 1GB ? If yes, how ?

t-4-2

Hi,

Just adjust it like this, after shutting down Windows 8, as shown here.

Regards,
Golden

Sorry, you might have mis-read my last question.

I do know adjustment is on that window which is step #10 of the tutorial.
My question is..... How do I get to step #10 ?

t-4-2

Hi,

If you have already setup the VM, just click on that tab and adjust the RAM - or am I still confused?

Regards,
Golden

You can get there from this highlighted item when the guest isn't running but is also highlighted.

We are , or I am, running in circles.
Please go over the tutorial I used to install VMware player and Win 8 Preview, and tell me how do I by-pass all the steps and go stright to step #10 to reduce the memory.

You said " Just adjust it like this, after shutting down Windows 8, as shown here."
How could I make adjustment if I shut down Win 8 ?

t-4-2