making an XP VM using norton ghost

[gummywormz]

I want to make an XP vm for testing purposes. I don't have an XP CD on hand, but I do have some Norton Ghost images. So, can I use the Norton Ghost Cd images to build an XP VM. My operating system is windows XP.

[mpack]

Almost certainly you can "restore" a Norton Ghost image into a VM. Almost certainly it will BSOD on boot because the image wasn't properly prepared for a migration (i.e. by running MergeIDE on host before imaging it with Ghost). If you do get the XP guest to boot then it will most likely need to be reactivated. If the embedded CD key is the same one used on your host PC then activation may cause problems.

IMHO, it is better to get yourself a separate license (and setup disk) for installs of XP you intend to run as a VM. If you need to you can still do a P2V, but a separate license solves any legal / activation problems.

[gummywormz]

Thanks anyway, it WAS a long shot. I do have some other ideas before I cave in and get an XP disc.