Windows 7 install without dvd

[meem1029]

I just downloaded Virtual Box for Ubuntu 10.10 as I have several applications that I would like to run in Windows but do not like restarting my computer (I am dual booting with Windows 7). The problem is, my computer (Sony Vaio EC) did not come with a Windows installation dvd. It just had the OEM version installed on the computer. Is there any way for me to run Windows in a VM from inside Ubuntu. I have windows on a separate partition.

Thanks ahead of time for any and all help.

[Perryg]

See Chapter 9.7. Advanced storage configuration (RAW) in your VirtualBox users manual.
Be sure to read it completely and take note of all warnings.

[meem1029]

Thanks for the help. I will look at that tonight after my physics lab and get back to you on how it works out.

[meem1029]

Ok, I looked at that and it looks like it should work, but is there any way for it to run while only given read access to the actual boot partition and then write access to another partition, to make sure that I don't mess up my computer.

[Perryg]

Not that I know of. Just be careful.
Other than that you would need to purchase a retail version of Windows since the OEM will not work for you.

I had a Sony for a while. Great laptop even though as you found out everything is proprietary. Some of the best DVD graphics I have seen on a laptop.