Linux – make a virtual machine out of a Windows XP physical machine

I know that VMWare Server can do this when you create the virtual machine.

I'd guess that Workstation is similar. If you create a new VM, when creating the virtual disk, choose instead to use a physical disk. Note: You have to run this process as an administrator, so launch VMWare with sudo or gksudo.

If Workstation doesn't help you, then VMWare server will do this, and it's free.

Caveats:

1. VMWare server, I THINK, doesn't support USB 2.0.
2. Now, you should also note that when you start the system as a VM, it's going to start looking all over the place for drivers, and every time you switch it back between guest OS and native OS, you'll confuse it. MIGHT even cause some "Activation" issues.

If you are using Windows XP then go to the following path

C:\Document and Settings\your username\Application Data\VMware\preferences.ini

And then add the line and save it.

hint.vmui.reset = "true"

Now open VMware Console back up and go to Help>Hints>Show Enabled Hints.

If you are using the Windows 7 then I think this file must be in

C:\Users\username\AppData\VMware\prefrences.ini

And do the same for this too.. Hope this will help.

Information drawn form this source.