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Existing XP partition in virtual machine? by Chris4 on 02-28-2010 at 11:01 PM

Is it possible to run an already existing partition of Windows XP inside a virtual machine?

I downloaded VirtualBox, but following the wizard I can't find an option to do so. There's a 'use existing hard disk' option, then you have to create a new virtual hard disk (.vdi file) or add an existing one (I tried selecting the partition but it just opens it).

Edit: Found tutorial to do it in Ubuntu, but I'm on Windows 7.

Edit2: Maybe this tutorial will do the job?

Has anyone here tried doing this before?

RE: Existing XP partition in virtual machine? by matty on 02-28-2010 at 11:09 PM

I know with VMWare you could use a partition to install an OS but to use an existing one no. You cannot because of the hardware differences. It will likely BSOD.

RE: Existing XP partition in virtual machine? by Mike on 02-28-2010 at 11:21 PM

There is VMware Converter which automagically converts a physical machine to a virtual machine, but it is for VMware (which is not a problem if you don't mind using VMware).

I have used it in the past, and as far as I remember, it worked fine.

RE: Existing XP partition in virtual machine? by lizard.boy on 03-02-2010 at 03:54 AM

I use VMware Converter on my school laptop every year so that I can reinstall a clean OS and keep the school's software as a backup. It works quite well for me. I know vmware can also run off an existing partition, but I'm not sure if it allows you to continue dual booting.

RE: Existing XP partition in virtual machine? by Menthix on 03-02-2010 at 10:43 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Mike
but it is for VMware (which is not a problem if you don't mind using VMware)
AFAIK VirtualBox opens VMware disks too.
RE: Existing XP partition in virtual machine? by Chris4 on 03-02-2010 at 12:55 PM

Thanks guys, I'll use VMware Converter, then run it with VirtualBox.

Edit: VMware Converter says it'll only work with WMware products, so we'll see. I'm following this video tutorial.

Edit2:
Stage 1: Selected 'This local machine'
Stage 2: Chose "VMware Workstation or other VMware virtual machine" then chose the location as C:\ (XP)

Stage 3: [see below]

[Image: behe3l.jpg]

It's selected all of them for some reason, do I just select C: ?

C: = Windows XP [1]
F: = Downloads [1]
H: = Ubuntu [1]
G: = Windows 7 (Current) [2]

[1] = Maxtor hard drive
[2] = Samsung hard drive

If I unselect G: I get..

[Image: qFN22.png]

Am I meant to boot into XP then use the converter on that?

RE: Existing XP partition in virtual machine? by Menthix on 03-02-2010 at 01:49 PM

It's a multi-boot system? Your bootloader is probably on the G: drive. Running the converter software from inside XP won't fix that.

I would just ignore the warning, convert only C. Import the converted C drive into VirtualBox. And to fix the booting issue, start the VM with a Live CD which has a utility to correct the bootloader.