Mount Vista VHD in Windows 7

wwITman · 09 Oct 2009

I am attempting to open a Vista Ultimate complete backup file (VHD) in Windows 7 but disk management opens it as an "unallocated" disk. Anyone know what the issue is?

Kari · 09 Oct 2009

Hello and welcome to the SevenForums.

A little bit more information, please. Are you trying to use Win7 Backup and Restore to read a Vista Backup Image vhd to extract files, or are you trying to mount it as a virtual HD?

Kari

zigzag3143 · 09 Oct 2009

wwITman said:

I am attempting to open a Vista Ultimate complete backup file (VHD) in Windows 7 but disk management opens it as an "unallocated" disk. Anyone know what the issue is?

hi

Read here Boot from VHD in Win7 | Media | TechNet Edge

Ken

wwITman · 09 Oct 2009

Would like to mount as read-only and copy files from the Vista backup (VHD file).

zigzag3143 · 09 Oct 2009

wwITman said:

Would like to mount as read-only and copy files from the Vista backup (VHD file).

doesn't read only prevent copying? what about right clicking the mounted vhd file and changing its permissions?

hope this helps

Ken

Kari · 09 Oct 2009

You can use Disk Management or Virtual PC to extract files from a vhd. Click the links given to check out the tutorials.

Kari

wwITman · 09 Oct 2009

Yes, I understand the concept but why does my Vista VHD file mount as an "unallocated" disk. Either the file created by Vista is not compatible with Win 7 or I am missing something.
Maybe someone who has actually mounted "Vista" VHD files would know if it is possible or not.

Kari · 09 Oct 2009

I have mounted a Vista system image vhd on Vista virtual machine running on my Windows 7 and extracted all my personal files from an old Vista installation.

Kari

Teerex · 09 Oct 2009

Just uncheck 'read only' and you're all set.

wwITman · 12 Oct 2009

That was the missing link Teerex. Vista VHD mounted immediately and fully recognized. Didn't see anything explaining the "read-only" switch before your suggestion.

Thanks