Specifying hard disk settings

To change a hard disk setting:

1. Bring the guest PC window to the front.
2. On the Edit menu, click Settings.
3. Click the desired setting: Hard Disk 1, 2, or 3.
4. Select the hard disk image to associate with this drive:
   
   • None
     
     1. Click None.
        
   • Hard Disk Image
     
     1. Click Hard disk image file.
     2. Click Browse.
     3. Locate a hard disk image, and click Open.

        Note: The hard disk image must already exist in order to be selected. To create a new hard disk image, see Creating a disk image.

        Note: It is possible to select a hard disk image that is in use by another guest PC. However, only one guest PC can use the disk at a time. Attempting to start up the second PC when the disk is already in use by another PC will generate an error.

5. Click OK or Restart.

Note: If a guest PC is currently running, and you change one of the disk settings, you must restart the guest PC.

Hard Disk Locations

Hard Disk 1

In general, Virtual PC uses the specified disk image (also known as the boot disk) to start up the guest PC operating system. It is also possible to boot from a CD or floppy.

When booting from a hard disk image, the disk image must contain an operating system. If you are using a pre-installed disk image from Connectix, the disk image contains all of the files needed to run the operating system (Windows, DOS or Linux). If you are not using a pre-installed disk image, you must install the operating system yourself. See: Installing a new OS.

When booting from a floppy or CD it is still advisable to specify a hard disk for your guest PC. Many applications require that a hard disk be present in order to operate correctly.

Hard Disk 2
Hard Disk 3

These hard disk images provide additional storage space. They are not necessary in order to run the guest PC operating system.

See also:
Booting from a floppy
Booting from a CD-ROM

Virtual PC for Macintosh

Virtual PC for Windows also supports hard disk images created by Virtual PC for Macintosh.