Attach a VHD File in Windows XP
Mount without Virtual PC or Microsoft Virtual Server
If you also use Windows XP on another computer, you can transfer that VHD file to the XP computer and mount it without having to runVirtual PCorMicrosoft Virtual Server. You can install only a component ofMicrosoft Virtual Serverand run a command from the command line.
NOTE:If you have applied a password to your VHD file usingBitLockerin Windows 7, you CANNOT access your VHD file in Windows XP. You will be asked to format the drive.
DownloadMicrosoft Virtual Serverfrom
Start installingMicrosoftVirtual Serverby double-clicking on thesetup.exefile. The initialMicrosoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 Setupscreen displays. Click the button next toInstall Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1.
TheLicense Agreementdisplays. Select theI accept the terms in the license agreementradio button and clickNext.
TheCustomer Informationscreen displays. Enter yourUser NameandOrganization. TheProduct Keyis automatically entered. ClickNext.
On theSetup Typescreen, select theCustomradio button and clickNext.
On theCustom Setupscreen, click on the button next to the first feature in the list,Virtual Server Service, and selectThis feature will not be availablefrom the pop-up menu.
Do the same thing for all the features except theVHD Mountfeature. TheCustom Setupscreen should look like the following image. ClickNext.
TheVHD Mountfeature is ready to be installed. ClickInstall.
The progress of the installation process displays.
When theSetup Completescreen displays, clickFinish.
In Windows Explorer, navigate to theC:\Program Files\Microsoft Virtual Serverdirectory. In the right pane, hold down theShiftkey while right-clicking on theVhdmountdirectory. SelectOpen Command Line Herefrom the pop-up menu.
At the command prompt, enter the following line.
Replace “” with the location of the VHD file you want to attach. PressEnter. You should see a message indicating the Virtual Hard Disk was successfully plugged in.
NOTE:For information about the parameters for thevhdmountcommand, typevhdmountat the prompt and pressEnter. A list of available parameters with descriptions displays.
In Windows Explorer, your VHD file displays as a hard drive with a drive letter.
To detach your VHD file, enter the following line at the command prompt:
Again, replace “” with the location of your VHD file.
If you still have Windows Explorer open and your VHD selected, you will receive an error when you try to detach the VHD file. You must either select a different drive, or close Windows Explorer.
Once the VHD file is no longer being used, you can enter the detach command again and you should see a message indicating that the virtual hard disk has been successfully unplugged.
This component ofMicrosoft Virtual Serveris useful if you transfer files between a Windows 7 computer and a Windows XP computer. You can keep all your files in one portable file and easily access them on both operating systems.
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