How can I activate XP mode in 7 prox64?

[lbeck]

I did a clean install of win 7 pro 64 bit to get rid of vista. I went pro for one reason so that I can run in xp mode. How do I activate that? I don't see any menu or other options for that.

 

[Kari]

First, welcome to the Seven Forums.

Could you please explain what you want to do? Windows XP Mode is a pre-activated copy of Windows XP SP3 and does not need any actions from user's side to activate it. It's validity, as well as the underlying host OS (Windows 7 Professional or better) being valid and genuine, was checked when you downloaded and installed Windows XP Mode and Virtual PC.

Kari

 

[strollin]

It isn't there by default, you have to download XP Mode from here: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=8002

 

[Kari]

It isn't there by default, you have to download XP Mode from here: Download Windows XP Mode from Official Microsoft Download Center

Oh I see I might have misunderstood the OP, now reading your response I realize that's what the issue is, not activation per se.

 

[lbeck]

Thanks. With your help I was able to use the URL to download the exe file and installed the software - I think. The final screen says "virtual hard disc file for Windows XP mode has been installed at C:/Program files/windows XP mode/" But I find no icon for it on my desktop and go to "All programs" in the start menu and it's not there either. I go to C:/Program files/windows XP mode/ and there is a folder as indicated with a tutorial folder and some files, one of which is Windows XP Mode base.vhd. I double click on it and the windows search for a program to open it says it is a virtual hard disc file.

I watch the tutorial files and they only give some screens that apparently go along with some tutorial. No help here.

I tried restarting my computer and re-installed from the exe downloaded and still get no program on my computer.

Did the install not go correctly or do I need some program to open the vhd file installed on my computer?

Thanks again for your help.

 

[Kari]

Windows XP Mode is only a so called virtual appliance, an operating system pre-installed on a virtual hard disk (vhd). It cannot be run as a standalone appliance, to run it you need to install a virtualization application, a program that can run the vhd.

In XP Mode's case it is made for Windows Virtual PC platform, so in order to run XP Mode you need first install the Windows XP Mode vhd, then the main Windows Virtual PC program. After Virtual PC install has rebooted your computer, the Windows XP Mode is ready to be set up and used.

Seven Forums tutorial for installing Windows XP Mode and Virtual PC: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8247-windows-xp-mode-install-setup.html

Kari

 

[lbeck]

Whew! More complicated than the Win 7 pro marketing implies. But with your help I have gotten my XP mode running.

Silly me. I assumed that after installing 7 pro I would have an icon for XP mode automatically placed on my desktop.

Thanks for shepherding me through the process.