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Installing and using Windows XP Mode feature available in Windows 7

post #1 of 12
Thread Starter 
Hello,

Thanks to Djembe for reminding me to try out this downloadable feature of Windows 7.

First of all, this is actually a Virtual Hard Disk operated by Windows Virtual PC. The reason for having this feature is to allow programs to run that may have difficulties running in Win 7.

Next, go to this site and read up on a neat feature available to Windows 7 users. Keep in mind that it's only available for those running Win 7 Pro or Ultimate.
Linky here

It's extremely easy to set up, as long as you have the hardware to support it. Hardware compatibility linky Sometimes even in my case, you may have the necessary hardware, but it won't install. Make sure you have your Virtualization turned on in your BIOS settings first. Even that did not solve my problem of not having it install correctly- I had to perform a BIOS update in order to get it to work.

Now then, here are some screenshots of the process:







A cool feature of this is that it automatically sets up shared drives of your Windows 7 main operating system. Picture #'s 5 and 6. Also, I was able to use my wireless connection without configuring and it even has sound driver compatibility, as well as updates. I was able to have a MSN session with Djembe, without a hitch.

In short, this is a very neat feature to have if you need to run programs that are only for XP, as long as you get the Pro or Ultimate verions of Windows 7.

Forgot to add that this was loaded on a Dell Studio XPS 16, the spec's of which are found in my signature, and as for the BIOS version mine shipped w/ A08 and the current version is A10.
post #2 of 12
Nice guide, mb!
post #3 of 12
Nice write up mb!

Would you post the full specs of your hardware where this Virtual XP is being installed, along with the BIOS version?

I am sticky-ing the thread for reference, due to W7 introduction.

cheers ...
post #4 of 12
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by qhn View Post
Nice write up mb!

Would you post the full specs of your hardware where this Virtual XP is being installed, along with the BIOS version?

I am sticky-ing the thread for reference, due to W7 introduction.

cheers ...
Done.
post #5 of 12
Quote:
Originally Posted by mb67 View Post
Done.
post #6 of 12
has anyone compiled a list of programs that require XP mode to function
post #7 of 12
Quote:
Originally Posted by gr8gatzby View Post
has anyone compiled a list of programs that require XP mode to function
Not yet as I am aware at here at NBF. Want to start a thread on it with what you got so far?

cheers ...
post #8 of 12
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gr8gatzby View Post
has anyone compiled a list of programs that require XP mode to function
I forgot- I do have one that runs better in XP Mode than Win 7. It's Active Client 6.1 CAC Reader for the Dept of Defense. Active Client works in Vista, and I did install it on Win 7, but it was a bit buggy when working with IE 8, so I use it w/ XP Mode.
post #9 of 12

No more hardware constraint

Microsoft just released KB977206 Update for Windows 7, which removes the prerequisites required to run Windows Virtual PC and XP mode.

The prerequisites include a processor which supports hardware assisted virtualization (HAV) which is also enabled in the BIOS.

This Windows updates would now support Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode on computer without hardware virtualization support.

The update is not required and not necessary if your system already runs Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP mode.

Downloads applicable to Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise versions:

KB977206 for 32-bits.

KB977206 for 64-bits.

cheers ...
post #10 of 12
qhn you are way too on top of things. I was reading about it and going to post but you already did.
post #11 of 12
Quote:
Originally Posted by powerpack View Post
qhn you are way too on top of things. I was reading about it and going to post but you already did.
Nope, just faster fingers

cheers ...
post #12 of 12
hi, thanks to all for sharing such useful information.
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