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Boot Windows 7 from VHD - an amazing concept

spacesurfer

By spacesurfer
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crashnburn4u

crashnburn4u

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Magic Andre - I am undergoing crazy pain for weeks on similar issue as yours. Hope you and the experts who guided you can help me please fix this problem: 

http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/172462-migrating-windows-7-or-8-install-from-bios-machine-to-native-boot-vhd-on-uefi-%E2%80%93-intricate-issues-questions-meticulous-steps/

http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/172463-migrating-windows-7-or-8-install-from-bios-machine-to-native-boot-vhd-on-uefi-%E2%80%93-intricate-issues-questions-meticulous-steps/

 

Mistaken double post due to slow internet/ browser issues - I think mods will delete/ clean one out. 

 

I have a question. Does this native Boot works with UEFI?

I want to boot a Win7 Ultimate on a Win8 Laptop which uses UEFI (secure boot off). I converted the Win7 WIM with the Convert-WindowsImage.ps1 script, added it to the bootmenu but when I select the Win7 VHD, nothing happens and wIn7 doesn't boot.

blink.gif

MagicAndre1981, on 01 Apr 2013 - 1:21 PM, said:

ok, I found the cause. The generated VHD from the Powershell script is MBR style, but you need GPT.

So I created a VHD, converted it to GPT and used DISM to apply the WIM into the VHD. Now I can select the VHD, I can see the text "Starting Windows" but it freezes here. What's this? What do I miss now?

 

 

Does this native Boot works with UEFI?

Yes, read: Add a Native-Boot Virtual Hard Disk to the Boot Menu
To update a UEFI-based computer to include a Windows 7 boot menu
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd799299(v=WS.10).aspx

I want to boot a Win7 Ultimate on a Win8 Laptop which uses UEFI (secure boot off).

Do you like to add Win7 VHD to the same hard disk?
Boot Windows 8 and run diskpart
create vdisk file=c:\win7.vhd type=fixed maximum=16789select vdisk file=c:\win7.vhdattach vdisklist diskcleanconvert GPTcreate partition primaryformat quick fs=ntfs label=VHD_Systemset id="EBD0A0A2-B9E5-4433-87C0-68B6B72699C7"assign letter=Vlist volexit DISM.exe /Apply-Image /ImageFile:E:\sources\install.wim /Index:4 /ApplyDir:V:\bcdboot V:\Windowsbcdeditpowercfg /h off
Lettter E: refers to a mounted Windows 7 x64 ISO image.
Adjust the example.

PartitionType: A GUID that identifies the partition type.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa365449(v=vs.85).aspx

 

MagicAndre1981, on 01 Apr 2013 - 8:58 PM, said: 

I missed this set id. Is this important? The rest is the same as I did. I'll try it again this evening.

 

Due to the stupid board software all links that contains brackets are parsed incorrectly.
Here are the two cdob posted in a clickable format (it is needed to post them using the little icon looking like a chain):
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd799299(v=WS.10).aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa365449(v=vs.85).aspx

A set of refereces should be also:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh825689.aspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh825691.aspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh825709.aspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh825691.aspx

This is the refeference to set id:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753840(v=ws.10).aspx
... but if you are not an OEM, additionally experienced with GPT disk, you cannot use it ;):

This command is intended for use by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) only. Changing partition type fields with this parameter might cause your computer to fail or be unable to boot. Unless you are an OEM or experienced with GPT disks, you should not change partition type fields on GPT disks by using this parameter.


jaclaz

 

I created the VHD first with the Powershell script under Win8:

http://gallery.technet.microsoft.com/scriptcenter/Convert-WindowsImageps1-0fe23a8f

With this way I got a MBR VHD which I can't even boot.

Next I used diskpart to create the VHD (I tried fixed and dynamic), converted it to GPT, created a primary partition and applied the WIM with DISM and used bcdboot to add thee VHD to the boot menu. So I did the same you posted.

I can select Win7, it boots but after the boot logo it freezes. I waited an hour but nothing happens.

 

this Dell Laptop doesn't seem to be Win7 compatible. I created an USB thumbdrive with Rufus, I booted from it and it also freezes at the bootlogo (Starting Windows) :crazy: So I'm not able to start the setup or create a VHD.

Here is someone with the same issue:
 

Though it boots from the DVD & shows the first (all black & grey screen) which says Windows loading files; the installation freezes at the second screen that says 'Starting Windows'.


http://superuser.com/questions/541472/how-to-clean-install-windows-7-professional-64bit-on-dell-inspiron-15r-turbo-s

The strange thing is, that the 15R SE was sold with Win7 last year.

MagicAndre1981, on 14 Apr 2013 - 03:59 AM, said: 
ok, the GOP (Graphics Output Protocol) from UEFI seams to be the cause of the boot hang.
Now I need to figure out if the Intel HD4000 and Radeon HD 7700 support GOP with Windows 7.

MagicAndre1981, on 15 Apr 2013 - 12:16 PM, said:
ok, I found the cause.

I need to set the option "Load Legacy Option ROM" to true. Now I still use UEFI but with the old VGA Video BIOS. The disadvantage is a bit slower boot/Resume from hibneration and the loss of the Dell Logo during boot, but I can boot both Windows versions.

 

How did you find about GOP and How/ where did you enter that fix? How do I find my issue?

Edited by crashnburn4u
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crashnburn4u

crashnburn4u

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my fix was to change a UEFI setting (set the option "Load Legacy Option ROM" to true).

 

I have an option in Firmware that allows switch between UEFI and CSM Boot (Compatibility support Modue). Is that the same or something else?

PS: What about the GOP thing? Is/ was that something separate? 

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crashnburn4u

crashnburn4u

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GOP = Graphics Output Protocol from UEFI

 

Windows 7 doesn't support this.

 

Also Andre - Would you mind going through my thread (linked below) and sharing some thoughts on what might be good way to proceed (steps) towards Native Boot VHD (Even if I let go of Windows 7 and choose to go to Win 8/ 8.1?)

 

Please do share your thoughts. Thanks. 

http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/172462-migrating-windows-7-or-8-install-from-bios-machine-to-native-boot-vhd/

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crashnburn4u

crashnburn4u

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So its possible that the new laptop I have may not support Windows 7 at all? So I think I will upgrade my Win7 to Win8 with Programs & Apps & Settings etc. 

 

Should I test a "Base Native Boot Win 8 VHD" on the machine first and then PORT the image from existing install? 

 

Ok. So, what would be the best way to migrate my existing Installation to Native boot VHD WIn 8? 

GOP is the graphic protocol of UEFI. With the old VGA you don't get the OEM Boot logo:

 

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/09/20/reengineering-the-windows-boot-experience.aspx

 

 

The Surface Pro for example doesn't support the VGA Option ROM any longer so Windows 7 doesn't work on it.

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cdob

cdob

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The Surface Pro for example doesn't support the VGA Option ROM any longer so Windows 7 doesn't work on it.

Good catch

Windows 7 Setup hangs at "Starting Windows" on Surface Pro http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2828074/en-us

The Surface Pro is a Class 3 UEFI device that does not support legacy BIOS Interrupt 10 (INT 10H) video transitioning and it requires Windows 8 or later operating systems to run.

I understand:

the Dell option "Load Legacy Option ROM" enables legacy BIOS Interrupt 10 (INT 10H) video transitioning at UEFI mode.

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crashnburn4u

crashnburn4u

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GOP is the graphic protocol of UEFI. With the old VGA you don't get the OEM Boot logo:

 

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/b8/archive/2011/09/20/reengineering-the-windows-boot-experience.aspx

 

The Surface Pro for example doesn't support the VGA Option ROM any longer so Windows 7 doesn't work on it.

 

So is it possible my new Toshiba wont support GOP at all and if so, Windows 7 will not work on it? Is there a "technical" way to check the BIOS for it? Some tool, code or script? Cause inside I see no option for it

Edited by crashnburn4u
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crashnburn4u

crashnburn4u

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when the UEFI supports Legacy CSM it supports Windows 7, but not on UEFI mode only in BIOS mode.

So, Windows 7 UEFI/ GPT will not work, especially from Native Boot VHD? 

My original machine has a MBR-BIOS system which I imaged to VHD using Disk2VHD and then converted to GPT+UEFI hoping it will work with UEFI firmware in that mode. 

 

So, now the key question is, if I have a GPT Hard-drive with Win8.1 Pre installed, could I boot a native Win7 VHD (stored on that drive/ partition) at all (In UEFI or CSM Mode)? If so, how? 

Or Would mixed mode booting just not work?

 

Don't know for sure but 'RW Utility' may be able to tell if you bios supports GOP and Compatibility Support Module => http://rweverything.com/

sidenote: I know some of the BIOSes such as the American Megatreads 'Aptio'and which is used by the ASUS VivoBook Series does support CSM. 

Thanks. I will check it out (had used RW everything once). I am wondering where and what section I need to be looking for that Information. 

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cdob

cdob

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So, Windows 7 UEFI/ GPT will not work, especially from Native Boot VHD?

Windows 7 UEFI/ GPT will work, given legacy BIOS Interrupt 10 (INT 10H) video transitioning at UEFI mode.

Windows 7 UEFI/ GPT will not work, given a GOP = Graphics Output Protocol at UEFI mode.

 

My original machine has a MBR-BIOS system which I imaged to VHD using Disk2VHD and then converted to GPT+UEFI hoping it will work with UEFI firmware in that mode.

It will fail at a GOP only hardware.

 

So, now the key question is, if I have a GPT Hard-drive with Win8.1 Pre installed, could I boot a native Win7 VHD (stored on that drive/ partition) at all (In UEFI or CSM Mode)? If so, how? 

Or Would mixed mode booting just not work?

CSM Mode booting is not possible from GPT out of the box.

Ignore this approach at a given hardware and software. Use a hardware solution: additional (USB) hard disk.

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