Windows 7 Virtual Box partition identification

Q

quas

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Aug 15, 2012
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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!
 
Solution
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...
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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.
 
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