Windows XP doesn't see disk added from another virtual machine

Discussion in 'Windows Virtual Machine' started by OlegI, Apr 15, 2010.

  1. OlegI

    OlegI Bit poster

    Messages:
    2
    I've face with some data corruption on my WinXP guest on existing virtual machine which prevents it from booting up (looks like some of system DLL's got corrupted). I've created new virtual machine and would like to attach one of virtual disks from first VM to new one so I could use it as before. I've done next steps:
    * Open package with VM and located disk I'm interested in (hdd2.hdd)
    * Opened hdd2.hdd as package and located *.hds file (there was only one)
    * I've copied this file to package with new VM and renamed to hdd2.hdd
    * I've changed configuration of new VM to add second disk and changed existing image (copy of hdd2.hdd)
    * I've approved conversion of image
    * Did start of new VM

    As result WinXP in new VM can't see added disk. If I go to Computer Management and initialize new disk it shows it but I loose all my data on it.

    Interesting point is that I've tried yesterday to connect another disk from old VM *same way* and was able to do it. Now I'm wondering what I'm doing wrong.

    It's really important for me to connect this disk as I have data on it needed for my current onsite assignment.
     
  2. Shaddam IV

    Shaddam IV Forum Maven

    Messages:
    623
    Hmmm... at first glance it sounds as if the HDD image that you're trying to connect to your VM is *so* corrupt that the VM just can't recognise it. Can you mount the image on the Mac's deskto? (Right-click on the VM package "xxxx.pvm" and select Open with Parallels Mounter)

    If yes, you could try creating a new HD image, but keep it empty. Then mount both these images on the Mac's desktop and open the one you want to salvage. Copy all files from there to the new (empty) image. Now try connecting the new HD image to the VM.

    Good luck!
     
  3. OlegI

    OlegI Bit poster

    Messages:
    2
    Shaddam,

    Thank you for this suggestion! I wasn't aware that you could mount the Parallels VM HDD in Mac before. This hint gave me ability to replace some of the corrupted files on original VM's HDD and make it start.

    Thank you!
     

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