Virtual XP Machine - Copy

How to Copy a Virtual XP Machine in Windows 7​

   Note
Notice please:

This tutorial was written when we were still using first beta versions of Virtual PC and XP mode. This method to copy a VPC virtual machine was the most practical at that time. It still is a fully working and secure way to copy a virtual machine.

Today, with the current version of VPC and XP Mode, copying a virtual machine is much easier. Basically, all you have to do is to copy a vhd-file to another location on same computer and create a new virtual machine using an existing vhd as told here.

Kari
November 2010


   Information
This tutorial will show how to make a working copy of a Virtual XP Machine. Same priciple can also be used to make a copy of any Virtual PC virtual hard disk.

By default, XP Mode virtual machine consists of five files when installed and run first time, plus two additional files if XP Mode is hibernated or the Undo Disk feature is enabled. The file names, extensions and default locations are:

  • Windows XP Mode base.vhd
    • XP Mode base disk, contains the core elements of operating system (XP), no user data is saved on this virtual disk
    • default location C:\Program Files\Windows XP Mode
  • Windows XP Mode.vhd
    • Virtual Machine virtual hard drive image, all user data and content is saved on this virtual disk
    • default location C:\Users\Your_Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Virtual PC\Virtual Machines
  • Windows XP Mode.vmcx
    • Virtual Machine description and registration settings
    • default location C:\Users\Your_Username\Virtual Machines
  • Windows XP Mode.vmc
    • Virtual Machine settings file
    • default location C:\Users\Your_Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Virtual PC\Virtual Machines
  • Windows XP Mode.vmc.vpcbackup
    • Virtual Machine settings backup
    • default location C:\Users\Your_Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Virtual PC\Virtual Machines
    Additional files, only exist when certain criteria is met:
  • Windows XP Mode.vsv
    • Virtual Machine saved state file (hibernation data)
    • default location C:\Users\Your_Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Virtual PC\Virtual Machines
    • This file exists only when XP Mode is hibernated or is running. It is deleted automatically every time XP Mode is shut down
  • VirtualPCUndo_Windows XP Mode_X_Y_ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.vud
    • Virtual machine Undo-disk (X, Y & Z in the file name are replaced with digits)
    • default location C:\Users\Your_Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Virtual PC\Virtual Machines
    • This file exists only if so called Undo Disk is enabled in XP Mode settings

Copying Virtual XP or any other virtual hard disk created with Virtual PC is very easy and fast. Here's what you have to do:


  1. Turn off your Virtual XP, do not hibernate it
  2. Open Folder Options, choose Show hidden files, folders and drives. Uncheck Hide extensions for known file types
    Hide_Extension.PNG
  3. Goto C:\Users\Your_Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Virtual PC\Virtual Machines
  4. Copy Windows XP Mode.vhd and Windows XP Mode.vmc files
  5. Paste files to the same folder. Windows adds word Copy to both filenames, so now you have two new files: Windows XP Mode - Copy.vhd and Windows XP Mode - Copy.vmc
  6. Open Windows XP Mode - Copy.vmc with Notepad. It is a xml-file, so you can edit it normally with Notepad
  7. Find the following string containing virtual drives name: <drive_type type="integer">1</drive_type>
    Name_of_vhd.PNG
  8. Under the <drive_type...> change the vhd-file name to Windows XP Mode - Copy.vhd both in <absolute type="string"> and <relative type="string">
  9. Find the following place under <virtual_network> containing MAC-adress for Virtual XP's ethernet adapter: <id type="bytes">
    Ethernet.PNG
  10. To allow two copies of Virtual XP to connect to network simultaneously , we have to change the MAC-adress of the ethernet adapter to avoid MAC-adress conflict. Adress is given in hex, 0-9 and A-E. It is enough to change one bit. In this example we have changed the last bit from 1 to 0
  11. Save and close the file
  12. Go to C:\Users\Your_Username\Virtual Machines , copy Windows XP Mode.vmcx and paste it to same folder
  13. Open the file Windows XP Mode - Copy.vmcx with Notepad
  14. Change the file names to Windows XP Mode - Copy.vhd in <primary_disk1 type="string"> and to Windows XP Mode - Copy.vmc in <vmc_path type="string">
    name_vmcx.PNG
  15. Save and close the file
  16. Open Folder Options and choose Don't show hidden files, folders or drives. Check Hide extensions for known file types and click OK.
That's it. Now you can run two Virtual XP's simultaneously.
VirtualXP_copy.PNG
Have fun,

Kari

EDIT: Thanks to Brink for visual appearance.






Related Tutorials

 
Last edited:
Click to expand...
To start, I just added this to the beginning of the tutorial:
   Information
Notice please:

This tutorial was written when we were still using first beta versions of Virtual PC and XP mode. This method to copy a VPC virtual machine was the most practical at that time. It still is a fully working way to copy a virtual machine.

Today, with the current version of VPC and XP Mode, copying a virtual machine is much easier. Basically, all you have to do is to copy a vhd-file to another location and create a new virtual machine using an existing vhd as told here.

Kari


November 2010
OK. Here are some links to other threads here on the Seven Forums where different methods to use and copy virtual machines are discussed:
These threads and posts should cover quite a lot of this subject. Please check the Virtualization section, you should find answers to most common issues there. If answer or solution you are searching is not there, feel free to start a new thread.

@Spatel: The first link on the list above tells you how to setup XP Mode in Public folder so everyone can use it.

@DJFarmo: The lack of Shut Down button is easy to explain. Check these two screenshots out. First XP Mode with integration features enabled:

XPM_shutdown_integration_enabled.png

Then the same XP Mode, this time integration features disabled:

XPM_shutdown_integration_disabled.png

Kari
 
Last edited:

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP ENVY 17-1150eg
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
CPU
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
Memory
6 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Sound Card
Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
Screen Resolution
1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
Hard Drives
Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
Cooling
As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
Keyboard
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
Mouse
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Internet Speed
50/10 Mbps VDSL
Antivirus
Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
Browser
Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
The VM copy sequence fails randomly...

- But I doubt that failure is the steps itself. When I first installed "Virtual PC" on W7 x64, I found the instructions in this thread and followed them, retaining the original as a baseline for future copies. Been using it for months.

- Today I want another VM (total of three; baseline and two active in use), so I find this post again, and follow the instructions again. Fail. Delete everything new. Follow the instructions again. Fail. Delete everything new. Follow the instructions again. Fail. Delete everything new. Follow the instructions again. Success.

- Now one could say I may have not followed the instructions. That would incorrect. I used Beyond Compare against the old and new XML configuration files at each step after the first failure to be sure the changes were accurately made. They were. All three times. So even if I did somehow bolo the first time because I blew through it, all three times after that I went slow, careful, triple and quadruple checked everything before attempting to load the VM. Yet it consistently said the VM could not be loaded because a machine of that name existed already, every time but the last one, with the very same changes each time.

- The moral of this post is this: if it fails the first, second, or even third time, don't assume it won't work. This is m$ suckware. It quite often fails for no reason, because that's how m$ is. Even now.

- One definition of insanity used to be performing the same action and expecting a different result. But this precisely what m$ is and does; same action, unique result.

- Or one could simply use VirtualBox and have it work quickly and easily right out of the gate for any number of virtual machines. Next time winbloze 7 pulls this crap that's exactly when I'm going to do. This flakey bull is what I get for using anything from Redmond to start with.

- But that doesn't detract from the tutorial. It's BANG-ON accurate. Period.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Precision M4500
OS
W7 Pro x64
CPU
I7 M620
Motherboard
Laptop
Memory
8GB
Graphics Card(s)
nVidia Quattro FX 880M
Kari said:
Dingeling, welcome to the Seven Forums. I'm sorry it took almost a week before I noticed your question. I had accidentally deleted my subscription of this thread and did not receive a notification about new post.

Xp Mode consists of two virtual hard disk files, the base and the actual XP Mode. You get that error message because the base vhd and XP vhd must have the same language.

Your issue is quite easily solved using merged, single file XP Mode instead of differencing two vhd system. You should first merge your Japanese differencing disks, mount the merged vhd to a new virtual machine renaming it, then install the English XP Mode.


Some links for you to read, both to explain the terms used and to show how to merge differencing disks:
Come back if you have more questions, I renewed my subscription so it's not going to take another week to get answers ;)

Kari
Click to expand...

Hi Kari,

It's been a while since I had time to mess around with this, and I gave it another try today, but unfortunately without success.

I decided to start with a completely clean slate and unistalled all Virtual PC's and XP Mode then reinstalled an English version of XP Mode.

Then I followed the instructions in Backup XP Mode (2) to merge the VHD. Next I created a new VM named XP-English, and at the Add a virtual hard disk step selected Use an existing VHD and pointed it to the newly created merged VHD file. I then unistalled XP Mode (so that I could reinstall it in a different language later). I then tried starting the newly created VM, but now get the error:
"XP-English could not be started because one of its virtual hard disks could not be located. Make sure that all the virtual hard disk files of the virtual machine are present in the configured location."

Any suggestions on how next to proceed?
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7
Mehzuku said:
- Today I want another VM (total of three; baseline and two active in use), so I find this post again, and follow the instructions again. Fail. Delete everything new. Follow the instructions again. Fail. Delete everything new. Follow the instructions again. Fail. Delete everything new. Follow the instructions again. Success.
Click to expand...
Very interesting read. I have never failed with copying vm's using this method, but your experience ceratinly gives a lot to think.

Dingeling said:
Hi Kari,

It's been a while since I had time to mess around with this, and I gave it another try today, but unfortunately without success.
Click to expand...

Although I knew it already, I had to be sure I'm not misleading you so I tested this once again following the steps told here to the letter. Absolutely no problems, the new vm using the merged XP Mode vhd is working perfectly.

Here's how:
  • Merge the XP Mode differencing disks as told in this post. Remember to rename it to something else than Windows XP Mode
  • Create a new vm using your merged vhd as told in this tutorial. Step 8 in tutorial tells how to use your new, merged vhd (existing vhd instead of a new vhd)
  • Launch the new vm to test it really works
  • Now uninstall Windows XP Mode using Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Uninstall, or any third party uninstaller
  • If you want to uninstall XP Mode manually, these are the files you can delete. Notice that manual deleting does not remove registry entries:
    • In C:\Users\Your_Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Virtual PC\Virtual Machines (default location):
      • Windows XP Mode.vhd
      • Windows XP Mode.vmc
      • Windows XP Mode.vmc.backup
    • In C:\Users\Virtual Machines (default location):
      • Windows XP Mode.vmcx
    • Folder C:\Program Files\Windows XP mode
It works.

Kari
 
Last edited:

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP ENVY 17-1150eg
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
CPU
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
Memory
6 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Sound Card
Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
Screen Resolution
1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
Hard Drives
Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
Cooling
As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
Keyboard
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
Mouse
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Internet Speed
50/10 Mbps VDSL
Antivirus
Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
Browser
Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
Kari said:
Mehzuku said:
- Today I want another VM (total of three; baseline and two active in use), so I find this post again, and follow the instructions again. Fail. Delete everything new. Follow the instructions again. Fail. Delete everything new. Follow the instructions again. Fail. Delete everything new. Follow the instructions again. Success.
Click to expand...
Very interesting read. I have never failed with copying vm's using this method, but your experience ceratinly gives a lot to think.

Dingeling said:
Hi Kari,

It's been a while since I had time to mess around with this, and I gave it another try today, but unfortunately without success.
Click to expand...

Although I knew it already, I had to be sure I'm not misleading you so I tested this once again following the steps told here to the letter. Absolutely no problems, the new vm using the merged XP Mode vhd is working perfectly.



Here's how:
  • Merge the XP Mode differencing disks as told in this post. Remember to rename it to something else than Windows XP Mode
  • Create a new vm using your merged vhd as told in this tutorial. Step 8 in tutorial tells how to use your new, merged vhd (existing vhd instead of a new vhd)
  • Launch the new vm to test it really works
  • Now uninstall Windows XP Mode using Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Uninstall, or any third party uninstaller
  • If you want to uninstall XP Mode manually, these are the files you can delete. Notice that manual deleting does not remove registry entries:
    • In C:\Users\Your_Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Virtual PC\Virtual Machines (default location):
      • Windows XP Mode.vhd
      • Windows XP Mode.vmc
      • Windows XP Mode.vmc.backup
    • In C:\Users\Virtual Machines (default location):
      • Windows XP Mode.vmcx
    • Folder C:\Program Files\Windows XP mode
It works.

Kari
Click to expand...


Hi Kari,

Thanks again for your time and effort to help, but despite following the instructions to the letter, as soon as I uninstall XP Mode the new VM will no longer start, and gives the previously mentioned error. I've tried it twice, just to make sure I hadn't accidentally skipped something, but with the same result both times.

When I right-click the new VM and choose settings, it tells me the newly created merged VHD file that is ascociated with it is missing, and it indeed appears to have been deleted during the uninstall of XP Mode for some reason. (FYI, I'm creating the new merged VHD in the default location with the other VHD's).

I really can't figure out why it works for you but not for me, but I'm going to try again and then move the file somewhere else before I unistall XP Mode, and then move it back afterwards and see if that works.
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7
When you try the next time, choose another location when merging asks where to save it, not saving it in default location. Please come back to tell how it went.

I tested again, and I most definitely have no problems with merging XP Mode differencing disks and attaching the new vhd to a new vm.

Kari
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP ENVY 17-1150eg
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
CPU
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
Memory
6 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Sound Card
Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
Screen Resolution
1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
Hard Drives
Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
Cooling
As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
Keyboard
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
Mouse
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Internet Speed
50/10 Mbps VDSL
Antivirus
Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
Browser
Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
Kari said:
When you try the next time, choose another location when merging asks where to save it, not saving it in default location. Please come back to tell how it went.

I tested again, and I most definitely have no problems with merging XP Mode differencing disks and attaching the new vhd to a new vm.

Kari
Click to expand...

Just tried it again, saved the merged VHD to a different folder, and just as an extra precaution made a copy and saved it to my desktop.

Uninstalled XP Mode and sure enough, the new merged VHD got deleted as part of the uninstall, and of course the new VM would not start. :rolleyes:

Moved the copy from my desktop back to the original folder and the VM started up without a hitch.

So now we've found the sollution :party:, but it's still a mystery to me why it acts differently for me than it does for you.


Thanks again for your assistance :)
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7
When I will find some extra time, I will check this issue a bit more and post back if I find something. Anyway, good to hear you fot it working.

Kari
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP ENVY 17-1150eg
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
CPU
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
Memory
6 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Sound Card
Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
Screen Resolution
1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
Hard Drives
Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
Cooling
As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
Keyboard
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
Mouse
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Internet Speed
50/10 Mbps VDSL
Antivirus
Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
Browser
Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
I haven't read the previous posts, but just to add, despite popular belief, you CAN have different Virtual XPs with the same product key. I have 2 of them running at the same time and updating simultaneously and they both work.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Asus G73SW-XN2
OS
Windows 2000 5.0 Build 2195
CPU
Intel Core i7-2630QM@2GHz(2.9GHz Turbo Boost) [Sandy Bridge]
Motherboard
Asus G73SW (Intel HM65 Chipset)
Memory
Kingston DDR3 1333 16GB (4GBx4)
Graphics Card(s)
nVidia GTX 460m 1.5GB
Sound Card
EAX Advanced HD 5.0, THX TruStudio
Monitor(s) Displays
17.3 in. primary & 23 in. secondary
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Seagate Momentus XT (SATA II) 500 GB @ 7200 RPM
Hitachi (SATA II) 500GB @ 7200 RPM

Non Raid because ASUS was crappy to choose an HM65 Chipset
Keyboard
Built-in 102-Key Backlit Keyboard
Other Info
It's a Laptop.
I ran into an error launching the copy I made following these steps, cannot start virtual machine.. a configuration with the same name already exists. The solution was to delete the Windows XP Mode - Copy.vmcx created from the steps and just launch the Windows XP Mode.vmc file directly. Windows 7 then just creates the vmcx (which is just a shortcut to the real VM) for you. Thanks.
 

My Computer

OS
Windows 7
Hi Kari,

Thank you very much for your tutorial on running multiple virtual machines. For my work, I am trying to utilize as many VMs as possible (hoping to upgrade by existing computer from 8GB to 24GB).

I have two VMs currently running at the moment. I shut down my original Windows XP Mode (my Windows XP Mode - Copy was still running). I copied by original Windows XP Mode vhd, vmc, and vmcx files to try to create a third VM. However, after changing the file paths and hexadecimal I get the following message:

"Could not register the virtual machine. The virtual machine could not be registered because the configuration file does not exist. You should create a new configuration file for the virtual machine."

Is this because I need to shut down both VMs first before copying the VM or do I need to do some additional steps?

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Kindest Regards,

DNAPL
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell
OS
64 bit Windows 7 Professional
CPU
Optiplex 990
Memory
24GB RAM (2 4GB RAM modules, 2 8GB RAM modules)
Monitor(s) Displays
2 19" LCD Displays
Hard Drives
500GB Hard Drive
Keyboard
Generic DELL Keyboard
Mouse
Generic DELL Mouse
Hi DNAPL, welcome to the Seven Forums.

I believe you are right; if you have not merged the default fixed size XP Mode base vhd and dynamic XP Mode user vhd (read more), the base vhd is still in use if one or more copies of XP Mode is running. A new copy can't register itself because the base vhd in use has "locked" itself, flagged as being used at the moment.

Additional read:
http://www.sevenforums.com/backup-restore/80378-backup-xp-mode-2.html#post751417
http://www.sevenforums.com/virtualization/151867-some-advice-needed-please.html#post1303141

Kari
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP ENVY 17-1150eg
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
CPU
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
Memory
6 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Sound Card
Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
Screen Resolution
1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
Hard Drives
Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
Cooling
As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
Keyboard
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
Mouse
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Internet Speed
50/10 Mbps VDSL
Antivirus
Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
Browser
Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
Hi Kari,

Thank you for your response. Once my models have stopped running on both VMs, I will shut down both and then try to make more multiple copies of XP Mode.

Sorry for bugging you again, but in your experience with Windows XP Mode, what is the most efficient number of VMs that can be run at the same time (4? 6? 8? 10?)? With two VMs running on a 8GB RAM computer, I have allocated 2GB to each VM and I am getting good run times for my models. If I am able to upgrade to 24GB RAM, how many VMs could I efficiently run? As well, should I allocate more than 2GB RAM for even better model run times? My models are in FORTRAN language and I am using a COMPAQ FORTRAN compliler.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Kindest Regards,

DNAPL
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell
OS
64 bit Windows 7 Professional
CPU
Optiplex 990
Memory
24GB RAM (2 4GB RAM modules, 2 8GB RAM modules)
Monitor(s) Displays
2 19" LCD Displays
Hard Drives
500GB Hard Drive
Keyboard
Generic DELL Keyboard
Mouse
Generic DELL Mouse
A question I do not know the answer. I have never run more than 4 Virtual PC vms at the same time, my both XP Modes plus Vista and 7. At least those run well enough with only 1 GB of RAM each, on an 8 GB desktop.

Main thing is to leave enough RAM for the host. Also, check the CPU usage. If CPU runs all the time close to 100% you have too many vms open.

Kari
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP ENVY 17-1150eg
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
CPU
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
Memory
6 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Sound Card
Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
Screen Resolution
1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
Hard Drives
Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
Cooling
As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
Keyboard
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
Mouse
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Internet Speed
50/10 Mbps VDSL
Antivirus
Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
Browser
Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
Hi Kari,

I recently upgraded my main modelling computer to 24GB RAM. I am planning to allocate 2GB of RAM per Virtual Machine; hoping to run 10 virtual machines at a time. If my CPU usage does not reach 100%, do you think this is a feasible option? Should I allocate less RAM to the virtual machines (i.e. 1.5GB RAM per VM)?

Could you please help me fix this problem?

I get the following message after copying the third virtual machine:

"Could not register the virtual machine. The virtual machine could not be registered because the configuration file does not exist. You should create a new configuration file for the virtual machine."

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Kindest Regards,

DNAPL
 
Last edited by a moderator:

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell
OS
64 bit Windows 7 Professional
CPU
Optiplex 990
Memory
24GB RAM (2 4GB RAM modules, 2 8GB RAM modules)
Monitor(s) Displays
2 19" LCD Displays
Hard Drives
500GB Hard Drive
Keyboard
Generic DELL Keyboard
Mouse
Generic DELL Mouse
How do I remove duplicated entries in manage virtual PC please?

Hi Kari

Please forgive me if I posted this in the wrong section but I found your guide here and it looks so good it's obvious your the person that can advise me.

I just purchased Win 7 Pro version as XP is ending it's service life. I have a lot of older software and freeware that might not run in Win 7 so I specifically purchased the more expensive Pro versions (for 2 home desktop PC's and one portable laptop) so I could use XP Mode. This is on a brand new installation that's been FULLY updated, re-checked for updates, installed, re-booted till updates show fully up to date.

I downloaded and installed Microsoft's Virtual PC (from Microsoft's site) and installed it.
I downloaded and installed Microsoft's XP Mode (from Microsoft's site) and installed it.

I run XP Mode from the dialogue box that says it's ready to launch. It launched OK and so knowing XP updates are nearing the end of their life, wanted to get all 3 systems right up to date before they cease!

Updates were downloaded via MS's update (inside XM Mode) then after the first re-boot (not Win 7) when XP Mode tried to start up again a warning said it had failed to start. It offered a diagnostic check, which failed, the only option being to close. I re-opened XP Mode from programs and it started up OK.

I continued with the next run of updates till a re-boot was requested. Same problem again.
Started again via programs and it started up OK again.

Then there was a final update and re-boot, however this time it failed to start and said "unable to enable integration features" but I could enable these later via Tools in the main window.

I opened tools (the entire window was smaller than the usual XP Mode and was all black) but the option to enable was greyed out. When I tried to shut down and re-start it was the same.

So I went into programs and clicked uninstall XP Mode. It seemed to do this. I re-ran XP Mode installer and did all 122 updates again and this time it seems stable. BUT...

I noticed that in manage virtual PC's, this is showing two entries...
XP Mode 1
XP Mode

Running "XP Mode" seems to be the initial defective version as it still fails to start.
Running "XP Mode 1" it starts and seems OK.

I would like to remove this faulty entry but can't. It didn't uninstall obviously.
I also noticed that on shut down both said Hibernate, so I changed the option to "Shut Down" on close.
I wonder if this is why the initial faulty version didn't uninstall (its default was Hibernate) so if it was still running it wouldn't uninstall. That said, no warning said to close the program and it seemed to uninstall normally.

I don't want to have to try another uninstall and end up with "XP Mode 2" in the list and more HD space allocated. Please can you advise what I can try? I am not installing on my other two machines till I know why I had this problem. Is there a procedure I should follow to do the first installation? I tried to use common sense and installed the Virtual PC first and did all re-boots when instructed.

Hope you can help, I can find lots of info how to run two Virtual PC's but not how to remove a faulty one!
Thanks, best wishes,
Dave.
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Inspiron 1525
OS
Windows 7 pro 32bit
XP Mode is defective, the one you uninstalled and does not run, XP Mode 1 is the new one and runs OK?

If this is the case, delete the following files:
  1. In C:\Users\Your_Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Virtual PC\Virtual Machines:
    • Windows XP Mode.vhd
    • Windows XP Mode.vmc
    • Windows XP Mode.vmc.vpcbackup
    • Windows XP Mode.vsv (if exists)
  2. In C:\Users\Your_Username\Virtual Machines:
    • Windows XP Mode.vmcx
  3. In C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Windows Virtual PC:
    • Windows XP Mode
Notice that AppData (as in above list #1) and ProgramData folders (as in above list #3) are hidden system folders. You need first enable showing hidden folders to see them, alternatively simply type %localappdata% to Explorer's addressbar and hit Enter to access AppData\Local directly and type %programdata% to access ProgramData folder.

Kari
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP ENVY 17-1150eg
OS
Windows 10 Pro x64 EN-GB
CPU
1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
Memory
6 GB
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
Sound Card
Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
Monitor(s) Displays
17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
Screen Resolution
1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
Hard Drives
Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
Cooling
As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
Keyboard
Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
Mouse
Logitech Performance Mouse MX
Internet Speed
50/10 Mbps VDSL
Antivirus
Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
Browser
Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
Hi Kari
Thanks very much for you rapid reply.
Yes you have understood all my text, XP Mde 1 is working OK. I am going to try what you said on my new Win 7 machine (I am using my old XP system at the moment). I will get back to you in the next couple of days, sorry I am out tomorrow and Friday but can't wait to try your fix.
Sincere thanks, you are very kind, best wishes,
Dave.
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Inspiron 1525
OS
Windows 7 pro 32bit
Hi Kari
Please forgive my late reply. I was delayed with other problems this weekend so I was just about to run through your instructions to remove my duplicated copy of XP Mode when I realised something probably very important. I have just built four new installations on Win 7 Pro (four PC's) so I could use the XP Mode option. In my haste to install them all I forgot to enable the CPU hardware for Virtual Machine. I started on the first machine and installed Virtual PC on it without first enabling the CPU support, I totally forgot. Before I start making changes, perhaps I need to remove and re-instal everything again or can I salvage what I already have, following your previous advice?

As I was having problems installing XP Mode I wonder if this was related to the Virtual PC not being installed with the CPU hardware enabled?

I was rushing to get XP Mode fully updated well before Microsoft drop the XP Updates. A second and very important question that might be good for all users - Is it possible to save all the updates so they can be re-installed in the future, when no longer available again from Microsoft Update? Better, is it possible to save the entire updated installation somehow? I know that security can become a problem when the updates stop, but it's obviously far better to be updated as much as possible, no matter when future users wish to install XP Mode.

I will wait for your advice before I start to follow your instructions, in case you require me to remove all and start again. If this is the case, advice on how to remove "all" would be of value as I know that some parts of the installation will not remove.

Thanks in advance, I appreciate your help very much. Best wishes,
Dave.
 

My Computer

Computer type
Laptop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Inspiron 1525
OS
Windows 7 pro 32bit
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