Linux Mint Forums

Hello,

I am a total newcomer to linux so bear with me.

You are able to live boot linux, using a live cd, where you can test the distro out before installing it. My question is, can it be done with your already installed linux?

Linux gets loaded into your ram from the live cd and runs from ram. Theoretically, would it then be possible to load the linux you installed side-by-side with windows, into ram and have it run from there, but you get to see your settings loaded etc and on exit have them saved?

I believe something like this would require something to be programmed in windows, where the software finds your linux partition and loads it into ram for you, along with all your settings and files.

To sum up my question, can I have something like virtualbox running but load linux from the install i made on my hdd, instead of installing linux on a virtual hard disk, which prevents me from booting into it.

Yes you can.
I couldn't find the option in virtualbox, but I foud it in vmware player.
So lets say you install vmware player in windows, you set up a new machine and call it "linux mint"
when you get to the part when it asks you to create a new disk, select the option to "use a physical disk"
you should then, from within windows be able to boot into your linux install.
I haven't tried it personally, but I know it can be done.

Ah thanks for your response. Will try it out.