Is This Possible?

123386761

Member
Member
Messages
26
I dual boot Windows 7/8 currently, and I prefer to use Windows 7 most of the time. But sometimes I need to use Windows 8, and don't feel like rebooting the computer! I am wondering if it is possible to use a physical partition in VirtualBox so that I could run Windows 8 inside Windows 7, just for when I need it. Is it possible? I couldn't find anywhere on how to do so...

Thanks!
Gage
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home-made
    CPU
    AMD Phenom x6 @ 2.66GHz
    Motherboard
    Biostar A870U3
    Memory
    Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GTX 550 Ti
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC662 6-Channel HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell IN1910N
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
    PSU
    CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 (CMPSU-430CXV2) 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power
    Case
    RAIDMAX Tornado ATX-238WR Black / Red SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
    Cooling
    XIGMATEK Gaia SD1283 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Dell [well it came w/ a Dell Dimension >_>]
    Mouse
    Logitech G700 Wire(less) Desktop Mouse
    Internet Speed
    D-24.32Mb/s; U-4.34Mb/s
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG
    Other Info
    This is a home-built desktop I made [don't criticize... I was on a budget and I'm only 17 :P]
Like a virtual machine? Yes you can!

How to Use VirtualBox to Solve Dual Boot | eHow.com

The basic instructions to do that. I think the newer version of Virtual Box supports 8 better than before. I remember having to change some motherboard and CPU settings to get an alpha build of Windows 8 to boot successfully.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
I know VMware doesn't allow you to use physical partitions under Windows 7 and 8, because of the increased security model. Windows doesn't allow it. I've heard there is a way to get around that, but I have never used it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    CPU
    Intel i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77X-UD4 TH
    Memory
    16GB DDR3 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX 650
    Sound Card
    Onboard Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Auria 27" IPS + 2x Samsung 23"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 + 2x 2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    Corsair m4 256GB, 2 WD 2TB drives
    Case
    Antec SOLO II
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
    Mouse
    Logitech MX
I use virtualBox in win 7 to run win 8, and found no problems.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 570
    CPU
    AMD x2
    Motherboard
    Dell
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI HD 5670
    Hard Drives
    2 x 500GB
    PSU
    Corsair 600W
    Case
    Dell
    Keyboard
    Logitech K300
    Mouse
    Logitech G400 Gaming
okay! Thank you guys!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home-made
    CPU
    AMD Phenom x6 @ 2.66GHz
    Motherboard
    Biostar A870U3
    Memory
    Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GTX 550 Ti
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC662 6-Channel HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell IN1910N
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
    PSU
    CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 (CMPSU-430CXV2) 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power
    Case
    RAIDMAX Tornado ATX-238WR Black / Red SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
    Cooling
    XIGMATEK Gaia SD1283 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Dell [well it came w/ a Dell Dimension >_>]
    Mouse
    Logitech G700 Wire(less) Desktop Mouse
    Internet Speed
    D-24.32Mb/s; U-4.34Mb/s
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG
    Other Info
    This is a home-built desktop I made [don't criticize... I was on a budget and I'm only 17 :P]
Like a virtual machine? Yes you can!

How to Use VirtualBox to Solve Dual Boot | eHow.com

The basic instructions to do that. I think the newer version of Virtual Box supports 8 better than before. I remember having to change some motherboard and CPU settings to get an alpha build of Windows 8 to boot successfully.
heh. When I first saw the title I was like "OMG This is it :O" Aaaand then I read below :/ Not exactly what I am looking for, but thx for the fast response!
I'm basically trying to start Windows 8 from a physical partition on my drive, but I can't find an option for that ANYWHERE!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home-made
    CPU
    AMD Phenom x6 @ 2.66GHz
    Motherboard
    Biostar A870U3
    Memory
    Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GTX 550 Ti
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC662 6-Channel HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell IN1910N
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
    PSU
    CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 (CMPSU-430CXV2) 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power
    Case
    RAIDMAX Tornado ATX-238WR Black / Red SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
    Cooling
    XIGMATEK Gaia SD1283 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Dell [well it came w/ a Dell Dimension >_>]
    Mouse
    Logitech G700 Wire(less) Desktop Mouse
    Internet Speed
    D-24.32Mb/s; U-4.34Mb/s
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG
    Other Info
    This is a home-built desktop I made [don't criticize... I was on a budget and I'm only 17 :P]
VHD?

I don't see how you can run W7 & W8 at the same time, unless one (or both) are virtual.

You could use a VHD to run W8 (since you have W7 Ultimate).

The VHD behaves like a physical install:
  • You select it from the boot menu
  • It uses your HW and drivers, not virtual HW.

I used this info to create VHDs of W8DP, W8CP and W8RP:
Mister Goodcat | Installing Windows 8 Developer Preview as bootable VHD
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 (64 bit), Linux Mint 18.3 MATE (64 bit)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    n/a
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II x6 1055T, 2.8 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASRock 880GMH-LE/USB3
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 1333 G-Skill Ares F3-1333C9D-8GAO (4GB x 2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD6450
    Sound Card
    Realtek?
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung S23B350
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 1.5 TB (SATA), Western Digital 2 TB (SATA), Western Digital 3 TB (SATA)
    Case
    Tower
    Mouse
    Wired Optical
    Other Info
    Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 17 MATE (64 bit) - 2014-05-17
    Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-11-13
    Ubuntu 10.04 (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-01-14
    RAM & Graphics Card Upgraded - 2013-01-13
    Monitor Upgraded - 2012-04-20
    System Upgraded - 2011-05-21, 2010-07-14
    HDD Upgraded - 2010-08-11, 2011-08-24,
You could use a VHD to run W8 (since you have W7 Ultimate).

You are not understanding what he wants.

He has Windows 8 and Windows 7 installed on two different partitions and dual boots. He wants to run Windows 8, from the physical disk partition he already has, in a virtual machine. He does not want to copy the partition to another VHD, because he still wants to dual boot as well.

Now, most Virtual PC software lets you do that on XP, but in Windows 7 and 8, this is difficult because of the extended security regarding accessing hard disk partitions directly from software.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    CPU
    Intel i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77X-UD4 TH
    Memory
    16GB DDR3 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX 650
    Sound Card
    Onboard Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Auria 27" IPS + 2x Samsung 23"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 + 2x 2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    Corsair m4 256GB, 2 WD 2TB drives
    Case
    Antec SOLO II
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
    Mouse
    Logitech MX
You could use a VHD to run W8 (since you have W7 Ultimate).

You are not understanding what he wants.

He has Windows 8 and Windows 7 installed on two different partitions and dual boots. He wants to run Windows 8, from the physical disk partition he already has, in a virtual machine. He does not want to copy the partition to another VHD, because he still wants to dual boot as well.

Now, most Virtual PC software lets you do that on XP, but in Windows 7 and 8, this is difficult because of the extended security regarding accessing hard disk partitions directly from software.

Is that why I can't do this? Darnit :| and you are exactly right about the situation!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home-made
    CPU
    AMD Phenom x6 @ 2.66GHz
    Motherboard
    Biostar A870U3
    Memory
    Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GTX 550 Ti
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC662 6-Channel HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell IN1910N
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
    PSU
    CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 (CMPSU-430CXV2) 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power
    Case
    RAIDMAX Tornado ATX-238WR Black / Red SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
    Cooling
    XIGMATEK Gaia SD1283 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Dell [well it came w/ a Dell Dimension >_>]
    Mouse
    Logitech G700 Wire(less) Desktop Mouse
    Internet Speed
    D-24.32Mb/s; U-4.34Mb/s
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG
    Other Info
    This is a home-built desktop I made [don't criticize... I was on a budget and I'm only 17 :P]
O ... kay ...

You are not understanding what he wants.

He has Windows 8 and Windows 7 installed on two different partitions and dual boots. He wants to run Windows 8, from the physical disk partition he already has, in a virtual machine. He does not want to copy the partition to another VHD, because he still wants to dual boot as well.

Now, most Virtual PC software lets you do that on XP, but in Windows 7 and 8, this is difficult because of the extended security regarding accessing hard disk partitions directly from software.

When have you ever been able to run two physically installed desktop operating systems simultaneously on the same machine?
(Note: I've never used Virtual PC software on XP).

If you have W7 Ultimate you can dual boot using a W8 VHD (that's how I run it).

I multi-boot my PC:

  • Ubuntu 10.04 (install)
  • XP SP3 (install)
  • W7 Ultimate (install)
  • W8DP (VHD)
  • W8CP (VHD)
  • W8RP (VHD)
GRUB offers me:
  • Ubuntu 10.04
  • W7 Ultimate
If I choose W7, I get this boot menu:
  • XP SP3
  • W7 Ultimate
  • W8DP (VHD)
  • W8CP (VHD)
  • W8RP (VHD)
The VHDs are all on the same HDD partition.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 (64 bit), Linux Mint 18.3 MATE (64 bit)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    n/a
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II x6 1055T, 2.8 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASRock 880GMH-LE/USB3
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 1333 G-Skill Ares F3-1333C9D-8GAO (4GB x 2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD6450
    Sound Card
    Realtek?
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung S23B350
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 1.5 TB (SATA), Western Digital 2 TB (SATA), Western Digital 3 TB (SATA)
    Case
    Tower
    Mouse
    Wired Optical
    Other Info
    Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 17 MATE (64 bit) - 2014-05-17
    Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-11-13
    Ubuntu 10.04 (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-01-14
    RAM & Graphics Card Upgraded - 2013-01-13
    Monitor Upgraded - 2012-04-20
    System Upgraded - 2011-05-21, 2010-07-14
    HDD Upgraded - 2010-08-11, 2011-08-24,
I'd use 2 machines - one for windows 7, and one for Windows 8 - and run the Windows 8 as a virtual desktop in remote desktop or VNC.
What we need is something akin to XPMode - with tight integration with terminal services, so that both OSs can integrate with the same software, documents and file system.

Failing that, a nice Metro app that can run your second OS of choice in its own workspace. :p
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP COMPAQ Presario CQ57
    CPU
    AMD E- 300 APU with Radion HD Graphics 1.30GHz
    Motherboard
    inbuilt
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    notebook
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST9500325AS
    Google drive 15GB
    Skydrive 25GB
    BT Cloud
    PSU
    external 20v
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    pretty good
    Keyboard
    inbuilt
    Mouse
    touchpad
    Internet Speed
    BT Infinity Unlimited - 80 up 20 down =70/16 really
    Browser
    Chrome Canary usually
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    no Start menu modifications
    Upgraded with no issues to 8.0 and to 8.1
You are not understanding what he wants.

He has Windows 8 and Windows 7 installed on two different partitions and dual boots. He wants to run Windows 8, from the physical disk partition he already has, in a virtual machine. He does not want to copy the partition to another VHD, because he still wants to dual boot as well.

Now, most Virtual PC software lets you do that on XP, but in Windows 7 and 8, this is difficult because of the extended security regarding accessing hard disk partitions directly from software.

When have you ever been able to run two physically installed desktop operating systems simultaneously on the same machine?
(Note: I've never used Virtual PC software on XP).

If you have W7 Ultimate you can dual boot using a W8 VHD (that's how I run it).

I multi-boot my PC:

  • Ubuntu 10.04 (install)
  • XP SP3 (install)
  • W7 Ultimate (install)
  • W8DP (VHD)
  • W8CP (VHD)
  • W8RP (VHD)
GRUB offers me:
  • Ubuntu 10.04
  • W7 Ultimate
If I choose W7, I get this boot menu:
  • XP SP3
  • W7 Ultimate
  • W8DP (VHD)
  • W8CP (VHD)
  • W8RP (VHD)
The VHDs are all on the same HDD partition.
This could work, however it would require a lot of tweaks to my system, including copying an entire operating system to a file! Its possible, but if Windows would allow me to do what I've been trying to do, it would make my life a whole lot easier!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home-made
    CPU
    AMD Phenom x6 @ 2.66GHz
    Motherboard
    Biostar A870U3
    Memory
    Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GTX 550 Ti
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC662 6-Channel HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell IN1910N
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
    PSU
    CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 (CMPSU-430CXV2) 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power
    Case
    RAIDMAX Tornado ATX-238WR Black / Red SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
    Cooling
    XIGMATEK Gaia SD1283 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Dell [well it came w/ a Dell Dimension >_>]
    Mouse
    Logitech G700 Wire(less) Desktop Mouse
    Internet Speed
    D-24.32Mb/s; U-4.34Mb/s
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG
    Other Info
    This is a home-built desktop I made [don't criticize... I was on a budget and I'm only 17 :P]
I know VMware doesn't allow you to use physical partitions under Windows 7 and 8, because of the increased security model. Windows doesn't allow it. I've heard there is a way to get around that, but I have never used it.

But it works in VMWare Player without problems:
Adding a phisical drive to a VM in Win7 x64 and it works.

UAC prompts when you're adding the drive but it gets over with.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
Like I said, you could do this in XP, and VMware still provides the option, it just doesn't work in 7 (or 8). I believe VirtualBox has the same problem.

I'm aware you can boot from a VHD, but doing so is significantly slower than a physical partition. The file translation layer adds significant overhead. It might be an option though, if you have enough disk space to convert the physical partition to a VHD. (Sysinternals has a tool called Disk2vhd to do this).

Hopachi: I'm surprised if that's true. VMware workstation doesn't work, and there are lots of complaints about this on their support boards.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    CPU
    Intel i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77X-UD4 TH
    Memory
    16GB DDR3 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX 650
    Sound Card
    Onboard Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Auria 27" IPS + 2x Samsung 23"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 + 2x 2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    Corsair m4 256GB, 2 WD 2TB drives
    Case
    Antec SOLO II
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
    Mouse
    Logitech MX
There seem to be some problems you're right:VMware Communities: How To: PhysicalDisks on Vista and Server 2008 (Windows7)
But that doesn't explain why I was able to use a physical drive.

I'm using VMware Player 4.0.3 on Windows 7 x64.

Of course you cannot use the drive your booted with. But using another available physical drive worked.
vmware-add-hardware-wizard.png

I don't have the VM anymore but maybe I'll try that again to see what I can get. It should work again.

Because of nt6.x and nt7.x new security mechanisms, it is not possible to write directly to fs sectors on mounted volumes. In turn, it is not possible to use physical disks in virtual machines under vmware on Vista, Server 2008 and Windows7

It was a NTFS drive indeed, AND I wasn't writing, just reading.
Interesting.... So I suppose writing wasn't possible for me neither, but I didn't got any warnings nor errors.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home-made
    CPU
    AMD Phenom x6 @ 2.66GHz
    Motherboard
    Biostar A870U3
    Memory
    Patriot Gamer 2 Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GTX 550 Ti
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC662 6-Channel HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell IN1910N
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
    PSU
    CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 (CMPSU-430CXV2) 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power
    Case
    RAIDMAX Tornado ATX-238WR Black / Red SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
    Cooling
    XIGMATEK Gaia SD1283 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Dell [well it came w/ a Dell Dimension >_>]
    Mouse
    Logitech G700 Wire(less) Desktop Mouse
    Internet Speed
    D-24.32Mb/s; U-4.34Mb/s
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    AVG
    Other Info
    This is a home-built desktop I made [don't criticize... I was on a budget and I'm only 17 :P]
Like I said, you could do this in XP, and VMware still provides the option, it just doesn't work in 7 (or 8). I believe VirtualBox has the same problem.

I'm aware you can boot from a VHD, but doing so is significantly slower than a physical partition. The file translation layer adds significant overhead. It might be an option though, if you have enough disk space to convert the physical partition to a VHD. (Sysinternals has a tool called Disk2vhd to do this).

On my PC, the W8 VHDs boot faster than W7 (installed) does (6 -10 seconds faster).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 (64 bit), Linux Mint 18.3 MATE (64 bit)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    n/a
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II x6 1055T, 2.8 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASRock 880GMH-LE/USB3
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 1333 G-Skill Ares F3-1333C9D-8GAO (4GB x 2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD6450
    Sound Card
    Realtek?
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung S23B350
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital 1.5 TB (SATA), Western Digital 2 TB (SATA), Western Digital 3 TB (SATA)
    Case
    Tower
    Mouse
    Wired Optical
    Other Info
    Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 17 MATE (64 bit) - 2014-05-17
    Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 16 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-11-13
    Ubuntu 10.04 (64 bit) replaced with Linux Mint 14 MATE (64 bit) - 2013-01-14
    RAM & Graphics Card Upgraded - 2013-01-13
    Monitor Upgraded - 2012-04-20
    System Upgraded - 2011-05-21, 2010-07-14
    HDD Upgraded - 2010-08-11, 2011-08-24,

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
On my PC, the W8 VHDs boot faster than W7 (installed) does (6 -10 seconds faster).

I've noticed that too.
But as fafhrd said, in another thread i think, Win 8 uses swapfile.sys and that quick boot, hybrid stuff and that makes the difference.
Without this trick, Win8 would boot with the same speed as Win7 I guess.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
Back
Top