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6 Replies Last post: Jul 11, 2007 1:43 PM by s_raghu20  

Using Existing Windows Installation on a diff partition in VMWare@Linux posted: Jul 2, 2007 12:19 PM

Click to view s_raghu20's profile Novice
s_raghu20
9 posts since
Jul 2, 2007
Hello Friends,

I am fairly new to VMWare and Linux both.

I have windows xp home edition installed on my Dell Inspiron hard disk partition. On a separate partition of the same hard disk on the system, I have Ubuntu 7.04 running.

I have been able to install and configure VMWare for Linux in Ubuntu environment. However, I do not WANT to install another copy of Windows OS inside Linux (I need windows in Linux for specific client software). The windows partitions are very well visible/accessible in the Linux environment.

Is it really possible to use an existing regular installation in a vmware environment ?

May be its a very basic question and there is some very small answer like NO, however, please at least tell me.

with best regards
raghav..

Re: Using Existing Windows Installation on a diff partition in VMWare@Linux

1. Jul 2, 2007 12:23 PM in response to: s_raghu20
Click to view RDPetruska's profile Guru
RDPetruska
15,875 posts since
Jan 11, 2005
What VMware product are you using (so we can move this to the appropriate forum, and answer the question)?

Re: Using Existing Windows Installation on a diff partition in VMWare@Linux

2. Jul 2, 2007 12:27 PM in response to: s_raghu20
Click to view KevinG's profile Guru
KevinG
16,980 posts since
Jan 8, 2004
If you are using Workstation or VMware AServer, the following document should help you.
http://www.vmware.com/pdf/dualboot_tech_note.pdf

Re: Using Existing Windows Installation on a diff partition in VMWare@Linux

3. Jul 2, 2007 12:32 PM in response to: RDPetruska
Click to view s_raghu20's profile Novice
s_raghu20
9 posts since
Jul 2, 2007
From My understanding, I am running vmware server which allows me to create a new virtual machine.

Re: Using Existing Windows Installation on a diff partition in VMWare@Linux

4. Jul 2, 2007 1:38 PM in response to: s_raghu20
Click to view KevinG's profile Guru
KevinG
16,980 posts since
Jan 8, 2004
If you are using VMware Server you can boot the virtual machine using an existing OS in a dual-boot PC. Please refer to the document that I provided or look at the Server documentation for more information.

Re: Using Existing Windows Installation on a diff partition in VMWare@Linux

5. Jul 2, 2007 2:20 PM in response to: s_raghu20
Click to view larstr's profile Virtuoso
larstr
2,382 posts since
Mar 11, 2004
You need to be very careful when doing this so you don't break your existing windows install. You'll need to create a new hw profile for running within vmware. Here's a few howtos. Make sure you read all the comments before you start so you'll be aware of all the possible pitfalls.

http://rougebob.com/Running-a-Windows-Partition-in-VMware.htm
http://news.u32.net/articles/2006/07/18/running-vmware-on-a-physical-partition
http://www.advicesource.org/ubuntu/Run_Existing_Windows_Instalation_On_Ubuntu_With_Vmware_player.html

Good luck!

Lars

Re: Using Existing Windows Installation on a diff partition in VMWare@Linux

6. Jul 11, 2007 1:43 PM in response to: larstr
Click to view s_raghu20's profile Novice
s_raghu20
9 posts since
Jul 2, 2007
Hi,

Is this process reversible ? That is, Can I use an existing Linux installation (on a diff partition of same system) inside a virtual machine ?

Conceptually it sounds ok and possible, but, has someone actually done it ? What are the experiences with Windows Vista ?

I'll be grateful for all feedback.

regards
raghav..

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