Transferring Windows installation from Boot Camp to VMWare/Parallels

[naveah]

I currently run Windows 7 on my MacBook using Boot Camp. However, with the latest versions of Parallels and VMWare Fusion, I am considering simply running Windows as a virtual OS in the Mac OS X Lion environment. Does anyone utilities or methods that would let me transfer (port) my existing Windows Boot Camp installation to a new Parallels or VMWare installation, without having to reinstall all programs and reconfiguring all Windows settings?

I have my Windows installation just the way I like it--and I do not want to reinstall all my software or reconfigure Windows. I'll appreciate any assistance.

 

[maflynn]

Both parallels and VMware can use your bootcamp windows without needing to create a separate vm instance

 

[naveah]

That's wonderful. Thanks for your assistance. So, then, I can use Windows through Parallels/VMWare and also as a stand-alone OS through Boot Camp without risking corrupting any files?