In this article, it should be noted that it is not a virtual disk created a virtual machine,VMware Player, Virtual Box, etc, but we create a virtual disk using Disk Managementutility in Windows, then we will attach real hard disk to another Windows tool, Diskpart.It should be noted that the process is quite simple, requiring only knowledge about creating a partition and installing an operating system. Installing an operating system on a virtual hard disk ( VHD ), is widespread in the IT field for several reasons. First is particularly advantageous to test an operating system. In this way, it is not necessary to create a specific partition intended for installation of the proposed system, the whole operating system partition will be equivalent to a file in. VHD.
This means saving hard disk space, a system installed on VHD, occupying around 10 - 12GBdepending on the version chosen (32 or 64-bit) Removing no longer require formatting, simply delete the VHD file, like any other computer file.
The disadvantages are minor, the real system will not have access to the VHD files unless you have installed, conversely, that the VHD system, we have access to all the real hard disk. Also, the virtual system is disabled by default Hibernate mode. In summary, the advantages are much higher as compared with the disadvantages. First of all, you should note that installation on a virtual hard disk is supported only Ultimate and Enterprise versions, ofWindows 7 , and all versions of Windows 8 .
Create Virtual Hard Disk
If you want to test the process, you just have to follow every step described in the article.Again, if you have no knowledge of how to install an operating system, or at work with partitions, it would not be impossible, but you will need special attention. The described process assumes you have an operating system installed. Installing on a VHD is supported only Ultimate and Enterprise editions of Windows 7 and all versions of Windows 8.
First we open Disk Mnangement to create virtual hard disk. In Disk Management will click the Action menu bar, selecting Create VHD. In the window that opens, you will need to set the VHD file name and location. For safety, I advise you to create a new folder where you save your VHD. We also recommend a short name for both the folder and the VHD. It will be easier to ataşrea its Diskpart.
As shown in the figure, we have two options to create a VHD, dynamic and fixed size. The advantage of dynamic disk is saving hard disk space. Although we will size to 25 - 30GBinitially will have maximum 100KB and after installation, 10 - 15GB, expandându-based programs are installed later. It is the most used term (testing). Fixed size disk, I predict that represents, with the only advantage of a high sensitive performance in running your operating system. In long-term use. So, navigate to the desired location using the Browsebutton, name and save the file VHD, VHD set size and type, and give the OK. In Disk Management will appear as unallocated space, leave it that way.
Install OS VHD
Further, restart the computer and boot from the installation disk or USB stick with Windows 7 or 8, as you would normally install any operating system. When you get to the partition manager, press Shift + F10. This will open a command prompt, where you give the command diskpart and press Enter. To no confusion about HDD partitions points, typelist volume. In the list of partitions, you have to find where you saved the VHD partition, then type:
- select VDisk file = "X: \ FolderVHD \ fişierVHD.vhd"
You will need to adjust the command syntax corresponding your case, where "X" is the letter of the partition, followed by the path to the VHD file. Whether the path contains blanks (spaces), the syntax put quotation marks, otherwise it will not work. After this, type:
Then type exit twice, or close the cmd window. return to the partition manager and click on the Refresh link. Soon appears a space (VHD) with size set by you as unallocated space.
Click on Drive options (advanced), and then click New, allow full size, please Apply,then format the newly created partition. In the bottom of the partition manager, you will have a warning as well that you can not install Windows on that partition, ignore the message and give Next. Will start the normal installation of the operating system. Finally, you have an operating system, fully functional. If you would like removing his boot into another operating system than the VHD, then simply wipe VHD file folder. You will need to remove the invalid entry left in the boot menu.
Open a box Run (Win + R), type msconfig, and then the Boot tab, select the old operating system installed on VHD, and delete it, Delete. In a multi-boot system, attention to selection, do not delete another entry! After the first restart, everything will be like before the creation, installation of the system on the VHD. Finally, mention that I successfully tested the process outlined by installing Windows 8 Professional x64. If you just follow all the steps I described in the article, you will be part of any error. I wish you success!
