Tips to open VHD file
Can't open the VHD file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open VHD files as well as a list of programs that support VHD files.
VHD file extension
| File Name |
Virtual PC Virtual Hard Disk |
| File Developer |
Microsoft |
| File Category |
Disk Image Files |
The VHD file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the VHD files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the VHD file on each system platform.
What is VHD file?
The file with the extension VHD is the Disk Image Files file type. It was designed by Microsoft. Additionally, the Disk Image Files category contains 203 of other files. Virtual PC Virtual Hard Disk appears on 3 operating systems as a functional file. These systems consist of Linux, Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. It is recommended to use VirtualBox to handle this file. This is a program created by Oracle Corporation. Alternatively, you can use 13 other programs. 7-Zip, VMware Workstation, Microsoft Virtual PC, Microsoft Virtual Server will apply when it is not possible to use VirtualBox.
How to open VHD file?
The most common problem when using Virtual PC Virtual Hard Disk is that a specific VHD is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that VHD files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This problem can be easily remedied.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the VHD file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install VirtualBox
In this case, you should first verify that the VirtualBox application is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name VirtualBox into the system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Below is a list of programs that support the file VHD.
Programs to open VHD file
Remember to download programs supporting VHD files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of VirtualBox with VHD files
However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the VHD file to open in the VirtualBox application, but you can set it manually. The association can be created using the drop-down list available by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the VHD file with the VirtualBox program.
Step 3. Update VirtualBox to the latest version
The fault may also lie with the VirtualBox program, it is possible that Virtual PC Virtual Hard Disk requires a newer version of the program. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Oracle Corporation page and install.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the VHD file
If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:
The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the VHD file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the VHD file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected VHD file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
Older version of VHD file may not always be supported by the latest software version. These problems are known and are often very easy to fix using the software developers's website.
There can be many reasons for this. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair VHD file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Microsoft
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted VHD files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the VHD file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the VHD file is blocked by the first application to open it. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file VHD to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the VHD file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.
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