Hi Guys
I'm migrating some of my stuff to a new operating system (Windows).
I've heard that is very common to use virtual machines when navigating and testing programs.

Is it possible to create a virtual machine within the same operating system skipping the installation of another op system? .
I want to run on Windows, using Vmware workstation, an instance of Windows (same operative system) without new install.
Is it possible? Does it make any sense at all?
What about microsoft windows virtual pc ? Is it cheese?
And virtual-box?

In the past I've ran Windows on a Mac but it's not what I intend to do now.

Any advice on the topic will be greatly welcomed! (I'm slightly lost ;-)

 

hi there,
i believe this is what you are looking for...
VMware vCenter Converter

 

So, what you want is a virtual machine with a version of windows that is already installed, and that you just have to double click on to run? I'm sure there are around on torrent sites, but I always find it more comforting to install the Operating system myself on those virtual machines so I can customize the VM.

On the other hand, if you're just worried that it's going to be hard to Windows inside a VM, it's actually very easy. All you need is an installation DVD or .iso image file. At that point, both VMware and VirtualBox already have a very good setup for your situation, all you need to do is click next a few times and watch Windows install itself inside your VM, while you go do other stuff (like making the next hit record, who knows?)

Good luck!

 

Yep, that's what I want!

LOL
I see.... I was panicking when asked for the iso or DVD !!!! more confi now

 

So what about to run an image of Mountain Lion on Vmware ?

are there any issues when running an image for applications as Logic with the server key / network adapter?
I mean in the past I couldn't manage to run an application (installed in windows) using Vmware in my Mac environment because of the diferences of the network adapter.

Has someone experience using a virtual machine running complex programs with complex set ups (plus an array of associated apps like vsts )

 

I just found this guide: http://www.sysprobs.com/easily-run-mac-os-x-10-8-mountain-lion-retail-on-pc-with-vmware-image
It's for a PC host, with a Mountain Lion VM

I don't know about this part, but you could google your issue in details

I haven't tried for serious music yet, just for testing and debugging.

 

Very interesting guide to a light hackintosh

Somewhere to go or crash!

 

Or to get inside some programs, find out how they work (and how they authorize )

 

I use Oracle Virtual-Box, very easy to use. I have XP, Windows7, Windows8, OSX Snow Leopard, and BackBox Linux setup in VB, running on a windows7 host pc (32bit).

The important thing to remember is that you processor and ram will be shared between the host pc and the virtual one, and may cause some issues when using demanding software in the virtual pc. OSX Mountain Lion is 64bit, so your host pc will also need to be running 64bit. Snow leopard is a lot easier to install.

 

All that sounds good and all but it seems like an odd way of going about it.

Personally Id just partition off your harddrive to a small partition install your OS on it and if anything gets messed up wipe the test OS and start again. You'r gonna run into performance problems with VM's and there's always a chance a program can act differently run on a vm. But yeah trying to run high resources on a VM just isn't a good idea and will never give accurate results when compairing to a native OS running. My way is probably a lot easier too

Basically no extra software required. You can partition the drive in the windows manage screen [right click my computer/manage]. Then just split the drive of some of its free space, create a new drive, drive letter it, mount it and install your windows. Set a restore point after main programs are done, and then you have a full OS that you can do whatever to and even if something goes wrong you just reformat the partition and start over. or use the system restore.

 

Think what above says create partition (wondershare( I find VM lagging when Ive tried. you can also clone your drive. Make a flash boot drive. Physical drive is best but that's just my opinion easier access less fuss,Its only a matter of take out old drive pop in spare one if you have lap top. or add extra drives if you have tower.That way things will run smooth. If any of that makes sense as either way there's always some fiddling about involved.

 

Thanks guys for all the comments. Useful stuff.

Because I'm in my maniac mood I'll give a try to all the alternatives.

First thing install the virtual machines / ( purpose==> navigation and testing environment )

Second Partitions will made using partition magic in order to avoid last minute surprises in C / (someone told me that's safer once you get some stuff installed around !)
Then install and messing around with OS (drivers - components compatibility (I took what was reviewed as compatible ....but who knows given my lack of experience ) I get scared here.

Clonage has been in my mind for a while understanding it as a safety copy of the system if everything goes wrong.

I work from a tower that will start showing its capabilities just once some workflow and systematization would be accomplished .

 

There's also a choice of install the iso of the system ( OSX ) in another HD , a 300 gB would do ) , you just need a mobo with a G chipset (G31 works, G35 possibily will work too ), then you'll have a dual boot Win/OSX

 

A double boot like that sounds as pretty good idea....I'll be pretty busy with this stuff.
Now I'm stuck trying to see from windows a old HD running Linux ...The disk mount but I can't access yet I guess there is a program that might help with it