Free Methods to Mount and Open VHD In VMware?

Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) files are disk image files used to emulate physical hard drives. They are commonly utilized for backup purposes or to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. If you’re looking to run a VHD file within VMware Workstation, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps to successfully mount and access your VHD in a VMware environment.

In this post, you will be able to migrate and finally open the VHD files in VMware workstation.

Steps to Mount / Open VHD in VMware Workstation

Part 1: Prepare the VHD File

1. Locate Your VHD File:
   • Identify the VHD file you wish to use. These files typically have a .vhd extension.
2. Create a New Folder in VMware Directory:
   • Navigate to your VMware Virtual Machines directory.
   • Create a new folder for your virtual machine.
   • Copy the VHD file into this newly created folder.

Part 2: Create a New Virtual Machine in VMware Workstation

1. Launch VMware Workstation:
   • Open VMware Workstation on your computer.
2. Start the New Virtual Machine Wizard:
   • Click on the ‘File’ menu.
   • Select ‘New’ and then ‘Virtual Machine’.
3. Choose Configuration Type:
   • In the New Virtual Machine Wizard, select ‘Custom (advanced)’ and click ‘Next’.
4. Select Hardware Compatibility:
   • Choose the appropriate hardware compatibility based on your system. If unsure, the default selection is usually appropriate. Click ‘Next’.
5. Guest Operating System Installation:
   • Select ‘I will install the operating system later’ and click ‘Next’.
6. Select Guest Operating System:
   • Choose the operating system that matches the one in your VHD file. Click ‘Next’.
7. Name the Virtual Machine:
   • Provide a name for your virtual machine and specify its location. Click ‘Next’.
8. Processor Configuration:
   • Allocate the number of processors and cores as per your requirements. Click ‘Next’.
9. Memory Allocation:
   • Assign at least 1GB of memory to the virtual machine. Click ‘Next’.
10. Network Configuration:
    • Choose the desired network type (e.g., NAT, Bridged). Click ‘Next’.
11. I/O Controller Types and Disk Type:
    • Leave the default settings unless specific changes are needed. Click ‘Next’.
12. Select a Disk:
    • Choose ‘Use an existing virtual disk’ and click ‘Next’.
13. Specify Disk File:
    • Click ‘Browse’ and navigate to the VHD file you copied earlier. Select it and click ‘Open’.
14. Finish Setup:
    • Review the settings and click ‘Finish’ to complete the virtual machine creation.

Part 3: Edit the VMX File

1. Close VMware Workstation:
   • Ensure VMware Workstation is closed before proceeding.
2. Locate the VMX File:
   • Navigate to the folder where your virtual machine is stored.
   • Find the .vmx file associated with your virtual machine.
3. Edit the VMX File:
   • Right-click on the .vmx file and select ‘Open with’ > ‘Notepad’ (or any text editor).
   • Locate the line scsi0.present = "TRUE" and change it to scsi0.present = "FALSE".
   • Add the following lines to the file
     • ide1:1.present = “TRUE”
     • ide1:1.deviceType = “disk”
     • ide1:1.fileName = “YourVHDFileName.vhd”
   • Save and close the file.

Part 4: Mount and Open VHD in VMware

• Open the VMware Workstation. 
• Now, if you are facing blue screen error then this might be due to that you didn’t properly edited the VMX setting file( hence you need to check all the changes properly).
•  And if all the changes setup successfully then you will see a Windows setting with various Windows setup dialogue. And the rest startup works normally.
• After log-in to the Windows, if you find a missing curser or if it is stuck in a corner then use the Troubleshooting I option below.
• And if you will get the problem to shut down the Windows VM then use the Troubleshooting II option below.
• Finally, by using all the above steps carefully. You will be able to open your VHD file in the VMware.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Blue Screen Errors:
  • Ensure that the VMX file was edited correctly, particularly the scsi0.present setting.
• Mouse Cursor Issues:
  • If the cursor is missing or stuck, press ‘Ctrl + Alt’ to release it. Installing VMware Tools can also resolve cursor issues.

Read here: How to Convert VMware VMDK to VHD file?

Final Thoughts

In this technical blog, we have got to know about “How To Open VHD In VMware player” by using the manual ways. This blog is also helpful for those who are searching for or planning to convert VHD to VMware.  The process used here merely involves minor changes to the VMware setting file for VMware. Also, these are the manual ways but if you find a problem in the conversion and opening of your VHD files due to corruption or any unwanted error then you are highly suggested to use the third-party VHD Recovery Software that offers to open & recover VHD file data most appropriately. This tool helps the user to access the corrupt VHD file and to recover the maximum possible data from them.