How to restore C:\ partition from .vhd image file?

How to restore C:\ partition from .vhd image file?

I just installed Windows 8 Pro on my C:\ partition.
Then i used Disk2VHD to backup it plus the hidden 300 Mb partition that
Windows create during the installation.
Since i also have a D:\ partition on the same drive and a E:\ in another
disk, i dont want to use the native Windows backup/recovery tool (i've
read that it will erase the entire drive, not just the partition i want).
What are my options here? I know Acronis True Image can create a boot disk
and restore only the system partition, but are there any free
alternatives?
Config:
Disk 0, C:\ (SYSTEM)
Disk 0, D:\ (DATA)
Disk 1, E:\ (MOVIES)