Is Dual-boot still possible?

Discussions related to using VirtualBox on Windows hosts.
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beckettisdogg
Posts: 1
Joined: 28. Sep 2009, 06:39
Primary OS: MS Windows XP
VBox Version: OSE self-compiled
Guest OSses: Linux Slack

Is Dual-boot still possible?

Post by beckettisdogg »

let's say I create a guest host operating system with Slackware Linux. Is dual-boot still possible? After I install the guest operating system, is it going to give me the option of dual-boot next time I turn on my laptop?

My opinion is it is not going to happen because the virtual hard disk will not recognize the Windows partition? The virutal disk will appear to my installation of guest operating system (Slackware Linux) as though it is a clean hard disk?

thanks
mpack
Site Moderator
Posts: 39134
Joined: 4. Sep 2008, 17:09
Primary OS: MS Windows 10
VBox Version: VirtualBox+Oracle ExtPack
Guest OSses: Mostly XP

Re: Is Dual-boot still possible?

Post by mpack »

I think you need to do some reading on VMs. Leaving aside certain advanced (and dangerous) user options, your guests are totally unaware of how a host drive is partitioned, since they run on virtual hardware, not the hosts hardware. So, if you had a dual boot before setting up a VBox VM, it'll still be a dual boot system afterwards. If it wasn't, then it won't. Installing a VM does not create a multi-boot option host. Think of the VM as a separate PC, which has no connection to your first PC, except (optionally) via a network connection.
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