Windows 7 - VM not working & start menu blank on host

I installed Virtual PC, Windows6.1-KB958559-x64-RefreshPkg.msu, after rebooting my start menu was blank on the host, Win 7.



I installed XP from a CD in the VPC, put in my account name with a password. When it was done I got what appeared to be Win98.



The account name I entered was not recognized.



Then I tried to install Integration Components with this sweet message.



The XP install has no internet access although my NIC is shown as the network adapter. I tried to run a XP repair only to get the same installer error. Futher my account pic in XP is a red X, no themes available, and when I click Internet in the start menu, it goes to internet options, not IE.

Last week I did this whole process too but XP would not let me login with my password, a simple 4 numbers.

I uninstalled the first VPC and reinstalled it, but apparently there's some bits left over somewhere.
All help, suggestions, ideas and beers accepted.

UPDATE: I reinstalled XP, updated it to SP3, installed and enabled integration, all that worked. I added a password and it won't log me in with it.

Before I shut it down, after enabling integration, no other drives are seen from XP nor can I copy/paste from or to it.

That's really a problem . As I never have used VPC, but a blank start menu causes if it is unchecked .


The rest ... as you are not using XP mode, you can do the visualization using Virtual Box . That is much easier to control .

Arc, that only shows programs I've used. What is missing is what I had pinned to the start menu. but all is well, I have repinned eveything.

Re-re-re-reinstalling XP at the moment.

Nice sig by the way.

If you want such a nice sig, contact Britton30

Hope this time the reinstallation will work perfectly .

Thanks Archie, so far so good.

Odd. Sorry I came so late to the party, work (writing stuff for Microsoft, no less) has kept me stupid busy. How's it going now? Working okay?

Quick belated question: Are you running Windows 7 Pro or Ult? Can you use XP Mode? It's set up so nicely. I use it and it's quite marvelous.

Nice to see you , Heather .

He uses Windows 7 ultimate x64 Service pack 1 .

Click on "my system specs" at the bottom left of any post .... if it is filled up, you will get the info .

Gotcha. I just never assume, because I have 4 computers, so it could be one of those other than my main machine.

Soooo.... why not XP Mode? Download Windows XP Mode

Yes, the spec listed are the PC I'm using.

Got XP installed...installed and enabled integration, uninstalled it because MS said to and reinstalled it along with an update to allow copy/paste, shortcuts, etc. None of that works and I can't see my Windows 7 install from the VM. All I can use from the Win 7 is my Bluray/DVD/CD drive. Copy/paste won't work, attached USB devices are not recognized.

I shied away from XP Mode since it says it's a 20GB install and my XP disk only takes about 3GB. I may switch, MS really wants one to use XP mode I guess.

EDIT: Another thing, It seems maybe integration is NOT enabled. When I click Enable, I'm asked for a password, which I have not created, so crap.

EDIT Part deaux: Every time starting VM I'm prompted for a password, not created. XP wants a password, not created, but will logon after clicking OK several times.