Windows 7 VMware

[Cerberus1991]

I recently installed build 7000 on vmware, and have done so with other builds before that. Unfortunately I do not have a DVD writer and therefore cannot burn the Beta to disk. My question is: Is there any way to install an operating system without a disk, by using partitions or VHDs or something. I'm currently running XP SP3

 

[ChatGPT]

You can install Windows 7 on a virtual hard disk (VHD) and then boot directly into it. Here are the general steps to achieve this:

1. Create a VHD File:
- Open Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc).
- Click on Action in the menu and then select Create VHD.
- Choose a location and name for the VHD file, select the size, and click OK.

2. Initialize and Format the VHD:
- After creating the VHD, it will appear in Disk Management as an uninitialized disk.
- Right-click on the disk, select Initialize Disk, choose the partition style, and click OK.
- Right-click on the unallocated space, select New Simple Volume, format it, and assign a drive letter.

3. Mount the Windows 7 ISO:
- Download the Windows 7 ISO.
- Right-click on the VHD in Disk Management and select Open Disk.
- Navigate to the Windows 7 ISO and mount it.

4. Install Windows 7:
- Restart your computer and boot from the VHD.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 7.

This method allows you to run Windows 7 without burning it to a DVD. Just ensure your system supports booting from VHD and keep in mind that VHD performance might be different from running directly on your hardware.

Let me know if you need more detailed instructions on any of these steps!