[LM2004]

I have XP SP3 installed. It lost its registry files and probably something else too.

About 9 months ago I made a virtual machine of that XP install. What should I copy from the VM to the real Windows folder to get it working? I think I'll copy as little as possible first, because that VM is a bit old.

I have tried several programs on that XP, and they work. Also other data on the hard disk seems to be there, so formatting does not help. And it was quite a bit of work to get everything just right.

FYI. There are 4 hard disks on this machine:
Disk 1, XP1, the problem machine
Disk 2, Data disk, virtual machines are here
Disk 3, XP2, for testing. Should be empty but filling rapidly.
Disk4, Windows 7, what I am using just now.

 

[Wand3r3r]

Windows isn't just about files.
You will not be able to repair by just coping files. You need a valid registry also.

You could copy the entire vm over but its registry points to it being on a different drive letter than c:

Correct way to fix this is a new install.

 

[LM2004]

I dont think so. Virtual machines files are on its drive C:. Virtual machines file system takes care of where files actually are.

Besides, I have seen it done. I thought that Techsupport forum would be best place to ask about it, but I'm beginning to change my mind.

 

[shawnpb]

Can not be done. Your VM Xp does not have the necessary drivers for your machine (Chipset drivers). Windows will not boot. A VM drive is not a physical drive it is more like a virtual drive. It would be like changing motherboards with an exsisiting installation of Windows main board having different chipsets and Windows having the old chipset drivers Windows will not boot.

You can only move a Copy of and OS from VM to another computer not use it as a physical every day OS. VM players do not use your machine drivers and hardware they use generic hardware drivers embedded in the VM players software.

Also as mentioned the Registry will not be the same.

It would be like trying to get an old Ford motor to work with a Lamborghini Transmission.

 

[spunk.funk]

You can try cloning the VM machine and restoring it to a blank HDD but I'm not sure if that will work or not but worth a try.

 

[Maz_-]

Besides, I have seen it done. I thought that Techsupport forum would be best place to ask about it, but I'm beginning to change my mind.

if you find a solution elsewhere please let us know because i agree with the others here, it cannot be done.

 

[SteveThePirate]

I agree also, I've never seen it done neither and I've been working with VM's for years fiddling with XP and the like. I would defo like to know if there was a way somehow