Install Win 7 to a virtual disk with a VHD file

Windows7 Beta1 Released, many friends want to be able to experience. But it is only a beta version, the experience is still to be deleted, how can both install the experience and not the existing XP or Vista system impact? We can use the Windows7 new VHD file to install Windows7 onto a virtual disk. Come with me below.

First, understand the VHD

What is a VHD file? In fact, the VHD file is not unfamiliar to us, when you create a virtual computer with Microsoft Virtual PC software, a VHD file is generated. In addition, under Windows7, if you click start → all programs → maintenance → backup and restore, and then click "Establish Backup Mirror" in the Open dialog box, you can back up the selected partition and the VHD file is generated after the backup. Alternatively, you can find the "Create VHD" option under the Action menu in Windows7 Disk Manager (Figure 1).

The VHD is a file, but in Windows7 Disk Manager, we can virtual a VHD file as a disk partition through the action → add VHD menu. Disk 2 in Figure 1 is a disk partition that is virtualized by the VHD file. In Windows7, we can use a virtual disk partition like a normal disk partition without any difference.

With the VHD virtual disk partitions, we can hide and protect important files and even install the operating system.

Second, the virtual installation Windows7

The VHD file can be used on the server, virtual out of multiple hard disks, so that clients can access files on the same server operating systems or virtual hard disks that are installed on multiple virtual hard disks. On the one hand, can save hardware cost. On the other hand, different clients can have different services. In addition, it is also good for backup, maintenance, and security--on the server side, the technician simply manages the corresponding VHD file.

Below, we will demonstrate the virtual installation of Windows7. Assuming that the operating system Windows XP (and other systems) are already installed on your computer, now, to install Windows7 in a VHD file on the computer, you can choose Windows XP or Windows7 from the menu when you start. The entire architecture is shown in Figure 2. To do this, prepare a partition on your computer that has at least 10GB of free space, in this case a D disk, and a free space of 20GB.