Previous Topic

Next Topic

Locate topic in Contents

Modifying an Existing Hard Disk Image

Requirements for Source Disk

The modifying operations require that the source hard disk image should not be in use by a running virtual machine.

Checking Disk Format

When selecting a disk image to modify, make sure that you select the source hard disk image of a proper format.

To check the disk format do the following:

  1. Open the configuration of any virtual machine that includes this virtual hard disk.
  2. In the Configuration Editor open the Advanced tab of the Hard Disk Options
  3. You will see the disk format in the Disk format field.

Using the Wizard to Modify an Existing Hard Disk Image

  1. Start the Parallels Image Tool. Upon startup, the wizard displays the Welcome screen. If you want to skip this screen next time you run the Image Tool, select the Skip Introduction next time check box. Click Next.

    Image Tool - Welcome

  2. On the Select device type screen select the Hard Disk Drive option and click Next.

    Image Tool - Select Device Type

  3. On the Select operation type screen select the Maintain an existing Hard Disk image option. When you select it, the hard disk image management options appear in the lower part of the screen.

    In the Hard Disk actions group, choose the operation you want to perform on the virtual hard disk.

    There are four available operations for virtual disks images:

  4. Next, you have to specify the options for the selected operation on the Specify source and destination screen.

    For size increasing select the source hard disk image and the new size for the disk. Use the Browse button to locate a file. Use the spinner buttons next to the Image Size field to set the required value.

    Note. Parallels Image Tool doesn't allow you to decrease image size.

    Image Tool - Increase HDD Size

    For both hard disk conversion operations select a source disk specify a path and specify a name of the resulting converted image in the Destination field.

    Image Tool - Converting HDD

    When defragmenting an expanding hard disk specify the name of a source hard disk image. Use the Browse button to locate the required file.

    Image Tool - HDD Defragmenting

    After specifying the input data click Next.

  5. The wizard will display the chosen operation and selected options on the Review Processing Options screen.

    Carefully review the settings (operation, source image file, and destination file if present, etc.). If everything is correct, click the Start button to start the desired operation.

  6. While the operation is being performed, the Execution in progress screen is displayed. After the disk image is created, the Processing is completed screen appears. Close the Wizard by clicking the Exit button.

    Image Tool - Processing Is Completed

    The new disk image is ready, and you can connect it to a virtual machine in the Configuration Editor. See Adding New Devices to Virtual Machine to learn how to connect a new hard disk image to a virtual machine, or Hard Disk Options to learn how to replace one of the currently connected hard disks with the new one.

    Note that not all operating systems are able to recognize a newly added hard disk, use the guest operating system means to make a new device visible to the guest OS.