Windows 7 - How to re-use original XPM with new installation?

Hi and hello.

This is my first post and topic in here.

I already read a great deal in the sevenforums so far and I am very grateful for all the good tutorials and how-to's about Windows 7.

Maybe my topic title might not be fitting, but any Mod is welcome to change it into a fitting one.

So, my two problems/questions are not really covered here in the forum (or I could not find anything about them).

Currently I am backing up everything for a fresh installation of Windows 7 Professional x64. My current system is fine, but I get some new hardware components and do not want any leftover drivers from the old hardware. Therefore I will perform a fresh installation.

Now, my first problem/question is, that I do not know how to make an exact image/copy of my Virtual PC (if at all possible, btw!). Not a second one, which is quite easy, just copying the vhd and creating a new one. No, I am talking about the first XPM, the one which lets you start the virtual applications (the one which usually goes into hibernation).

I tried this once with another installation, but I got problems with the credentials. Using the exact same username/password combination did not work. I completly copied everything (appdata/any VPC directories/etc.), but it did not work out.

In the end I was forced to go through with the annoying procedure to uninstall/reinstall VPC and create a new XPM (still talking about the one offering the virtual applications to the host-system).

Is there any way to make a REAL copy of the original XPM/VPC?


The second problem/question is about a second VPC. I usually copy the initial finished installation of the XPM VHD to another drive or directory (after finishing installation of basic stuff and configuration is complete!). Than I create a new VPC and select the copied VHD. Now I enable the UNDO-DISK option, so I can shut down without changes (this is my "safe" surfing and testing PC). BUT even after initially (first run) saving credentials and activation of integration features and after saving current state (after regular SHUT DOWN), I still have to activate the integration features PLUS I have to login every time again.

Any similar experience with this problem and suggestions how to solve it?

Thank you in advance for your help.