Windows 7 Support Center

Windows XP Mode allows Windows 7 users to run Windows XP compatible applications in Windows 7. Windows XP Mode seamlessly integrates into Windows 7. Microsoft is aiming at day to day users who need to run XP compatible software programs that do not work correctly in either Windows Vista or Windows 7 natively.

XP Mode consists of the Virtual PC-based virtual environment and a fully licensed copy of Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3). It will be made available, for free, to users of Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions via a download from the Microsoft web site. XPM works much like today’s Virtual PC products, but with one important exception: As with the enterprise-based MED-V (Microsoft Enterprise Desktop Virtualization) product, XPM does not require you to run the virtual environment as a separate Windows desktop. Instead, as you install applications inside the virtual XP environment, they are published to Windows 7 Operating System as well. With shortcuts placed in the Start Menu users can run Windows XP-based applications (like IE 6) alongside Windows 7 applications under a single desktop.

The interesting aspect here is that the applications will run on the same single desktop. This is good for the end user who can concentrate working on one computer system. Microsoft can now not only claim full compatibility to Windows Vista but also to Windows XP which should make a huge difference in the perception of the new operating system.

Before we begin, you'll want to make sure your system meets the requirements:

* Processor: Processor capable of hardware virtualization, with AMD-V™ or Intel® VT turned on in the BIOS.
* Memory: 2GB of memory recommended.
* Hard disk requirement: 20MB hard disk space for installing Windows Virtual PC. Additional 15GB of hard disk space per virtual Windows environment recommended. Steps to Create a Virtual Hard Drive in Windows 7

How to Install Windows XP Mode in Windows 7

1. Download the Virtual PC beta from Microsoft Virtual PC page and also Windows XP Mode beta from here.

2. Install the Windows virtual PC beta by following the simple on screen procedure and reboot your machine to see Virtual Windows XP entry in your Start menu.

3. Now, Double-click on VirtualWindowsXP.msi package to start Virtual Windows XP wizard and click Next to continue.

4. Select the installation destination for the XP mode. By default it will select the right one. So, simply click Next button.

5. You will see the XP mode installation process. It may take few minutes to complete the installation.

6. Once you complete the installation, Virtual Windows XP starts for the first time. Here you will see Virtual Windows XP license agreement. Accept the license agreement and click Next to continue.

7. In the following window, you need to enter a password for the account. You cannot leave the password field blank. In case, if you don’t like to enter the password each time, you can check the option Remember credentials to store the password.

8. Next you need to configure Windows XP for automatic updates.

9. Once you are done with the configuration, Windows XP mode is ready to use.