How to chain windows bootloaders in a GPT / EFI / VHD boot scenario

I will try to be as clear as possible, but realise I might need to refine the question as it can be confusing.

Here is my current setup:

---

1. HDD is GPT, it has 3 partition.

   • Partition 1 is EFI
   • Partition 2 has Windows 7
   • Partition 3 has a Windows 8.1 bootable VHD file

On partition 1 (EFI), the windows boot manager (BCD) has 2 options:

(1) boot windows 7 on partition 2

(2) boot windows 8.1 vhd on partition 3 (booting winload.efi on partition VHD2, see below)

---

2. The VHD: is GPT and has 2 partitions:
   • Partition VHD1 is EFI (I have put all the file such as bootx64.efi, bootmngr.efi, bcd, etc...)
   • Partition VHD2 has Windows 8.1 (where currently the bootloader in Partiton 1 of the HDD loads the winload.efi)

---

What I want to do: I want the second option of the BCD to load the bootx64.efi and then the BCD that reside on the EFI partition of the VHD (partition VHD1).

What I have tried (I use Bootice to edit the BCD on Partition 1):

• Change windowswinload.efi to EFIBootbootx64.efi : I get a message that bootx64.efi does not exist
• Change windowswinload.efi to efimicrosoftbootbootmgfw.efi : I get a message that bootmgfw.efi does not exist
• Change windowswinload.efi to efimicrosoftbootbootmgr.efi : I get a message "0xc0000034 - Boot Configuration Data file missing required information"

I am obviously doing something wrong. Somehow trying to chain boot 2 different BCD and its not working.... Any idea why would be most appreciated.

Why do I want to do that? I don't feel this is so important to know. I want want to PGP encrypt the Partition VHD2 and have the PGP bootloader on Partition VHD1 (the EFI of the VHD).

PS: this post has nothing to to with Virtual machine using VHD, here I am talking about native VHD boot.

Recent Questions...