Switching from VMware to Native VHD


  1. Posts : 244
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #1

    Switching from VMware to Native VHD


    Okay, I took all my virtual hard drives from vmware and opened your tutorial:
    Virtual Hard Drive VHD File - Create and Start with at Boot
    But it says: "Insert your retail copy Windows 7 installation disk into the CD/DVD drive, and restart the computer."

    And I have OEM installation, I don't have windows 7 installation disc.

    Is it possible to create and boot VHD in windows 7 ultimate without windows 7 installation disc?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 72,051
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Senteaf,

    For an existing VHD file, the steps in this tutorial to boot from it may work better for you.

    Boot from a VHD using Windows 7

    Hope this helps,
    Shawn
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 244
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #3

    **I have just seen that it only works with windows 7. All my vhd files are windows XP...

    What can I do?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 72,051
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #4

    Yeah, sorry. XP will not work for this.

    You could continue using the XP VHD in VMWare. If you have a XP installion disc or ISO, you could dual boot XP and Windows 7.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 244
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Okay thanks for the dual-boot tutorial, I will try that one.

    But I want to use the windows 7 VHD native boot too.
    There is noway to do it without an installation disc?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 72,051
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #6

    No, you will still have to have a Windows 7 installation disk/USB to install it from onto a created VHD at boot.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 244
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Okay then, where can I download windows 7 installation disc.


    I will use my key to install it...
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 72,051
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #8

    You're OEM Windows 7 product key is activated on your current installation and permanently tied to your specific computer, so you will not be able to use it to activate on another computer or on another installation on the same computer.

    To do this, you will have to purchase another legal copy of Windows 7 that comes with a new product key. I would recommend a retail version to make doing this easier.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 244
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Okay thank you.

    I will try retail.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 72,051
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #10

    You're welcome. Please let us know how it went.
      My Computer


 

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