Windows 7: XP download for dual boot instead of XP Mode?

I'm beginning to gather that XP Mode is going to be a real loser for performance based XP apps. Am I going to have any hassles with Microsoft using my Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate license to also get a fully independent version of XP? Or is the XP image you download only scripted to work with XP Mode somehow (would need to use elaborate workarounds, etc.)?



Thanks. The way I read it I will be fine. But I'd like to know for sure before I shell out the $300.

What would you likely be installing on XP mode? Also could you fill in your system specs so we can ascertain how well your computer would cope.

Like any VM environment, performance will depend on your system memory and what CPU you are using. Having Windows 7 installed does not entitle you to an independent version of Windows XP.. You will have to get that on your own.

Games and BOINC come to mind immediately.

And sorry for the no specs. I just registered here, and haven't had the time to fill those in yet (but I also didn't see that as particularly relevant to the question). However I have an E8400 Wolfdale oc'd to a very stable 4ghz, 4 gigs ram, and an Nvidia 8800 GTS w/700 something ram.

Games are out for a start. There is no virtual software that I know of that will be able to play games.

The CPU and ram are fine otherwise for xp mode.

Well there's this from Cnet:

More on Windows 7's 'XP Mode' | Beyond Binary - CNET News

At its core, XP mode consists of two things, the Windows Virtual PC engine and a licensed copy of Windows XP Service Pack 3 as a packaged virtual machine. Although neither piece will be included in the Windows 7 box, XP Mode will be a free download for those who have a license to Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Enterprise, or Windows 7 Ultimate.

And I read that those with separate copies of XP will not have to buy the Pro Or Ultimate version of Windows 7 to use XP Mode if they wish to.

So you're saying that the XP download is an altered version of it? Are you sure about that? And that I couldn't even install an older version of XP that I already own and use my new Windows 7 license number with it? Because apparently even XP Mode users do have to enter the Windows 7 license a second time when they install XP in XP Mode.

XP Mode does not ask for a key at any time during its installation.

It greatly depends on the game. Older games (Windows 98 era maybe) would run pretty well. Newer games that require a lot from the hardware, esp graphic cards would have some trouble. However, I'm talking with experience with VMware Workstation not Windows Virtual PC.

Yeah, I'm a hardcore gamer Logic and I already have several games I know are not going to run on Windows 7. I do have an OEM XP license that I can certainly use for dual booting right now, but I was hoping to future proof myself with the full Windows 7 retail license.

If Microsoft isn't really giving me an XP license like they imply with Pro or Ultimate, then fine. I won't buy it and save myself the $100. The twits.

They didn't promise you would get Windows XP itself, but a virtual machine pre-validated copy of Windows XP. There is a difference.