Can Windows 7 be used for BootCamp if it was installed using VMWare's Fusion?

[itsme0209]

hi. I installed Windows 7 through VMWare Fusion's easy setup. Can I use this existing Windows installation to make a BootCamp partition? I know Windows can be used vice versa (BootCamp first, then VMWare), but I already installed Windows 7 with VMware first.

Also, can I use the same installation of Windows for Parallel Desktop 5?

 

[MacDawg]

No

You will have to make an installation for Bootcamp separately
Then your Bootcamp partition can be accessed by Fusion

Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[itsme0209]

How about for using Parallels desktop? Same situation?

 

[MacDawg]

How about for using Parallels desktop? Same situation?

Parallels can access a Bootcamp partition once it is installed or you can install it separately in Parallels, but Parallels cannot access the Windows installation within Fusion

Woof, Woof - Dawg

 

[ayeying]

Installing through VMWare Fusion means you installed it onto a virtual disk, not an actual partition. Same goes for Parallels or VirtualBox. You can only do the other way if you want Boot Camp and Fusion/Parallels access.

 

[itsme0209]

Wow. That kinda sucks. I no longer have the windows installation disc. Ok, thank you both for your help!

 

[panzer06]

Wow. That kinda sucks. I no longer have the windows installation disc. Ok, thank you both for your help!

In the PC world is has been done and VMware offers some suggestions. Such a project is not for the faint of heart. It can be very complex and I'm not sure any of the utilities referenced will work with the Mac's EFI-based system.

As always, make sure you have a complete system backup before attempting anything that could wipe out your working OS X partition.

http://www.vmware.com/support/v2p/

Cheers,

 

[itsme0209]

Thanks panzer. Looks a little involved, but its nice to know there actually is a way to accomplish this.