Alternative virtual machine: Windows 7 supports native boot from VHD

We know that Windows 7 has built-in support for VHD (Virtual Hard Disk). In the previous impression, the virtual machine can only be in the already running system. In the operation. And Windows 7 brings us a new feature (the version number is after build 7000): boot the system natively from VHD.

As shown in the figure: I have several VHD files in Hyper-V, one of which was installed by me to the V drive shown in the figure, and Windows 7 is installed on the C drive.

As shown, "WS03 VMAdd.vhd" is a VHD file with content for Windows Vista.

Next look at my startup options. On systems prior to Windows Vista, check the boot options to find them through the boot.ini file on the system disk, while Windows Vista and now Windows 7 need to use the bcdedit.exe program to view them. You need to use the administrator mode to open in the run box. This program.

As shown above, I installed two systems in this computer, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008. I want to add an option to enable Windows Vista to boot from the VHD file.

This requires copying the current system environment variables and then generating the Windows Vista startup parameters with the appropriate parameters. In the command line (cmd.exe), type the following:

Bcdedit /copy {current} /d "Windows Vista"

Then display the following picture:

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We can already see the addition of Vista startup options in the picture, but also modify it.

Enter in the command line:

Bcdedit /set {CLSID_number} osdevice vhd=[v:]"\\Hyper-V\\Virtual Hard Disks\\WS03 VMAdd.vhd"

This item needs to be modified as appropriate according to your drive name, path and file name.

Doing this step is done. Now open the msconfig program and check to see if you have added a new option? Restart the system and experiment with the new virtual environment.