is there a way to...

This is for discussing general topics about how to use VirtualBox.
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duncan999007
Posts: 3
Joined: 26. Jul 2011, 19:33
Primary OS: MS Windows 7
VBox Version: OSE other
Guest OSses: OS X

is there a way to...

Post by duncan999007 »

use VirtualBox to install an OS to a physical HDD? i have a disk image i can only install via boot, and i dont have a DVD burner. so im wondering if theres a way to install it with VB, but to a HDD... and i dont have a flash drive large enough
Sasquatch
Volunteer
Posts: 17798
Joined: 17. Mar 2008, 13:41
Primary OS: Debian other
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Windows XP, Windows 7, Linux
Location: /dev/random

Re: is there a way to...

Post by Sasquatch »

It can be done, but you have to wonder if you really want that. Sure you can use RAW disk, but that won't get you anywhere because the MBR will be invalid, so the system will be unbootable outside VB.
And if I think the Guest will be what your profile states, then read Important notice regarding Mac OS X as Guest.
Read the Forum Posting Guide before opening a topic.
VirtualBox FAQ: Check this before asking questions.
Online User Manual: A must read if you want to know what we're talking about.
Howto: Install Linux Guest Additions
Howto: Use Shared Folders on Linux Guest
See the Tutorials and FAQ section at the top of the Forum for more guides.
Try searching the forums first with Google and add the site filter for this forum.
E.g. install guest additions site:forums.virtualbox.org

Retired from this Forum since OSSO introduction.
duncan999007
Posts: 3
Joined: 26. Jul 2011, 19:33
Primary OS: MS Windows 7
VBox Version: OSE other
Guest OSses: OS X

Re: is there a way to...

Post by duncan999007 »

no, its an old version of linux my friend found (im trying to find out what kind). is there any way to do this? maybe put (or set as i dont know what MBR means...) one on it?
Sasquatch
Volunteer
Posts: 17798
Joined: 17. Mar 2008, 13:41
Primary OS: Debian other
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Windows XP, Windows 7, Linux
Location: /dev/random

Re: is there a way to...

Post by Sasquatch »

If you haven't even heard of an MBR (Wikipedia/Google knows!), then you should not install it on a physical drive at all. Your level of computer knowledge is far too low to use such a system with VB. You're better off installing it on a VDI, which is a virtual hard drive stored as a single file.

For Linux, using an older version is not always a good idea. Especially if it's a few years old. If you want to learn Linux, it's a fine start, if you're an experienced computer user. If you aren't, using one of the more recent versions is better. I suggest you get a newer version, they are free for download and use (depending on the distribution, most are).
Read the Forum Posting Guide before opening a topic.
VirtualBox FAQ: Check this before asking questions.
Online User Manual: A must read if you want to know what we're talking about.
Howto: Install Linux Guest Additions
Howto: Use Shared Folders on Linux Guest
See the Tutorials and FAQ section at the top of the Forum for more guides.
Try searching the forums first with Google and add the site filter for this forum.
E.g. install guest additions site:forums.virtualbox.org

Retired from this Forum since OSSO introduction.
duncan999007
Posts: 3
Joined: 26. Jul 2011, 19:33
Primary OS: MS Windows 7
VBox Version: OSE other
Guest OSses: OS X

Re: is there a way to...

Post by duncan999007 »

>.> my computer skill isnt low nor very high, but i know enough to try this. everyone ive asked so far simply wont give me instructions, and i know its possible because my friend did it before he moved. all i need to do is utilize VB to install an ISO to a physical hard drive...
Perryg
Site Moderator
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Joined: 6. Sep 2008, 22:55
Primary OS: Linux other
VBox Version: OSE self-compiled
Guest OSses: *NIX

Re: is there a way to...

Post by Perryg »

Yes it can be done. See these links to get an idea.
http://www.google.com/search?client=ubu ... 8&oe=utf-8
But careful to have a backup of both the virtual machine and if there is an OS on the real machine back it all up as well.
I would use Acronis True Image to start with.
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