Windows 7 - Does Windows XP Mode = Compatibility Mode?

higgins · 02-07-2010

Hi all!

I've heard that Windows 7 Home Premium doesn't include the "Windows XP Mode" and I'm told on the MS's website that it's a separate download, with an image showing totally XP-themed window in the 7 environment.

Windows 7 Features: Windows XP Mode

I'm running Ultimate and I recall no separate download, yet I have the Compatibility Mode available.

So, what I'm asking is... Does the "XP Mode" mean the "Compatibility Mode" or is it a different beast altogether?

Thanks!

pebbly · 02-07-2010

xp mode runs in a virtual machine, compat mode is where you try to make an older file or group of files behave as though they were engineered for a newer os version, someone else will explain better than i can

seekermeister · 02-07-2010

No, they are two separare things. XP mode is a virtual environment in which XP is run. Compatibility mode is just settings that are adjusted within Windows 7.

The download for XP Mode and the virtual environment are something that you have to download manually, it is not on Windows Update. For XP mode to work, your hardware must support it. As far as I know, it is primarily whether your CPU supports virtualization.

Greg S · 02-07-2010

Quote: Originally Posted by pebbly

xp mode runs in a virtual machine, compat mode is where you try to make an older file or group of files behave as though they were engineered for a newer os version, someone else will explain better than i can

I would say you explained it perfectly!

higgins · 02-07-2010

So, it's basically a MS-created VirtualBox I can run Windows XP in without needing a separate licence for it?

pebbly · 02-07-2010

Quote: Originally Posted by higgins

So, it's basically a MS-created VirtualBox I can run Windows XP in without needing a separate licence for it?

not too sure about the licence part of your question ,but yes its just a virtual box

pebbly · 02-07-2010

Quote: Originally Posted by Greg S

Quote: Originally Posted by pebbly

xp mode runs in a virtual machine, compat mode is where you try to make an older file or group of files behave as though they were engineered for a newer os version, someone else will explain better than i can

I would say you explained it perfectly!

thank you for that Greg S

strotzyl · 08-17-2010

Quote: Originally Posted by pebbly

Quote: Originally Posted by higgins

So, it's basically a MS-created VirtualBox I can run Windows XP in without needing a separate licence for it?

not too sure about the licence part of your question ,but yes its just a virtual box

I didn't have to put in any registration information when I installed it. Microsoft says this:

To use Windows XP Mode, you need to download and install Windows XP Mode, which is a fully licensed version of Windows XP with Service Pack 3. You also need to download and install Windows Virtual PC, which is the program that runs virtual operating systems on your computer.

Here's a link to where I found the info:

Install and use Windows XP Mode in Windows 7

cluberti · 08-18-2010

Yes, your Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate license contains an XP Mode license as well (the XP Mode VM is licensed based on the Virtual PC BIOS, so it is pre-activated as long as it runs in Windows Virtual PC).

Greg S · 08-18-2010

Quote: Originally Posted by cluberti

Yes, your Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate license contains an XP Mode license as well (the XP Mode VM is licensed based on the Virtual PC BIOS, so it is pre-activated as long as it runs in Windows Virtual PC).

Does this work on an older laptop, say about five years old?