Ubuntu 17.10 host with Windows 7 guest from a dual-boot

[cmmb]

I'm new to VirtualBox.

My current scenario is a dual boot, having Windows 7 and Ubuntu 17.10.

As a first condition, I want to maintain this dual boot in order to start either Win 7 or Linux.

In second place, I want to run the same Windows 7, the one that is installed and running from the dual boot, but this time as a virtual machine, where Ubuntu will be the host and Windows 7 the guest.

I'm not sure whether such scenario is of common use or it is something farfetched.

I believe this is possible by using the access to raw disk (in this case the Windows 7 partition/s). This is depicted in chapter 9.9 "Advanced storage configuration".

Anyway, this is not a complete procedure.

Is there an specific howto?

Thanks in advance,


Carlos

[towo2099]

I'm not sure whether such scenario is of common use or it is something farfetched.

No, is not!

It's possible, but explicitly not recommended!

[BillG]

Indeed it is not recommended. It is possible, but not recommended because it is very easy to lose the lot if you are not extremely careful and know exactly what you are doing. There is not a step-by-step for the same reason. If you need a step-by-step guide, you should not even consider it.

[socratis]

If you need a step-by-step guide, you should not even consider it.

+1000

I do it. People do it. But, be prepared to have a complete DISK backup, not just the contents, the whole thing. Sector by sector. That is if you don't want to cry over spilled milk. I do it for example with an external USB3 disk. I don't care if I lose the whole thing or not.

Here's an idea; try it with a USB stick. Create a dual boot USB stick and test/experiment with that. You won't be risking your system and your data, until you've understood the recipe and the dangers completely...

[jkane13]

This might help you get started. I am using Win 10 but it should be close to the same for configuration.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=84265&p=399792#p400158

I still have licensing problems. I have read that Win 7 doesn't have as many problems with that and there are workarounds.