Windows 7 on VHD under XP after format XP

bernard · 09 May 2010

Hi. Some time ago I installed 7 on VHD (because I used XP). Two days ago I had to format primary partition with XP. There's not available screen to choose OS to rn. I have backup of VHD file with Windows 7. Can I restore / add this backuped file to fresh installed XP. I don't want to install 7 again step by step but only make any steps to move VHD to location where 7 was installed 1st time and start to use this OS. Thanks in advance, Berni

Jonathan_King · 10 May 2010

I don't know about installing Windows on VHDs, but see if EasyBCD 2.0 will allow you to do what you want.

You will need to sign up for a free account before you can download 2.0.

Ztruker · 10 May 2010

What virtual software were you using? VMWare, Sun Virtual Box, ?

I run XP Pro, Ubuntu Linux and Windows 7 under Windows 7 as Sun Virtual Box clients. Since you have backups, you should be able to reinstall the virtual machine software then import the backup.

bernard · 11 May 2010

I use normal XP and 7 on VHD. After format partition with XP I still have VHD file but there's not available menu to choose XP (normal installation) or 7 (from VHD).

Ztruker · 11 May 2010

VHD == Virtual Hard Drive?????

Can you tell me more about it or provide a link where I can read about this please?

Kari · 11 May 2010

Ztruker said:

VHD == Virtual Hard Drive?????

Can you tell me more about it or provide a link where I can read about this please?

Here's an easy to understand tutorial about booting from vhd, made by our own Shawn "Need a tut?" Brink: Virtual Hard Drive VHD File - Create and Start with at Boot

Kari

bernard · 12 May 2010

Kari said:

Here's an easy to understand tutorial about booting from vhd, made by our own Shawn "Need a tut?" Brink: Virtual Hard Drive VHD File - Create and Start with at Boot

Kari

I used similar tutorial many times. I use Diskpart (Shift + f10) to attach VHD file to installation screan menu but I don't want installation because I have system on this file (backup after 1st installation I ever made). I need to force running system to "see" existing VHD file and try to boot from it.

Ztruker · 12 May 2010

Thanks Kari. I did notice this though:

While all Windows 7 editions can create and attach a VHD, only the Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise editions support booting from a VHD.

Leaves my Pro version out in the cold ..... rats, would have been fun to play with. I'll have to stick with SUN VB.

Edit: Hmmm, sounds like XP and/or Vista (which versions) can boot one though.