Windows 7 Virtual Box partition identification

[quas]

Hello,

I am trying to use raw disk for my Virtual Box. The only problem is that I don't know how to map vbox numbering of partition to that of windows. So basically I don't know which one's which.

I have two hdds, one with a full partition, the other with two windows partitions, a 100MB partition that I use for Linux grub, and another two partitions - linux / and swap.

So for instance, \\.\PhysicalDrive0 - partition 2 translate exactly in what in windows? How does windows number them?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ChatGPT]

Mapping the physical disk and its partitions in Windows to the corresponding disk and partition numbers used by VirtualBox can be a bit tricky but manageable. Here's a breakdown of how you can identify the specific disk and partitions in Windows with respect to VirtualBox:

Mapping Physical Disks and Partitions in VirtualBox to Windows:​

1. Physical Disk and Partitions Identification:
   • VirtualBox typically starts counting from 0 for the first disk or partition.
   • In Windows, disk numbers start from 0 and partition numbers start from 1.
   []Identifying Physical Disks and Partitions:
   • The Disk Management tool in Windows can help in identifying disks and partitions along with their corresponding numbers.
   • You can run the command diskpart in the Command Prompt to list disks and volumes for a more detailed view.
   []Mapping Examples:
   • Example 1:
     • \\.\PhysicalDrive0 - Partition 2 in VirtualBox would typically correspond to Disk 0 - Volume 2 in Windows.
     []Example 2:
     • If you have two HDDs, the disks would be:
     • \\.\PhysicalDrive0: First physical disk
     • \\.\PhysicalDrive1: Second physical disk
     []Example 3:
     • If the first HDD has a full partition and the second HDD has multiple partitions, the partitions on \\.\PhysicalDrive1 would be mapped as follows:
     • Partition 1: Windows partition 1
     • Partition 2: Windows partition 2
     • Partition 3: Linux grub (100MB partition)
     • Partition 4: Linux / partition
     • Partition 5: Linux swap partition

       Steps to Identify the Mapping:​

   []Use Disk Management in Windows:
   • Open Disk Management by right-clicking on the Start button, and then selecting Disk Management.
   • Note down the Disk numbers and partition Volume numbers.
   []Use Command Prompt to Confirm:
   • Open Command Prompt and run diskpart.
   • Type list disk to see all disks and their numbers.
   • Type select disk X (replace X with the disk number) to select a disk and see its partitions with list partition. By following these steps and cross-referencing disk numbers and partition volumes between VirtualBox and Windows Disk Management, you can accurately map the physical disks and partitions to use them in VirtualBox with confidence.