Take the 2-minute tour ×  I have a backup ('Windows Image
Backup') of a Windows 7 system, and I'd like to be able to run
this system in a virtual machine on Windows 8.  Obviously I've
got the default VM runner, Hyper-V, but I'll happily use any
other free package.  Can I do this? How?  share|improve this
question Sure. I am sure there are programs that will convert a
Windows Image Backup image into a virtual machine. Furthermore
there are tools to take a physical computer and turn it into a
virtual machine, for instance, VMWare has this capability. – 
Ramhound Nov 7 '12 at 19:41  1 Answer 1  up vote 1 down vote
accepted   1. Install Windows 7 on the VM.    2. In the start
menu search box, type recovery and press enter.    3. Click
Advanced recovery methods.    4. Click Use a system image you
created earlier to recover your computer, and then follow the
steps.  share|improve this answer I'm installing Windows 8 in a
virtual machine? I want Win7 in the machine. –  ACarter Nov 7
'12 at 19:59 Updated answer. –  Z