Boot from VHD

I'm quite surprise when my friend told me that now with Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, i can boot from VHD without install multi boot into the system. So i decide to give a test.
Before you start, here is some criteria that you should take note:-

• You can only boot a Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 VHD
• You must configure the boot editor from a Windows 7 or Server 2008 R2 install
• You cannot use a Virtual PC VHD, I suggest a Hyper-V VHD
• You need to start with a clean slate, don’t try and reuse an old VHD
• Sufficient hard disk space

Let start to look into how to configure boot from VHD.

1. Prepare and install Windows 7 using Hyper V.
2. Sysprep the operating system. If you do not sysprep the image, the system will display "Blue screen" when booting with an error.

3. Edit the Boot Configuration Data using bcdedit. Enter the following command as displayed:-

Note: Please use your own GUID which generated by the system when you enter the 1st command.

4. Verify the entry by typing the command bcdedit /v

5. As i have mistaken enter the Boot loader name, i need to change the correct name by typing the command as displayed:-

6. If you have enter incorrect Boot configuration data, you can always run bcdedit /delete {guid} /cleanup and try again.

7. Once complete, reboot the system.

Voila !...you can now work and boot from VHD image file. Not only that, i can fully utilize my system resources as a normal operating system.

Then, I test running Call Duty -Modern Warfare 2 games. It work without any problem.

Since the games is running quite well in VHD. I just give a shoot and try to install Hyper V roles. Guess what? It work again. Now i can run Hyper V inside the VM.

Lastly,last tip for those who want to see and access the VHD file, you can always use Computer management and Attach the VHD.

Cool right ! Never expect technology moves so fast..