📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses the possibility of sharing data between a Windows XP Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) created within Windows 7 and the host Windows 7 system. Initially, it is clarified that direct data sharing is only possible when the VHD is mounted and active, such as in a multi-boot scenario, but not when the VHD is not running. The conversation then explores the differences between mounting VHDs in Windows 7 and using virtualization tools like VirtualBox, with suggestions that further methods, such as network sharing commands, could enable data transfer—though the original poster ultimately prefers virtualization solutions like VirtualBox for easier data sharing between OSs. The overall sentiment indicates that direct data sharing between host and inactive VHD is limited, but using VirtualBox or network sharing may facilitate data transfer more conveniently.
The thread discusses the possibility of sharing data between a Windows XP Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) created within Windows 7 and the host Windows 7 system. Initially, it is clarified that direct data sharing is only possible when the VHD is mounted and active, such as in a multi-boot scenario, but not when the VHD is not running. The conversation then explores the differences between mounting VHDs in Windows 7 and using virtualization tools like VirtualBox, with suggestions that further methods, such as network sharing commands, could enable data transfer—though the original poster ultimately prefers virtualization solutions like VirtualBox for easier data sharing between OSs. The overall sentiment indicates that direct data sharing between host and inactive VHD is limited, but using VirtualBox or network sharing may facilitate data transfer more conveniently.
Only when you have the VHD loaded.
--- It makes your host os available as D: drive
When you are running the host OS you can't access anything inside the VHD file.
Since I don't think VHD's have much practical use I haven't posted much about them in my blogs.. but on my website you can find a longer discussion.. including a one click method of creating a VHD. Link Removed
Here is a link that will show you how to Mount the VHD as a drive.
This is not the same as mapping to a drive in the VHD from the host system.
I am curious about this also,, when I have time, I will see if there is a way to do it.
I dont see why you can't map to a running VHD drive through a network share, but who knows.
This is not the same as mapping to a drive in the VHD from the host system.
I am curious about this also,, when I have time, I will see if there is a way to do it.
I dont see why you can't map to a running VHD drive through a network share, but who knows.
Different animal
The Windows VHD is a different animal than the previous vhd's .. in 7 it's a single file that you boot directly into without booting into the host os. You can load only one vhd in 7.. but you can have several vhd files with different setups to pick from in your multi-boot menu. Since the 7 vhd does not run INSIDE the host you don't have a running vhd to map through a network... like you could before windows 7
The Windows VHD is a different animal than the previous vhd's .. in 7 it's a single file that you boot directly into without booting into the host os. You can load only one vhd in 7.. but you can have several vhd files with different setups to pick from in your multi-boot menu. Since the 7 vhd does not run INSIDE the host you don't have a running vhd to map through a network... like you could before windows 7
No,, that's not true.
Windows 7 does give you the ability to boot to a VHD (Virtual Hard Drive), yes, but that is not all you can do with it.
VHD is a VHD, there is no real difference. You should be able to bring a VHD over from any other system and start it from within the host system or boot to it in 7. That is also why MS offers VHD downloads of some systems so you can play with them in VPC instead of having to set up a new system or set up a dual boot.
Windows Virtual PC... you can have as many of these as your system can handle starting at one time.
Or start them individually. You are not limited to only being able to boot to it.
If you boot to the VHD or Start one (or 40) from within the host,, you should still be able to map a drive to it through the network share. It is not really any different than running a stand alone system. Other than it is running virtually. That's it.
NET USE Z: \\ComputerName\ShareName
This may be what you can try,, I haven't had time to test this at home,, but should work for mapping a shared drive that is located in the VPC OS to access it from the Host system.
Z: is whatever drive letter you have available.
This may be what you can try,, I haven't had time to test this at home,, but should work for mapping a shared drive that is located in the VPC OS to access it from the Host system.
Z: is whatever drive letter you have available.
