Booting existing Windows install from within Linux

SJD · 01-26-2007, 04:31 AM

Hi all,

I'm quite new to Linux having used only Windows previously but I have recently been given the task of running an existing installation of Windows from within Linux. I have previously used VmWare and Xen to boot Windows but both of these solutions have required me to re-install Windows. Is there any way of doing the same thing but using an existing installation.

Thanks for your help.

Steve

Simon Bridge · 01-26-2007, 05:43 AM

No. [edit: but see the next post!]

I think the closest you will get is the WINE implimentation of the windows API for linux or an emulator like win4lin. WINE can use dlls from an existing windows installation.

What is the purpose of running windows from inside linux?
I used to have windows 98SE on a headless box which I controlled from a linux box via VNC?? This had much the same effect.

dbogdan · 01-26-2007, 06:39 AM

Have not tried this myself because it supposedly does not work on SCSI or SATA disks but have a look at...

http://rougebob.com/Running-a-Window...-in-VMware.htm

pixellany · 01-26-2007, 08:20 AM

You really only have 3 options:

dual-boot
virtual machine (eg VMware)
run Windows programs via WINE

I'm working towards #4 (don't use Windows), but YMMV

Ruler2112 · 01-26-2007, 11:24 AM

Qemu, but slow and quirky.