Virtual PC Hard Drive Expander is designed to perform two functions:
• Expand - make existing Virtual PC hard drive images larger.
• Convert - change other hard drive images (SoftWindows, etc.) to a Virtual PC hard drive image.
EXPAND NOTE: Due to the structure of PC hard drive directories, there is a limit to the amount of hard drive expansion possible. For example, a drive smaller than 127MB can only be expanded to 127MB total. If you need more drive storage space, consider creating a new D drive (see VPC Manual for instructions) in Virtual PC.
CONVERT NOTE: Converted drives containing an operating system (such as Microsoft Windows) do not boot under Virtual PC. SoftWindows drive images contain an Insignia modified version of Microsoft Windows and PC Card drive images are only bootable under the specific hardware configuration. Use the Convert feature to make the PC data on these drive images accessible to Virtual PC.
Note: The Hard Drive Expander will detect if a hard drive image is part of a saved state. Drive images in a saved state cannot be expanded.
To expand a Virtual PC hard drive image:
1. Launch Virtual PC Hard Drive Expander
2. Select ‘Open’ (Command + O) in the ‘File’ menu to navigate to the hard drive image to expand.
3. Type in the new size of the hard drive.
4. Press the ‘Expand’ button.
To convert a (SoftWindows, SoftPC, PC Card) hard drive image:
1. Launch Virtual PC Hard Drive Expander
2. Select ‘Open’ (Command + O) in the ‘File’ menu to navigate to the hard drive image to expand.
3. Press the ‘Convert’ button.
The Virtual PC Hard Drive Expander also supports drag and drop. Drag the hard drive image you wish to enlarge or convert to the Hard Drive Expander's icon.
Due to the structure of PC hard drive directories, there is a limit to the amount of hard drive expansion possible. This table lists the expansion limitations for each drive size.
Drive Image Size Range Maximum Size
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0MB to 127MB 127MB
128MB to 255MB 255MB
256MB to 511MB 511MB
512MB to 1023MB 1023MB
1024MB to 2048MB 2048MB
For example, a 260MB hard drive image can be expanded to 511MB. Use this table as a guide when creating a new drive image to provide enough room for future expansion.