Posts Tagged ‘XP Mode’

Applications Compatibility – Part 4

Windows XP Mode

The last part of the Applications compatibility series of articles is about a virtualization tool that creates a Windows XP environment. This would solve many problems for legacy applications and once it is set up you can run these applications as if your computer system is still running Windows XP. However, I would use this option as the last way out since it requires a lengthy setup process and a maintenance effort. For example, you need to keep the virtual machine updated with the latest updates, you need to configure the networking options and while it’s running additional computer resources are consumed.

The Windows XP Mode tool is free and can be downloaded from Microsoft together with Virtual PC which serves as the underlying platform. It is available only for Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate editions. The cool thing about this virtualized Windows XP is that applications installed in it will be available in Windows 7 and appear as if they were actually executed in Windows 7.  On the other hand, the major setback is that the computer processor must support hardware virtualization, otherwise you cannot install it. Make sure that the CPU virtualization technology option is not disabled from the BIOS.

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Windows XP Mode

This application from Microsoft allows you to run older XP compatible applications that do not natively work in Windows 7! Windows XP Mode needs Windows Virtual PC installed in order to function. Furthermore, with Windows Virtual PC, you can work with multiple operating systems at the same time

1. Download both utilities from http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx
2. It is recommended to download and install a tool that checks your hardware compatibility with Windows XP mode – Hardware-assisted virtualization (HAV)
3. Start by clicking Windows XP Mode first, then Windows Virtual PC
4. Double click the downloaded Windows XP mode executable file to start the first part of the installation
5. Use the default settings to install both applications
6. The second installation is in the form of a windows update – use default settings as well Read more…