Install Windows XP to VHD like Windows 7

[spacesurfer]

You may be aware that Windows 7 can be installed to a VHD virtual hard disk as described here. The advantage is that you don't have to repartition your physical hard drive.

I was wondering if anyone has tried the same with Windows XP.

I had some ideas and was looking for more ideas on ways to accomplishing this.

First idea was to simply install Win 7 to a file called win7.vhd. Once finished, then replaced win7.vhd with a virtual pc install of windows xp, meaning, rename your windows xp install to win7.vhd. This doesn't work as there's more to booting a VHD OS that just the file name.

Second idea is to install Win 7 to win7.vhd. Once finished, then go back and install XP using virtual pc. Then see if xp boots. I haven't had a chance to try this one yet. Obviously, there are issues with hardware... but this is for experimenting only.

Any more idea?