How can I run my ubuntu partition in Windows? vmware?

Question

My machine is dual-boot windows 7 and ubuntu 10 on different partitions of the hard drive. Normally, I boot into Ubuntu if I want to use Ubuntu. However, when I need to run in Windows I'd like to be able to start ubuntu from within windows 7. Can I do this with VMware or some other virtualization technology?

Solution 1

Yes, VMware workstation 7 offers this functionality.

Create a new VM
Custom (advanced) -> Next
-> Next
I will install later -> Next
Linux -> Next
-> Next
-> Next
-> Next
-> Next
-> Next
Use Physical disk (for advanced users) -> Next
Use individual partition -> Next

note: I may have a few too many or few nexts in the middle there. There's a TON of screens where you just click next.

Solution 2

This post describe doing what you want on VirtualBox, Ive just done it here and it works. I don't know if it can be done on VMware(or, as the comments suggested, in the free version of it). I'd like to try it there to see how is it's speed in comparison, but having it on VirtualBox is quite convenient already.video showing the steps of the post

Ps.: Important to note, this could be dangerous, do read the post before doing it as it's possible a mistake could mess with your HD

Comments

[Admin]

Basically yes, but BACK IT UP FIRST.

[Ross Rogers]

Possible with the free VMware Player?

[Daisetsu]

Nope, VMware player lets you run a virtual machine which was already created. Essentially all you are doing is creating a new machine but setting the target hard drive to one of the physical partitions. One of the open source virtual machines such as VirtualBox may allow you to do this same sort of thing but I haven't used it so I can't guarentee it.

[David Z]

VirtualBox might be worth looking at, I think it might be able to do that. I've tried going the other way (running a Windows partition within a Linux host) but I didn't get it to work; however I think Linux is more tolerant of being booted on different hardware configurations.

[Ross Rogers]

Mungen, can you post details? I can't figure out how to select a pre-existing partition.

[Breno Salgado]

@RossRogers See my answer