I use Virtual PC quite a bit for checking out various operating systems. sometimes I have files on a virtual OS that I need to use on my real system. This usually means that I have to fire up Virtual PC and run the desired operating system. Windows 7 allows you to attach VHD files so that you can access the disks from your virtual OS without having to run Virtual PC.
1. Click the Windows Orb (Start button).
2. Right-click Computer and select Manage.
3. When the Computer Management window appears, go to the left pane, under Storage, and select Disk Management.
4. Go to the menu, click Action, and select Attach VHD (or right-click Disk Management and select Attach VHD).
5. Browse to the location of the desired VHD file. Select the file and click the Open button.
6. If you want to keep the virtual info from being changed, check the Attach this virtual hard disk file as read only checkbox.
7. Click the OK button.
The virtual drive will be attached. You can access the drive by going to computer and selecting it.