How to Create Virtual Machine Shortcuts in Virtual PC (825289)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Connectix Virtual PC for Windows version 4.3
  • Connectix Virtual PC for Windows version 5.0
  • Connectix Virtual PC for Windows version 5.1
  • Connectix Virtual PC for Windows version 5.2

SUMMARY

This step-by-step article describes how to create shortcuts to virtual machines that you have created in Virtual PC. You can start a particular virtual machine by using a shortcut. You can also use these shortcuts to start virtual machines with various command-line commands enabled.

Create a Virtual Machine Shortcut

To create a virtual machine shortcut, follow these steps:
  1. Start Virtual PC.
  2. In the Virtual PC list, click the virtual machine for which you want to make a shortcut.
  3. Drag the virtual machine that you selected in step 2 to the desktop.

Modify the Startup Options of a Virtual Machine Shortcut

You can start virtual machines that are running under Virtual PC in several different modes by using command-line commands in the Target box of the shortcut. For example, when you use the -noshow switch, the virtual machine starts in a minimized window. Additionally, when you use the -fullscreen switch, the virtual machine starts in full-screen mode.

For information about Virtual PC command-line commands, see the "More Information" section of this article. To modify the command-line commands in a virtual machine shortcut, follow these steps:
  1. Right-click the virtual machine shortcut that you want to modify, and then click Properties.
  2. In the Target box, type the command-line option that you want at the end of the path that appears in the box, and then click OK.

    For example, if you want to use the -fullscreen command-line command, type the following text in the Target box: "drive:\Program Files\Connectix\Connectix Virtual PC\Virtual PC.exe" -pc "YourVirtualMachineName" -launch -fullscreen

MORE INFORMATION

This section describes the command-line options that are available in Virtual PC. The examples that are listed below show how to type the command-line commands in the Target box of the shortcut.
  • pc
    Use pc to target a PC in the PC list for an action.

    Example: drive:\Program Files\Connectix\Connectix Virtual PC\Virtual PC.exe" -pc "YourVirtualMachineName" -launch
  • launch
    Use launch to start the targeted PC.

    Example: drive:\Program Files\Connectix\Connectix Virtual PC\Virtual PC.exe" -pc "YourVirtualMachineName" -launch
  • fullscreen
    Use fullscreen to start the targeted PC in full-screen mode.

    Example: drive:\Program Files\Connectix\Connectix Virtual PC\Virtual PC.exe" -pc "YourVirtualMachineName" -launch -fullscreen
  • nofullscreen
    Use nofullscreen to start the targeted PC in windowed mode.

    Example: drive:\Program Files\Connectix\Connectix Virtual PC\Virtual PC.exe" -pc "YourVirtualMachineName" -launch -nofullscreen
  • noshow
    Use noshow to hide the targeted PC by minimizing its window.

    Example: drive:\Program Files\Connectix\Connectix Virtual PC\Virtual PC.exe" -pc "YourVirtualMachineName" -launch -noshow
  • show
    Use show to reveal the targeted PC by restoring its window.

    Example: drive:\Program Files\Connectix\Connectix Virtual PC\Virtual PC.exe" -pc "YourVirtualMachineName" -launch -show
  • pause
    Use pause to suspend operation of the targeted PC.

    Example: drive:\Program Files\Connectix\Connectix Virtual PC\Virtual PC.exe" -pc "YourVirtualMachineName" -launch -pause
  • nopause
    Use nopause to resume the targeted PC from pause.

    Example: drive:\Program Files\Connectix\Connectix Virtual PC\Virtual PC.exe" -pc "YourVirtualMachineName" -launch -nopause

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/31/2003
Keywords:kbHOWTOmaster KB825289