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Virtual Machine - Using bootable Windows drive as a client

I am trying to work out a solution that allows me to use a Windows client VM as a gaming environment that I can package as a resalable solution (I own a computer store). So far, it has been extremely challenging with todays solutions. (tomorrow it will be the norm I believe).

At present, unless my other posted question (https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/28278201/Virtual-Machine-Gamer-Development-Machine.html) regarding VFIO produces fruit, I am hoping a solution that would allow me to use a bootable windows 7 drive within the virt-manager environment.

For instance, I would unplug the host linux drive, and attach a fresh drive and then completely install Windows 7 on that drive.

I would then reattach the linux host drive and boot to it. I would then run virt-manager from a remote computer and wish to access that same physical drive and its boot environment from the virt-manager.

Is this possible ?

If so, it would allow me to access Windows 7 for all the 'normal stuff' like Office, basic development IDE etc but also be available for a multi-boot directly if it was to be used for gaming purposes and needed full on graphics.

What sayeth the group ?

Jay / CompuMatter

SOLUTION

Andrew Hancock (VMware vExpert PRO / EE Fellow/British Beekeeper)

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Jay Lepore

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hanccocka, I won't play games in the VM environment using this solution. It's a work around that games would only be played in the stand alone environment but most of the time normal dev / office stuff could be carried out as a VM.

I did not consider the multiple license issue....

The idea that I would need to activate windows makes sense. It also kills the idea in its tracks since this would be a resalable solution from our store.

So, back to the idea board...

Split credit for this since you both brought up activation / licensing issues that killed the idea ;-)