Vista - What is VHD?

**Deception** · 10-20-2009

I have researched online and on Wikipedia I am not really understanding most of the information stated. If someone can be awesome enough to explain it to me, I would greatly appreciate it!

Sean

**usasma** · 10-20-2009

A VHD is a Virtual Hard Drive.

In order to use it, you've got to have a program that runs virtual machines (and a system that will support that program).

The first step in using virtual machines is to install the Operating System. This is installed on a Virtual Hard Drive (VHD). A VHD is a file that's setup to be used as a hard drive by the virtual machine.

In some cases you can copy the VHD file and take it to another computer and use it there.

**Deception** · 10-20-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by usasma

A VHD is a Virtual Hard Drive.

In order to use it, you've got to have a program that runs virtual machines (and a system that will support that program).

The first step in using virtual machines is to install the Operating System. This is installed on a Virtual Hard Drive (VHD). A VHD is a file that's setup to be used as a hard drive by the virtual machine.

In some cases you can copy the VHD file and take it to another computer and use it there.

Oh alright. Sounds like something I wouldn't be using. Thanks for the information!

Sean

**usasma** · 10-20-2009

With Windows 7, the virtual machine comes with a copy of Windows XP.
So, if you need to run an application that works with XP (but not with 7) - then you'll need the virtual machine to run the application in an XP virtual machine (and your CPU will have to support it also).

To test your CPU to see if it supports hardware virtualization, try this free tool from Gibson Research: GRC*|*SecurAble: Determine Processor Security Features*|**

**Frostmourne** · 10-20-2009

That's a 300mb + download. And if I have an app that requires XP in Windows 7, I'll uninstall it. Why can't XP die permanently?

**Sbrideau** · 10-20-2009

Because there are still people using programs that are only compatible with XP.

**Frostmourne** · 10-20-2009

XP programs? Useless.

**Sbrideau** · 10-21-2009

I know, but we can't do anything for it.

10-20-2009	#1 (permalink)
Deception Windows Vista Ultimate x64 OEM 125 posts	What is VHD? I have researched online and on Wikipedia I am not really understanding most of the information stated. If someone can be awesome enough to explain it to me, I would greatly appreciate it! Sean
My System Specs

10-20-2009	#2 (permalink)
usasma Vista Ultimate x64; Win 7 x64 and x32 606 posts	Re: What is VHD? A VHD is a Virtual Hard Drive. In order to use it, you've got to have a program that runs virtual machines (and a system that will support that program). The first step in using virtual machines is to install the Operating System. This is installed on a Virtual Hard Drive (VHD). A VHD is a file that's setup to be used as a hard drive by the virtual machine. In some cases you can copy the VHD file and take it to another computer and use it there.
My System Specs

10-20-2009	#3 (permalink)
Deception Windows Vista Ultimate x64 OEM 125 posts	Re: What is VHD? Quote: Originally Posted by usasma A VHD is a Virtual Hard Drive. In order to use it, you've got to have a program that runs virtual machines (and a system that will support that program). The first step in using virtual machines is to install the Operating System. This is installed on a Virtual Hard Drive (VHD). A VHD is a file that's setup to be used as a hard drive by the virtual machine. In some cases you can copy the VHD file and take it to another computer and use it there. Oh alright. Sounds like something I wouldn't be using. Thanks for the information! Sean
My System Specs

10-20-2009	#4 (permalink)
usasma Vista Ultimate x64; Win 7 x64 and x32 606 posts	Re: What is VHD? With Windows 7, the virtual machine comes with a copy of Windows XP. So, if you need to run an application that works with XP (but not with 7) - then you'll need the virtual machine to run the application in an XP virtual machine (and your CPU will have to support it also). To test your CPU to see if it supports hardware virtualization, try this free tool from Gibson Research: GRC\|SecurAble: Determine Processor Security Features\|*
My System Specs

10-20-2009	#5 (permalink)
Frostmourne Windows 7 Ultimate x64 1,336 posts	Re: What is VHD? That's a 300mb + download. And if I have an app that requires XP in Windows 7, I'll uninstall it. Why can't XP die permanently?
My System Specs

10-20-2009	#6 (permalink)
Sbrideau Vista Ultimate x64 & Windows 7 Pro x64 71 posts	Re: What is VHD? Because there are still people using programs that are only compatible with XP.
My System Specs

10-20-2009	#7 (permalink)
Frostmourne Windows 7 Ultimate x64 1,336 posts	Re: What is VHD? XP programs? Useless.
My System Specs

10-21-2009	#8 (permalink)
Sbrideau Vista Ultimate x64 & Windows 7 Pro x64 71 posts	Re: What is VHD? I know, but we can't do anything for it.
My System Specs