Do I need to install an anti-virus software in Virtual XP Mode?

[C32C3]

Greetings,

I have Kaspersky Internet Security installed on my pc that has Win7 Ultimate as its OS. I am beginning to become acquainted with Windows Virtual PC XP Mode. When I open the XP Mode I get a pop-up from the security center that I need to install an anti-virus software.

My KIS license is only for one pc. If I try to install it a 2nd time for the XP Mode it will be seen as installing KIS on two pc's (?).

Any ideas or solutions?

Thanks.

 

[Corazon]

I wouldn't worry too much about running an antivirus inside a virtual machine actually, since your real system is already protected. That said, you could install a different (free) antivirus if you really want to, it doesn't have to be the same product - alternatively you can simply disable the security warning in XP.

 

[C32C3]

I wouldn't worry too much about running an antivirus inside a virtual machine actually, since your real system is already protected. That said, you could install a different (free) antivirus if you really want to, it doesn't have to be the same product - alternatively you can simply disable the security warning in XP.

My thinking is this: my host pc has KIS installed therefore the installation of an anti-virus software in Virtual PC is unnecessary.

I will take your suggestion and disable the security warning in XP.

I thought to post my question because of not being sure that I could get a virus via the browser being used in XP Mode.

Thanks.

 

[Corazon]

It's probably still possible - I just think that an infection would be limited to the virtual machine and not 'cross over' into the host system. Thus my suggestion that, if you change your mind, you install a free antivirus such as Avast or AVG so you don't have the license issue with KIS.

 

[C32C3]

You are probably right. An infection is possible if I am online in the virtual machine. I consider a free anti-virus. Doesn't Microsoft have one?

BTW, do you know how I can transfer or copy files from the virtual machines to be used in my host pc?

 

[New123]

Share a folder on the host and then map it from the virtual machine.

 

[pparks1]

It's probably still possible - I just think that an infection would be limited to the virtual machine and not 'cross over' into the host system. Thus my suggestion that, if you change your mind, you install a free antivirus such as Avast or AVG so you don't have the license issue with KIS.

If you shut off networking, then yes...it's not likely going to pass onto other machines. Unless of course, you have mapped shares between the host and the guest and then it could pass that way.

Remember, unless it's a network isolated VM, it's no real different from any other machine.

 

[C32C3]

Share a folder on the host and then map it from the virtual machine.

Can you pretend that you are speaking to someone who is new to XP Mode and explain step for step how to do what you have suggested because I really have no idea how to do what you prescribe.

 

[pparks1]

Share a folder on the host and then map it from the virtual machine.

Can you pretend that you are speaking to someone who is new to XP Mode and explain step for step how to do what you have suggested because I really have no idea how to do what you prescribe.

Here you go, this should do the trick,
Share Files Between Your Host Machine and XP Mode [How To] | Software Guides | Windows Tools, Help & Guides

 

[C32C3]

Wow! Thanks a lot. I have to read through the information provided on the link you sent but with a glance over it seems to be exactly what I need.

BTW, do you know how to send emails from the XP Mode? I tried via Express but all have attempts have failed; the same goes for OutLook.

 

[Layback Bear]

My understanding is that if you share anything from VM to your computer you can get infected. I would use MSE on the VM.

 

[C32C3]

My understanding is that if you share anything from VM to your computer you can get infected. I would use MSE on the VM.

I am a bit concerned that using MSE in VM would conflict with KIS on my host computer.

I am not familiar with VM's. I think of it as two hdd's with different OS's on each. If that is an accurate example then having MSE on the VM and KIS on the host machine should not present any problems of conflict.

What are your thoughts on that?

 

[Corazon]

Actually you can think of it as two different computers, each with their own HD and OS.

So no, there should be no conflict between MSE and KIS just as there is obviously no conflict between the two
operating systems running in tandem.

 

[Layback Bear]

My understanding their should be no problem.

 

[Kari]

I wouldn't worry too much about running an antivirus inside a virtual machine actually, since your real system is already protected. That said, you could install a different (free) antivirus if you really want to, it doesn't have to be the same product - alternatively you can simply disable the security warning in XP.

I have some difficulties to understand this statement. A virtual machine is like any other computer, a physical or a virtual one. So, this is almost the same than saying (modified your statement a bit):

I wouldn't worry too much about running an antivirus on your other computers actually, since your main system is already protected.

Of course there are different opinions on the importance of AV-protection and Firewall. Some people do not use any, some try to set their computers up as tightly protected as Fort Knox. Me, personally I like to stay on the safe side, using Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Firewall on every rig I have, on real physical ones as well as on virtual machines. This combination gives quite a comprehensive protection, at least I have been satisfied and never had any infection problems.

Because a virtual machine acts and behaves like any other individual computer on your network, it does not have to have the same AV-protection than other computers but it needs some (personal opinion, as mentioned above). You can have Norton on XP Mode, Avira on your main rig, MSE on a Windows Vista virtual machine and so on.

Kari

 

[pooly1]

You could just use Microsoft security essentials, it is free and is worth it if you are worried

 

[amflores]

....... alternatively you can simply disable the security warning in XP.

How do I disable this annoying baloon "Your system may be at risk" on VirtualBox?

Flores

 

[cyclic]

I can't seem to find a tutorial here for that, so I suggest reading this from how to geek

If there is one of our own tutorials please let me know, anyone.

 

[amflores]

.... so I suggest reading this from how to geek

Hello cyclic,

It worked.
Thanks.

Flores

 

[DeaconFrost]

I run MSE in all of my VMs that run Windows client OSes. I'm not sure why someone would think there's a conflict between that and the AV on the host. That would defeat the very purpose of virtualizing.