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I want to install Windows 8 on my Windows 7 machine which already has Ubuntu 12.04 installed.

The problem is I can't make a new partition because there is a limit of 4 partitions at the most which I can't cross.

Is there any thing like Wubi for Windows so that I can install Windows 8 inside Windows 7 as I could do for Ubuntu? I do not want to shift to Windows 8 without trying it out properly. Also please don't suggest the obvious option of using virtual machines, as it tends to slow down my system.

slhck
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Shagun Sodhani
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    Try deleting your "default" SYSTEM partition to create a new one in its place (that is if you have a SYSTEM partition) – Nemo Oct 28 '12 at 12:17
  • I've done a writeup of the whole procedure here http://superuser.com/questions/490233/how-would-i-do-a-vhd-install-of-windows-8-from-windows-7 . – Journeyman Geek Oct 28 '12 at 13:04

2 Answers2

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You can install Windows 8 to a VHD file in an existing partition.
Scott Hanselman has a detailed guide. (the guide is for the Consumer Preview, but the same steps apply to the RTM)

The basic steps are:

  1. Create a VHD file from Disk Management in Windows 7.
  2. Boot to the Windows 8 installer
  3. When it asks you to select a partition, press Shift+F10 to open a console.

  4. Run diskpart, then type 

    select vdisk file=C:\...
attacher vdisk
  5. Go back to the installer and click Refresh
  6. Select the new disk
  7. Complete the installation
  8. ???
  9. Profit!!!

You can also do this without a bootable installer using ImageX from the Windows AIK; see here.

SLaks
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  • This is awesome! I never even thought of doing this. – Nemo Oct 28 '12 at 12:12
  • Does this work with both the regular and Pro edition? In Windows 7 this is limited to Enterprise and Ultimate editions, as far as I know. – Indrek Oct 28 '12 at 12:42
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You have to make one of the partitions as an extended partition. Then you can add more than 4 partitions. Use EaseUS Partition Manager or Partition Wizard

pratnala
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