Windows 7: Using VHD Files

Windows 7 allows you to create and mount VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) files. These files were originally created for Microsoft's Virtual Machine (VM) technologies like Hyper-V and Virtual PC.  Using this feature you can directly access and edit the contents of these files.

Creating a VHD:

• From the search box in the Start menu, type DISKMGMT.MSC then press Enter.
• In the Disk Manager, in the Action menu select Create VHD.
• Right-click the VHD and select Initialize Disk, then right-click the unallocated space and select New Simple Volume.

VHD drive behave like any other drive, you can put files on them, install applications, etc.  To remove a VHD drive in the Disk Manager right-click the disk and select Detach VHD.

Mounting a VHD

• In the Disk Manager, in the Action menu select Create VHD.
• Find and select the VHD file you want to mount.

The virtual drive will appear in Windows Explorer as any other mounted disk.