Using existing dual boot for VirtualBox

This is for discussing general topics about how to use VirtualBox.
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Chrismax
Posts: 2
Joined: 23. Jul 2007, 21:05

Using existing dual boot for VirtualBox

Post by Chrismax »

Hi

I have Fedora 7 and XP on my computer, running on a dual boot.
By default, i use F7, but still need XP for a few things.

If i install VirtualBox on my F7, can i configure it to start the existing XP or do i have to install XP again ?

The goal is to use applications like Skype or MSN on F7 thanks to VirtualBox as i can not do videoconferencing with friends having XP.

Thanks in advance,

Chris
Dieharddia
Posts: 4
Joined: 23. Jul 2007, 20:26

Post by Dieharddia »

As XP will check if your hardware changed, you cannot use your old install, and need to reinstall/validate your copy of XP again.
Chrismax
Posts: 2
Joined: 23. Jul 2007, 21:05

Post by Chrismax »

OK thanks !
kilou
Posts: 53
Joined: 14. May 2007, 10:16

Post by kilou »

You can -> hardware profiles!
Ingo
Volunteer
Posts: 731
Joined: 22. Aug 2007, 10:13
Location: Germany

Re: Using existing dual boot for VirtualBox

Post by Ingo »

Chrismax wrote:If i install VirtualBox on my F7, can i configure it to start the existing XP or do i have to install XP again ?
To run XP in a VirtualBox you have to import it into a VM. Look here:
http://forums.virtualbox.org/viewtopic.php?t=1966
Then you can dual boot.
kilou wrote:You can -> hardware profiles!
Hi kilou,
why don't you point Chrismax to your great work? :-))
http://forums.virtualbox.org/viewtopic.php?t=2019
klaus
Oracle Corporation
Posts: 1110
Joined: 10. May 2007, 14:57

Post by klaus »

You can also use raw disk access (with much caution). See the manual about how to set it up. Currently setting it up can only be done from command line.

Just be aware that there might be activation issues due to the virtualized hardware being different than what you have in the real PC. If you hit this and really dual-boot the OS, it'll quickly refuse to do online reactivations.
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