On Sat, Apr 5, 2008 at 8:50 PM, Tod <tod@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: > Warning, virtualization newbie... > > I've got an install of XP pro, service pack 2 on a standalone machine. > Since I don't use it for more than a few apps I'd like to try out Linux > virtualization with Linux being the primary O/S and windows running on a > virtual machine. > > I imagine I'll need to move the windows install maybe using parted, create > a new partition to install linux on, get it installed, along with the > virtualization software, and then get it to fire up windows without it > knowing its running virtually. I've searched around for instructions on > doing this and really haven't found anything useful. > > Is my plan valid? I'd like to avoid re-installing XP but I will if I need > to. I plan on sticking with Fedora so I'd appreciate recommendations on > virtualization software. This is running on an old AMD Athlon machine so no > dual processing going on. > > Any pointers, tutorials, or suggestions for doing this on an existing > Fedora machine would be appreciated too. I have a couple of other boxes I > might like to try virtualization on. > > TIA - Tod I've done this successfully with VirtualBox. It isn't for the faint of heart though. You have to use some command line utilities to create a .vmdk file (which is actually a vmware file) which points to the partition. The link to the user manual is http://www.virtualbox.org/download/UserManual.pdf Look for section 9.9 page 106. Read it a few times and then when you'll still confused read it again :) Pay particular attention to section 9.9.2 and note you will probably need to use a XP MBR (Master Boot Record). At least I did, some others on the list may have alternatives. Also a couple of notes: -You'll need to re-compile the VirtualBox kernel modules every time you update for kernel which is pretty easy, just run 'service vboxdrv setup' as root. -You'll have to run VirtualBox as root or add your user to the 'disk' group. Hope you find this helpful! Richard
