VMware: Boot Real Raw Partion/Disk as a Guest OS

http://www.vmware.com/support/ws55/doc/ws_disk_hardware_profiles.html

http://www.vmware.com/support/ws55/doc/disks_dualmult_ws.html

Dual-Boot Computers andVirtual Machines

Windows Raw Disk Guest Operating System Boot Failure

Configuring a Dual-Boot Computer for Use with a Virtual Machine

Configuring Dual- or Multiple-Boot Systems to Run with VMware Workstation

Running a Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 Virtual Machine from an Existing Multiple-Boot Installation

Setting Up Hardware Profiles in Virtual Machines

Windows XP: In both VM and native (using Linux as host OS) with VIRTUALBOX

Dual Boot Hardware Profile Considerations for RAW Disks

Configuring Dual- or Multiple-Boot Systems to Run with Workstation

Resolving troubles between Parallels and Windows under Boot Camp


Here is the reply from VMware tech support (I did NOT use their suggestion but offer it in case it helps others)

“ Booting Windows XP alternately via native Boot Camp mode and VMware Fusion will cause considerable differences in the hardware that will trigger product activation and it is a known issue that is caused by the product activation feature on the Windows XP Retail/OEM versions. This is a known issue.

Please follow the instructions provided below to resolve this issue:

The workaround for this problem is by creating new hardware profile in Windows XP and activating the OS as suggested below:
1. Boot into native Windows XP Boot Camp
2. Right Click My Computer, select Properties
3. Go to Hardware Tab, select Hardware profiles
4. Create a new profile using copy button. Rename profiles as required. (For e.g. Hardware profile for Boot Camp, Hardware profile for Fusion)
5. Reboot and select first Hardware profile (i.e. Hardware profile for Boot Camp)
6. If it prompts for Windows Activation then, Activate Windows XP in this profile.
7. Boot into Mac and Launch Fusion and power on Boot Camp Windows XP VM
8. Select the second Hardware profile (i.e. Hardware profile for Fusion)
9. If it prompts for Windows Activation, then Activate Windows XP in this profile.

You will need to select the respective hardware profiles when using Windows XP for Boot Camp or Fusion when you boot the Guest OS. You may receive a message regarding exceeding the maximum allowed activation amount. You will need to contact Microsoft regarding this issue.”

http://forums.virtualbox.org/viewtopic.php?t=9697 (Windows XP: In both VM and native (using Linux as host OS - VIRTUALBOX - GOOD TUTORIAL)


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Operation on file "\\.\PhysicalDrive0" failed (Access Deny)

See post
http://communities.vmware.com/message/1261793

for a workaround that allows R/W access to Physical drives on the guest when the host is Vista (maybe 2008 or win7 as well).



VIRTUALBOX:

http://www.virtualbox.org/manual/UserManual.html#rawdisk
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&safe=off&num=100&newwindow=1&q=VBoxManage.exe+internalcommands+listpartitions+rawdisk+PhysicalDrive0&aq=&aqi=&oq=&fp=3aa7f458acaa2672