Best Programs to Convert HDD to VDI
You can choose from 3 programs listed here to convert HDD files into VDI. Parallels Desktop, VirtualBox, Parallels Workstation ensure the highest quality HDD conversion and should be considered first. After conversion, the new VDI file can be opened and changed with other software.
What is file format conversion?
File format conversion is the process of changing a file from one format to another to ensure compatibility with software, systems, or devices, while keeping the structural content of the file intact.
When the desired software or device cannot handle the original HDD file format, converting it to a compatible format becomes essential. By supporting multiple formats, users can use HDD files effectively, ensuring compatibility and enabling fluid exchange of information between different platforms.
To perform file format conversion, dedicated programs and online tools are available to handle this task. With an intuitive interface, these tools let users easily select the HDD file, specify the VDI format, and start the conversion.
How to convert the HDD file to VDI?
With the converter downloaded and installed on your computer, now you can proceed to convert the HDD file to VDI format. File conversion is usually a simple process that follows a similar pattern. Changing the HDD file format is easy if you follow these steps:
- Identify the location of the HDD file you want to convert on your computer;
- Start Parallels Desktop or any other software capable of handling the file conversion;
- Import the HDD file for processing by the converter;
- Select VDI as the destination output format for the conversion;
- Select the destination folder on your drive to save the converted VDI file;
- After confirming the conversion, wait patiently for the process to complete.
Once the conversion process is complete, you will find the converted VDI file in the location you selected in step 5.
About the formats
| Extension | HDD |
|---|---|
| File Type | Parallels Desktop Hard Disk Format |
| Category | Virtual Machine Files |
| Developed by | Parallels Holdings |
| Format | Binary |
| MIME types | - |
| HEX code | - |
| ASCII code | - |
| Extension | VDI |
|---|---|
| File Type | VirtualBox Virtual Disk Image |
| Category | Virtual Machine Files |
| Developed by | Oracle |
| Format | Binary |
| MIME types | - |
| HEX code | 3C 3C 3C 20 4F 72 61 63 6C 65 20 56 4D 20 56 69 72 |
| ASCII code | - |
Tips and tricks to solve problems with HDD files
In case you’re having trouble opening HDD files, we have a variety of commonly used potential solutions:
- Take the first step by requesting a resubmission of the original HDD file, as it could have been damaged during its transfer;
- It may be worth trying to download a different variant of the file from the Internet that matches your platform requirements;
- Many times, the file you are looking for has been converted to a VDI and published online, making it readily accessible.






