Windows 7: Windows 7 Ent SP1 x64 VHD - How to create a read-only VHD file?

Hi, I'm trying to create a virtual "Windows 7 ENT SP1 x64" in a vhd file. I need it to be bootable. Also, I need to figure out how to implement it so that when a user reboot and/or logoff from this computer, that it restore the vhd OS to its original state (read-only). Is that even possible?

Note: I'm already able to create a normal vhd from scratch or from an existing Windows 7 system. What I can't figure out is how to make it a read-only vhd file.



Thanks in advance for the help!

Windows will not work in a read only mode but some virtual software can use a feature called Undo Disks.

So, the user boots up their virtual machine, run it, use the apps and change settings and save files etc as normal. These changes are saved on a undo vhd disk.
When the vm is shutdown, you are sometimes given the option to merge the changes onto the main vhd or forget them and revert back to the 'factory' default as you originally want it. See virtual machine settings on how to create an undo disk.

If the VM does not support undo disks, you can create a snapshot before a user uses the vm machine. Then when the user is done, you can revert the machine back to the snapshot afterwards.

Thanks for the information pjhutch. I now, at least, have an idea on what to look for.

Thanks again for the help!