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I have a backup ('Windows Image Backup') of a Windows 7 system, and I'd like to be able to run this system in a virtual machine on Windows 8.

Obviously I've got the default VM runner, Hyper-V, but I'll happily use any other free package.

Can I do this? How?

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Sure. I am sure there are programs that will convert a Windows Image Backup image into a virtual machine. Furthermore there are tools to take a physical computer and turn it into a virtual machine, for instance, VMWare has this capability. –  Ramhound Nov 7 '12 at 19:41

1 Answer 1

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  1. Install Windows 7 on the VM.

  2. In the start menu search box, type recovery and press enter.

  3. Click Advanced recovery methods.

  4. Click Use a system image you created earlier to recover your computer, and then follow the steps.

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I'm installing Windows 8 in a virtual machine? I want Win7 in the machine. –  ACarter Nov 7 '12 at 19:59
Updated answer. –  Zuck Nov 7 '12 at 20:11

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