Is it possible to get my PC to boot directly from a Virtual Disk (.VDI or .VHD)

I have an VirtualBox installation of WinXP (VDI and VHD) in my laptop,
is it possible to boot directly into that image?

what are the pros and cons if i do this?
would i be able to use this WinXP installation normally?

Windows 7 is Host
Windows XP is Guest

 

You could expand the VDI or VHD to an external harddrive using imaging software. Once the VDI discimage is expanded to that external drive you should be able to boot from that drive and it'll behave like a normal Windows Installation.

Though that'd not be directly booting from the image. You can boot directly, just follow this guide: http://www.hanselman.com/blog/LessVirtualMoreMachineWindows7AndTheMagicOfBootToVHD.aspx
Depending on why you are trying to boot directly from the VHD I'd probably recommend the expand-method. I used the other method a while ago and everything works fine until you want to export the image, revert to a screenshot or change your setup. So you should see to the pros and cons before deciding on a method (they're also mentioned in that guide).

Bye.