entranceVirtual Windows 7. How to open a VHD virtual machine disk? What will be needed for installation
VirtualBox (Rus. Virtual Boxing) is a virtual machine from Oracle Corporation. Free programDesigned to virtualize Windows operating systems, MacOS, Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris / OpenSolaris, other platforms are supported.
Advantages of a virtual machine
Using a virtual machine (VM) on your home PC, first of all, will allow you to simultaneously run several operating systems (guest OS).
For example, in this moment On a computer or laptop installed one of the issues operating system Microsoft Windows. (host OS). Installing the same virtual machine, in this case, VirtualBox allows you to use any other (guest), including MacOS, Linux, Android, Windows, including MacOS, Linux, Android, Windows, and so on, the options here can be very much.
Some features and features of VirtualBox
- Support images hard disks VMDK () and VHD (Microsoft Virtual PC);
- Virtualization of audio devices (optional Emulation AC97 / SOUNDBLASTER 16 / Intel HD Audio);
- Creating, deleting, restoring snapshots (snapshots) VM;
- Shared Folders - Creating common file sharing directories between host and guest systems;
- Support OVF / OVA format;
- Creating protected media to network;
- Support for various connection options: NAT, network bridge, virtual host adapter, etc.;
- Experimental support for hardware 3D acceleration;
- Cross-platform (Virtual Box,);
- Convenient navigation and friendly interface;
- Multilingual Localization - Russian, Ukrainian and other languages;
- The program is distributed by gNU licenses GPL 2 - free software (no restrictions in use).
Download VirtualBox for Windows
On our site, the latest version of Oracle VM VirtualBox for Windows 7, 8.x, 10 (starting with version 5, Virtual Box does not support Windows XP) on our website.
Download VirtualBox for free, without registration.
Spoiler (Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack)
Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack - Components Expanding Virtual Machine Features ( RDP server., Support USB, NVME, PXE and other features).
Download and install Extension Pack only the same version as VirtualBox.
Download the latest version of Oracle VM VirtualBox Extension Pack
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VirtualBox is a virtual machine from Oracle Corporation. Free program designed to virtualize Windows operating systems, MacOS, Linux, FreeBSD, etc.
Version: VirtualBox 6.0.6
Size: 166 MB
Operating system: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7
Russian language
Program status: Free
Developer: Oracle
Official site:
What's new in version: list of changes
Appearance new version The operating system is stress for most users. Therefore, one of the main tasks of the developers is to make the transition passed as smooth as possible. It does not always turn out, but the creators of Windows 7 were people understanding, and therefore introduced a virtualization package at the same time, allowing you to run XP inside the "seven".
General
Virtual machine Emulates hardware, Creating an insulated medium insulated in the system into which any OS can be put. This allows you to solve many software compatibility issues, and also allows you to "try" another system, without deleting the actual. You can work with physical drives, install games and programs for Windows XP, without refusing to "seven", save files and perform other tasks. Let's see how to install a virtual machine on Windows 7 to take advantage of all its useful features.
Virtual PC availability
If you installed Windows 7 Ultimate, Enterprise or Professional version, then the Virtual PC function you have the default. It is only necessary to make sure that the processor supports hardware virtualization. You can do this using the Microsoft Hardware-Assisted Virtualization Detection Tool utility.
Download the utility and run it. Depending on the results of the processor check, the following messages may appear on the screen.
Enable / disable virtualization is made in bIOS settings, Therefore, before installing the Virtual PC manually, check the parameter to be activated.
The option may be called Intel_Virtualization Technology, AMD-V, Virtualization Extensions, etc. Find this feature in the BIOS and change the value from "disabled" to "Enabled". 
If you fail to start the virtual machine, Windows offers to install a special patch. At this stage it is important to choose the correctness of the system - x32 or x64 correctly.
Manual installation
Installation Virtual machines on Windows 7 includes two stages:
- Installing Windows Virtual PC;
- Installation virtual disk Windows XP Mode.
First you will deal with Virtual PC:
You can then move to the Windows XP MODE virtual disk setting:
First start
After installation of XP MODE "Seven" should make it further configuration to create a virtual disk. Therefore, after pressing the "Finish" button, the following window will appear on the screen, in which there will be another license agreement, the conditions of which you must accept. 
Specify the folder in which the virtual disk will be placed and create the first user. 
Turn on protective functions Systems you create. Do it optional. Click "Start Installation". 
Installation process will start; You can only wait for it.
New virtual machine
The system is prepared, the virtual disk is installed. It remains to create a new environment and run Windows XP in it.
In the main window of XP Mode, a newly created isolated medium will appear. Click on the right button and select Open. Select the "DVD drive" parameter and specify the path to the physical disk drive (if you have a disk with the XP Windows distribution) or the ISO image loaded in advance. The system installation wizard will be launched.
You will only need to install Windows XP in as usual modeTo begin using this system in an isolated medium created using the hardware virtualization function.
After the installation is completed, you can use all the features of the OS from Microsoft: Install Gadgets for Windows XP, put games that do not run on the "seven", run outdated programs, etc. - For this, it is enough just to run through the emulator mode XP. 
Alternative virtual machines
In addition to the built-in hardware virtualization feature, Windows 7 supports third-party software programs that help create an isolated environment and install any operating system in it.
First of all, it is necessary to note the virtualization systems such as VMware Workstation and Oracle VM VirtualBox. Let's look at the example of VirtualBox, how such programs work.
Oracle Vm VirtualBox.
Download and install VirtualBox. It is installed in the same way as any other program, so you should not have any problems.
- Run Oracle VM VirtualBox and click "Create". An isolated insulated environment wizard opens.
- Specify the name new car, type and bitty system, and then click "Next".
- Set the volume random access memorywhich will automatically stand out when you start a virtual machine for its operation.
- Create new hard Disk and click "Next".
- Specify the type of disk. If you do not know what better, leave the first item in the list marked.
- Select Storage Format - It is recommended to specify the "dynamic image".
- Specify the name and volume of the new virtual hard Disc, and then complete the wizard, clicking the "Create" button.
Isolated medium ready. To start working with it, select it with the left mouse button and click the "Run" button in the top menu. 
A new window will appear on the screen through which you will first install, and then interact with Windows 7 or another installed by the operating system. Specify the path to the physical disk or ISO image with the WINDS distribution and click "Continue". 
Process windows installations 7 We will not consider in detail here, since it does not differ about the usual installation to the physical hard disk. You only need to wait for the installation of the system.
A virtual machine is launched through the Oracle VM VirtualBox program. You will need to open this utility and select the leftmost left in the main menu. virtual image Systems.
As for other utilities, the VMware Workstation The process of creating a virtual machine almost completely repeats the procedure described above. 
In some other programs it may be necessary additional settingTherefore, for beginners, they may seem somewhat complicated.
Conclusion
Create a virtual machine and set the system to it is quite simple, but you need to be careful - from April 2014 Windows XP is not supported by Microsoft Corporation, therefore, even emulating this OS mode, you make your system vulnerable.
In addition, XP mode is not supported on machines from installed Windows 8, and you cannot fix it in any way. The Virtual PC function was originally created for smooth transition Between systems, so it will not work out through the version.
But you can try to set a system other than Microsoft Windows - for example, Linux. 
Immediately go to it is difficult enough, besides, it is necessary to give up most familiar Window program. In the emulation mode, you gradually get used to the peculiarities of interaction with the new system and decide whether you need to go completely to it.
Under the concept of a virtual machine (from English. Virtual Machine) understand the software or hardware system, which emulates the hardware of a certain platform (guest platform), executing programs for the guest platform by the host platform.
Also, a virtual machine can virtualize a kind of platform by creating independent, isolated environments for the operation of operating systems and programs.
If it is simple, the virtual machine provides an opportunity on one real, physical Computer, create several virtual computers, Install various operating systems, programs, etc. on them.
In broad masses, this technology came from the world of server infrastructure, where virtual machines are used to create maximum server boot and reduce equipment downtime.
Virtual machines are used to solve the circle of tasks such as:
Optimizing server resources.
Information protection, as well as limiting the possibilities of some programs, the so-called sandbox idea.
Research new computer architecture or software.
Emulation of various computer architectures (for example, for emulation game console PlayStation from Sony).
Testing and debugging software.
We bring to your attention short review The most popular virtualization programs.
Virtual machine for Windows 7: Virtual Box
Program for virtualization from Oracle, for Linux operating systems, Mac OS X, MS Windows, etc.
The program is quite popular and below we will consider not all, but only its key advantages:
Free.
Cross-platform.
Support for 64-bit guest systems on 32-bit host platforms. To do this, the host platform must support the virtualization technology at the processor level.
Support for audio devices and various types of network interaction.
The ability to create a chain of backup states (backups) to which you can return in case of problems with the guest system.
Russian-speaking interface.
Important! The shortcomings of the program are not significant, but for the sake of objectivity of the assessment should also be mentioned about them - VirtualBox is poorly compatible with WIN 95/98 (there is a slow operation of the system) and Mac OS X (sound problems).
As we see, the shortcomings of the program are not significant and rather nominal.
Virtual Machine for Windows 7: Xen
Monitor of virtual machines (hypervisor), designed in the University of Cambridge and distributed with open source code (GPL license).
Using Paraircultualization Technology (PV mode), Xen allows you to achieve very high performance due to the emulation of real hardware platforms.
The feature of the PV mode is the lack of the starting torque of the computer (imitation of the BIOS-code, loader) and the core of the guest OS starts immediately right mode, like ordinary programs.
It is worth noting that Xen can be compared with the software of the corporate level due to its rich functionality.
Advantages:
Free.
Cross-platform.
High performance of running virtual machines, which is very close to the performance of real systems.
The ability to migrate working virtual machines between physical hosts.
High degree of support for emulated equipment.
The lack of a program is perhaps one - its relative complexity, compared with the similar software of other companies.
Virtual machine for Windows 7: Virtual PC
Initially this program CONNETIX was developed for Mac OS, back in 1997. 4 years later, a version for Windows was published.
Later, in 2003 the rights to the program were acquired by Microsoft Corporation, and in 2006 the program was free.
In the future, Virtual PC did not receive development and today contains the 2007 functionality.
Benefits:
Free.
Simple, convenient interface.
Disadvantages:
The program only works in a Windows OS environment, but incompatible with Windows 8 and above.
Virtual Machine for Windows 7: VMware Player
Product from the largest American VMware virtualization developer.
VMware's products are primarily aimed at corporate market segment Therefore, the full version of the program is VMware Workstation - Plan.
The license price is about 250 dollars. For non-commercial use, the manufacturer offers a program with limited VMware Player functionality.
It is worth noting that the restrictions in general concern developers of software and IT specialists, to perform the tasks of the ordinary user, the program is quite functional.
Benefits:
Free.
Fast.
Simple, convenient interface.
ThinPrint technology allows you to print any document, open in the guest OS, without installing additional drivers.
Work with several monitors in the guest OS.
File sharing between guest systems using Drag & Drop (dragging) technology.
Disadvantages:
Limited feature of the free version.
Installing Windows 7 x64 on VirtualBox (Virtual Machine)
Virtual machine for Windows 7: Multiple OS on one machine
8. Installing Windows 7 to VirtualBox virtual machine.
VirtualBox. - special program To create virtual computers in the PC memory. Each virtual computer may contain an arbitrary set of virtual devices and a separate operating system. The scope of virtual computers is very wide - from performing functions for testing software before creating entire networks that are easy to scale, distribute the load and protect. VirtualBox. Applicated for free, open source.
1) Download last version programs VirtualBox. From the official website: http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/downloads
2) Install it on your computer.
2.1) Start the installer; In the first window, click Next
2.2) Select I Accept the Terms in the License Agreement and press Next.
2.3) click Next, then again Next
2.4) Click on the button Yes. ATTENTION: In the next step after pressing the Install button there will be a rupture of communication with the network (both local and the Internet)
2.5) click Install To continue the installation
2.6) in appearing windows Install software for this device? Click on the button Set
2.7) In the last window, leave the check box to start creating a virtual machine immediately or remove the checkbox to create a virtual machine later. Press the button FINISH. If you removed the checkbox, use the icon on the desktop to start the program.
3) In the main program window, click on the button Create. Opens New Virtual Machine Creation Wizard. Press the button Further.
4) Enter the name of the virtual machine, in the OS Type section, set the values:
Operating system: Microsoft Windows
Version: Windows 7.
5) Enter the size of the RAM allocated for the virtual machine.
ATTENTION: Memory will stand out from the physical memory installed in your computer. Do not install the memory below 512 megabytes and above 50% of the size of the installed physical memory. Press the button Further.
6) Select the boot virtual hard disk. Set the switch to the value: Create a new hard drive. Press the button Further.
7) opens Wizard create a new virtual disk. Press the button Further.
8) Select the type of virtual hard disk. The dynamic image will initially take a little space, and will expand gradually. Fixed image will immediately create a disk of the specified size - it may take long time. Press the button Further.
9) Select the name and location for the file of your virtual disk. By default, the file name corresponds to the virtual machine name, and the file itself is located on the same hard disk where the real Windows 7 is installed, in the C: \\ Users \\ Username \\ .VirtualBox folder.
Select the size of the virtual hard disk. (By default 20 gigabytes). Press the button Further.
10) Click on the button Ready And you will return to the previous window, where the parameters of the virtual machine you create are specified. Click on the button Ready in the window OutcomeAnd you create a new virtual machine.
A virtual machine for installing Windows 7 is created.
11) Before starting installing Windows 7, you need to configure it on your virtual machine. To configure your virtual machine, click on the button. Properties.
12) In the settings section from the list on the left, select Display. Set the video memory size available for a virtual machine of at least 26 megabytes. Check flags for settings items Turn on 3D acceleration and Enable 2D video acceleration.
13) In the settings section from the left list, select Carriers.
14) in the settings tree Information carriers Select the DVD disc icon.
If you have an installation windows disk 7 recorded on a DVD, then insert it into a DVD drive and in the column Attributes Opposite the element Drive unit Select it from the drop-down list. Also check the box for Allow direct access.
If you have installation disk Windows 7 is available as an ISO image, then in the column Attributes Click on the folder icon to open
15) in the window Virtual Media Manager Press the button Add. Select the image file and click Open. Click on the button Choose
16) Your image will add a tree settings Information carriersfollowing the virtual hard disk file. Press the button OK..
17) You will find yourself in the main program window. Click on the button Start
18) If the information windows appear, then click on the button OK.
19) Click the mouse button inside the virtual machine screen, and in the information window, click on the button. Capture
20) Install Windows 7. Installing Windows 7 on a virtual machine is no different from the usual installation on the real machine.
21) After completing the Windows 7 installation to the virtual machine, VirtualBox. Immediately launch you Windows 7 inside the virtual machine.
22) The use of a mouse and keyboard in a virtual machine blocks them for use in a real (host) Windows. To switch between the virtual machine window and the main Windows window, you have to use the Right Control host.
So that the virtual machine does not capture the mouse cursor and keyboard, and you could calmly move the mouse cursor between the guest (virtual) and host (main) systems, as well as the clipboard would become common, you need to install Additions of the guest OS.. To install them, do the following: in the menu of the started virtual machine, select Devices -> Install the additions of the guest OS
23) in the pop-up window Autostat Press the vboxwindowsadditions.exe and install the program.
24) To turn off the virtual machine, in the menu of the started virtual machine, select A car -> Close -> Turn off the car.
25) to run installed Windows 7 In the main program window, click on the button. Start.
Consider more detailed what virtual machines for Windows are and for what they need. Find out all the best simulators OS and how to start using them.
The virtual machine (VM) is a computer application, with which the user can create an imitation of the operating system. The machine is installed in the OS image for use inside existing system. Very convenient, isn't it? But there are pitfalls. Read what you encounter when installing and which virtual machine for WINDOVS versions 7.8 and 10 it is better to choose.
Why do you need virtual machines for PC?
In most cases, VM are used to test software in. To work with several OS, you will need only one computer, which significantly speeds up work.
On one computer, you can run several virtual machines simultaneously. Their number depends on the available RAM and place on the children's disk, since the virtual OS consumes exactly the same memory resource as the usual installed copy of the computer.
Using virtual machines, you can work with programs, features that are not available in the main OS. Also, it is possible to create backups VM, with their subsequent movement and use on other computers.
Viruses, errors and other virtual OS failures do not affect the operation of the main system. After closing the machine, the operation of the additional OS is stopped and the RAM is released.
During the operation of the VM, the device can slow down, because the increased consumption of repository resources leads to an increase in request processing time.
Causes of the installation of VM:
- You want to get acquainted with the work of other operating systems without their full installation. If there is a need to replace the existing OS, first use the virtual simulator to test other options for. It will relieve you from possible bugs and incompatibility with the hardware;
- You are a developer and want to create a comprehensive system for testing the applications being created.
VirtualBox.
VirtualBox is a virtual machine for Windows 7.8.10. Virtualization environment applies free of charge and can be installed both to operate with operating systems and for deploying network infrastructure and hosting sites.
Main Window VirtualBox:
The main feature of this virtual machine is cross-platform. It works great on all versions of Windows. Also, from the developer's website you can download installers for Mac OS, Debian. In the virtualization environment, you can install any desktop OS.
With VirtualBox, you can familiarize yourself with the functional OS or in safe mode Test the program without harming the main system. Often, users prefer to install old games for virtual machines that are incompatible with modern OS.
After the simulator is completed, all data and changes will be saved. The next time you turn on, you will be returned to the desktop and you can continue the task.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of VirtualBox:
- Free distribution. 90% of the same software is paid, while VirtualBox can be obtained completely free. Functions and capabilities of the program are not limited to the developer;
- Ability to create screenshots - Screenshots virtual system. The final image will display only an additional OS window. Creating screenshots using the main OS worsens permission and captures also your usual desktop;
- Creating an accurate copy of an existing virtual machine;
- The ability to drag folders, labels and other objects inside the simulator;
- Unified file system - from the virtual machine you can access directories that are stored on the PC, and vice versa;
- Simultaneous work with several machines.
Also, a distinctive feature of the new VirtualBox 4 is a convenient virtualization management system and intuitive-understandable workspace programs. Also, in the new assembly is available to perform video capture from the screen of an additional OS.
VirtualBox supports USB media connected to a computer.
Disadvantages of the program:
- Slow out computer. Even if your PC has good technical characteristics, a sufficient place of operational and permanent memory, when using a virtual machine, a slower execution of all functions will be observed. If in the process of creating a VM, you highlighted it too much memory, the computer will hang hard or turn off;
- Insufficient number of video memory. If you need to achieve the most high-quality image, it will be difficult to do with VirtualBox. The program allows you to configure the parameters of using the video card only on the basic level.
How to install
To install the VirtualBox program, download the installer from the developer's official website - Oracle. The installation process is standard and does not require additional settings:
- Run the EXE file;
- Choose HDDon which will be the root folder with the program;
- Wait until the installation is completed. If necessary, the user can view the statistics of the use of a hard disk during installation.
In the "Custom Setup" field, you can disable uSB support, network Services. This allows you to reduce the final application size.
Video instructions how to install two OS using VirtualBox
The program installation field can be searched for the creation of the first virtual machine. Click on the Create button in the upper left corner of the window. The VM Settings tab opens:
In the Configuration Wizard window, select the Virtual OS type (Windows, Linux, Debian, MacOS) and its version. Set the name for the created simulator and click on the Next button.
Then, the program will provide you with the ability to independently specify the size of the RAM, which will be highlighted for an additional OS. For users of newbies, we advise you to set a value that is specified in the "Recommended Size of the main memory".
The size of RAM for VM should be determined depending on technical characteristics Your PC. If there are 4 GB of RAM on your computer, 512 MB-1 GB will be sufficient for normal operation of the simulator.
Next, the program will ask to choose in file System The image of the OS (which matches the previously specified family and version). After completing the setting, a window will appear with a brief listing of all parameters. Click on "Finish".
After completing the installation virtual Windows, In the main window VirtualBox, an icon appears to start the OS. Click on it and wait for the desktop boot. If necessary, install the drivers.
For automatic update Drivers Open the "Devices" tab on the virtual machine toolbar. Then click on need type Media and in a new window Follow the instructions for getting a new software.
Ready. Now you can start working with a virtual operating system. To exit the program, first turn off the OS, and then close the VirtualBox.
Vmware.
VMWare Workstation is the best virtual machine for Windows 10. The developer positions the program as a convenient platform for creating. Compared to other popular analogues, VMware supports more functions for custom-configuration of the virtual machine and allows you to synchronize the simulator with software development tools.
This virtualization environment is popular among programmers, web designers and other specialists who often have to test the work of their projects on cross-platform.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages of VMware can be allocated:
- Convenient toolbar;
- Synchronization with Microsoft development tools, in particular platform.NET and Visual Studio software;
- Safety system. Built-in VMware tools provide a high level of protection of your files in an additional OS. The simulator can identify malicious activity to eliminate them;
- Work of encryption services for created virtual machines.
Disadvantages of the application:
- Paid distribution. User can download free trial version utilities but to get full version Applications with all available features will need to pay an annual or monthly subscription;
- Not suitable for newbies. If you used to use the simulators of operating systems, we recommend starting work with simpler options. For example, VirtualBox and standard for windows Hyper V. vmware will suit advanced users who prefer to perform system settings manually.
How to install
You can download the Virtual Machine for Windows from the official website of the developer VMware.com.
In the process of installing the program, it is recommended to turn off Windows Defender or other working antivirus. This is only necessary for the correct installation of all files and encryption algorithms that the program for virtual machines applies. There will be no harm for your main OS, since the product downloaded from the official source.
Overview of the functionality and the first setup of the program
To create the first virtual machine in VMWare, you will need to download to the computer distribution OS that you want to use in the emulator. Then open the window installed application and click on the "Create a New Virtual Machine" field
Note! The user can create a group of virtual machines, instead of several simulators. This allows you to reduce the resource of the RAM consumed and speed up the operation of the computer and the OS simulator.
In the Wizard wizard window, specify the path to the operating system image (this may be the file in the memory of the computer or boot disk). Also, it is possible to configure the virtual machine without installing the OS (it can be installed later).
- In the window that appears, specify the name of the OS, the username and password of access to the account;
- Specify, on which disk your computer will be stored a virtual machine;
- Select the number of RAM to work the VM;
- Configure equipment (automatically or manually).
After completing the configuration of the virtual machine, wait until the OS image is set and start working:
Microsoft Virtual PC.
Microsoft Virtual PC is another popular virtual machine emulator. The program is well compatible with all versions of OS Windows. If you use Microsoft Product as the main OS, we advise you to select Microsoft Virtual PC.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of the emulator:
- Excellent compatibility with all versions of Windows Wedow. In most cases, the user does not need to install any additional drivers for the virtual OS. All of them are synchronized with the main system;
- Sharing file system. Get access to files that are stored on a PC rigid disk through the VM window;
- Windows support with a bit of 64 bits in the operation modes "Guest host" and "Guest Wednesday";
- Support hardware virtualization.
Disadvantages:
- There are paid functions. The program applies free of charge, but for supporting the setting of a group of virtual OS will have to buy a subscription;
- There is no support for Linux-like systems.
Overview of the functionality and the first setup of the program
To install a virtual os, you first download its image into the computer's memory, and then open microsoft app Virtual PC. Click on the "Create Virtual Machine" button and configure the following parameters in a new window:
- Set the name of the new OS;
- Highlight the place for its hard disk and the size of the RAM;
- Choose which devices will support VM (network environment, flash drives and so on).
Outcome
We told you about the best. virtual machines For Windows, but not about everyone. If you think this is not the best - write in the comments! Help the novice readers to decide which emulator to start.