Getting a new Windows 7 computer with programs only running on XP

rtoples · 22 Sep 2014

Hello

I want to buy a new computer, but have three or four embroidery programs that the maximum they run is on XP. I don't want to buy/learn a whole new embroidery program, and have investigated "a bit" of having virtual machine software run on Windows 7. Would it be better to have a dual partition, one running XP and the other Windows 7? When I talked with the salesperson at Best Buy, he said although having a dual partition may be possible, it doesn't always work. There are three embroidery software programs that are sort of "tied in to each other", with one getting the information and the other writing it to a card, that I then put in my sewing machine in order to stitch it out. They are all Husqvarna Viking programs, and the names are VIP Customizing version 6.2, d-card reader/writing version 5.0 and resize plus version 5.0. It would also need to have internet and printing capabilities because I get some of the designs from the web. If I installed the virtual machine software, would I need separate software for each program? I don't know where to turn. Thank you.

ignatzatsonic · 22 Sep 2014

If you want to install XP in a normal manner (rather than through virtualization), you could put it on a separate partition on your existing Windows 7 hard drive OR put it on an entirely separate drive. The latter method is less likely to give you headaches.

If you want to use virtualization software, no, I don't think you'd need separate software for each of your programs.

Windows 7 is capable of running a lot of XP software and that would probably be preferable.

strollin · 22 Sep 2014

You stated that your embroidery programs require a minimum of Win XP, that means they probably won't run on older Windows versions. However, I'd say that there's a good chance that those programs will install and run fine on Win 7 or even Win 8.

I'd find out whether or not your programs run with Win 7 before worrying about it. In order to hedge your bet, be sure your new computer runs either Win 7 Pro or Win 7 Ultimate which both allow you to download and install the MS feature called XP mode which is a complete virtual machine runniing Win XP. With a virtual

Another thing you need to know about your emroidery programs is whether they are 16-bit or 32-bit. If they are 16-bit programs then they for sure won't run on 64-bit Win 7 but they may run on 32-bit Win 7.

Maybe you could contact Husqvarna and ask them what they recommend.

From their website:

Embroidery software support Phone: 615.280.3510
Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 9:00 pm CST
software@husqvarnaviking.com

gregrocker · 23 Sep 2014

First try installing these programs in the recommended Compatibility Mode,
a Win7 feature that tricks older programs into thinking they are being installed to the legacy OS they were written for. The Compat advisor when run as shown will tell you what OS/SP to choose, or choose it for you. If it doesn't install try one or two older modes.

Then you can decide if you want to run XP in a virtual Machine or try installing it on a Second partition. The problem with this is that XP doesn't have any of the modern SATA controller drivers in its installer so unless you get lucky it will require some advanced surgery on the XP disk to inject the SATA Drivers - Slipstream into Windows XP CD. Virtual machines won't have this problem.