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Configuring VHDs

In Windows 7, a VHD can be used to store an operating system to run on a computer without a

parent operating system, virtual machine, or hypervisor. This feature, called VHD boot, is a newfeature in Windows 7 that eases the transition between virtual and physical environments. It is

best used in the following scenarios:

In an organization that has hundreds of users working remotely through virtual desktop

infrastructure (VDI), but also needs the same desktop images as the users working onsiteusing physical computers.

In an organization with users in a highly managed environment that use technologies

such as Folder Redirection and Roaming User Profiles so that the user state is not stored

in the image. As dual boot, when you only have a single disk volume as an alternative to running

virtual machines.

VHD Image Management and Deployment

Windows 7 also enables IT professionals to use the same processes and tools to manage WIMand VHD image files.

The following steps outline Windows 7 deployment on VHD:

1. Create the VHD: You can create a VHD by using the DiskPart tool or the Disk

Management MMC. The Disk Management MMC also enables you to attach the VHD sothat it appears on the host computer as a drive and not as a static file. VHD files can then

be partitioned and formatted before you install an operating system.

2. Prepare the VHD: Install Windows 7 on the VHD. You can perform the capture andapply method by using ImageX.3. Deploy the VHD: The VHD file can then be copied to one or more systems, to be run in

a virtual machine or for native boot. To configure native-boot, add the native-boot VHD

to the boot menu by using BCDedit or BCDboot tool. BCDEdit is a command-line toolfor managing Boot Configuration Data (BCD) stores and BCDboot is a command-line

tool for initializing the BCD store and copying boot environment files to the system

partition. You can also automate the network deployment of VHD by using WDS. WDScan be used to copy the VHD image to a local partition and to configure the local Boot

Configuration Data (BCD) for native-boot from the VHD.

Creating and Mounting a VHD by using Disk Management

To mount a VHD by using Disk Management, perform the following steps:

1. Open the Disk Management MMC.

2. ClickAction and clickCreate VHD. Specify the location of the VHD, the size, and the

VHD format and clickOK.

3. ClickAction and clickAttach VHD. Locate the Vted and clickOK.

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Creating and Mounting a VHD by using Diskpart

To mount a VHD by using Diskpart, perform the following steps:

1. Open the command prompt, type Diskpart, and press ENTER.

2. On Diskpart console, type create vdisk file=, where filename is the name ofthe VHD file, and press ENTER. To see the complete syntax and parameters of the

command, type help create vdiskand press ENTER.

3. Type select vdisk file= and press ENTER to select the VHD.

Eg: