Opening VHD Files

The VHD file type is primarily associated with Windows.

VHD	File extension: VHD
	File type:	virtual hard disk

What is a VHD file?

VHD files mostly belong to Windows by Microsoft. A VHD file is a script written in VHISIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL). It contains text-encoded models and commands used to automate design and simulation operations when creating High Speed Integrated Circuits (VHSIC) and logic gates. Hardware design environments such as Quartus, ModelSim, and DirectVHDL can create, edit, and run a VHD script. Another type of VHD file is a virtual hard disk created by virtualization programs such as Hyper-V, VirtualBox, VMware Workstation, and QEMU. Such a file is saved as a disk image with a readable/writable file system.

How can I open a VHD file?

You need a suitable software like Windows to open a VHD file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your VHD file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a VHD file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

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Programs that open and convert VHD files:

Windows by Microsoft
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. VHD files are often referred to as Windows disk images because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Quartus (hardware design script) by Intel
Quartus is a software suite for designing, optimizing, simulating, and verifying Intel-based CPLD, SoCs, and FPGAs. It uses a VHD file to store a hardware design script written in VHSIC Hardware Description Language. This file format is classified as Developer. Related links: VHDL
Virtual PC (virtual hard disk) by Microsoft
Virtual PC is discontinued system virtualization software that ran multiple operating systems on a single computer. It virtual hard disks were saved in VHD files. This file format is classified as Disk Image.
VirtualBox (virtual hard disk) by Oracle
VirtualBox is a cross-platform virtualization software for desktop environments. A virtual hard disk created by VirtualBox is saved in a VHD file. This file format is classified as Disk Image.
Windows Vista (system backup) by Microsoft
Windows Vista is a discontinued operating system released as the successor of Windows XP. Its Backup and Restore feature could backup or restore a system image to/from a VHD file. This file format is classified as Backup.

VHD file format details:

Every file has a defined file format, i.e. how the data is arranged in the file. A file format is determined by the file extension and signature, so JPEG images have the extension .jpg and the first bytes in the file are ÿØÿ. Nonetheless, different programs can utilize the same file extension to represent distinct file formats. Double-clicking on the file often results in an error when opening. So you need a detailed analysis of a file to find out the format and the associated program. Our analysis of the VHD files produces the following result:

The VHD file extension is used very often and includes different formats for different programs. The following file formats are most commonly found in VHD files:

25% of all VHD files start with the bytes library , which are crucial for this file format. The contents of these files are easily readable with a text editor. The files are 290 bytes to 3 KB in size, with a median of 1 KB. This file type is based on cutting-edge technology. The keywords use ieee.std_logic_1164.all;, library ieee;, entity, port, use ieee.numeric_std.all; and in std_logic are typical for these files. Such files sometimes refer to master, generator, axilab, adder and mealy.
30% of all VHD files are associated with VHSIC Hardware Description Language. If you open these files in a text editor, you can view and read the content yourself. The file size is in the range of 860 bytes to 10 KB. Several words can almost always be found in the files, e.g. ------------, Design, -- Company, -- Engineer, -- Module Name, Module Name, -- Create Date and Create Date. These files can be linked to control, counter and unit.

The remaining 45% of all VHD files are files with no common format, often e.g. Virtual PC Virtual HD image, Xilinx IP Core source, LIBRARY, fas and NAME. These files sometimes refer to alawadhi, section, controller, decoder, disk or half. Drag & drop your file here to see the file format and a preview of your VHD file!

Technical Data for VHD File Extension

File classification:

Disk Image

Related files:

vhdl, coe, qpf, hdl, qws, xdc, vdl, vhc, vxd, vmcx, v, bf, zip, ucf, docx, qsf, sof, properties, swp, rar, contact, msi, sym

Mime type:

text/x-vhdl, text/plain, application/x-vhd

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: txtfile
EXEFile: %SystemRoot%\system32\NOTEPAD.EXE %1

ProgramID: VHDL-FileType
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\ORCAD_~1\Capture\Capture.exe /dde

ProgramID: MTI.vhdl
EXEFile: C:\Modeltech_xe_starter\win32xoem\modelsim.exe %1

ProgramID: MTI.vhdl
EXEFile: C:\Modeltech_5.7b\win32\modelsim.exe %1

ProgramID: MTI.vhdl
EXEFile: C:\Modeltech_xe\win32xoem\modelsim.exe %1

ProgramID: VHDL-FileType
EXEFile: C:\OrCAD\ORCAD_~1.5_D\tools\capture\capture.exe /dde

ProgramID: jGRASPVhdlFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\jGRASP\bin\jgrasp.exe

ProgramID: VHDL-FileType
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\OrCAD\OrCAD_10.5\tools\capture\capture.exe

ProgramID: txtfile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Boxer Text Editor\b.exe

ProgramID: VHDLFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Dxp.exe

Show all 10 listings To Top

a vhd virtual hard disk is a special file format by Microsoft and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with VHD files

Associate the VHD file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open virtual hard disks. Because only the current version supports the latest VHD file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Microsoft manufacturer website after an available Windows update.
To make sure that your VHD file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
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