Solved How run Windows XP under Windows 7 64-bit?

[Admiral Awesome]

What I wish to do is:

1 Run Windows XP in a virtual machine inside Windows 7 64-bit, then
2 Install and run the 16-bit MicroGrafx Designer in that vitual XP environment.

I have, among many offered 'solutions', tried Oracle VM VirtualBox which worked fine and was intuitive - but showed the XP program window and Designer in a postcard size window center-screen - not that impressive and definitely not useful.

I have tried and scrapped Windows XP Mode - gah how involved and complicated that was...

So, is there a way to do this seemingly simple thing in a simple way? 'Cause that little old app could do things none of the current behemoth CAD programs can.

Thank you.

 

[dg1261]

I have, among many offered 'solutions', tried Oracle VM VirtualBox which worked fine and was intuitive - but showed the XP program window and Designer in a postcard size window center-screen - not that impressive and definitely not useful.

It sounds like you perhaps forgot to install the VirtualBox "Guest Additions". That provides the VM with enhanced display options. I run XP in a VBox VM, and I can confirm it will run at the full 1920x1080 resolution of my monitor.

To install "Guest Additions", boot the XP VM and from the top menu bar select "Devices->Insert Guest Additions CD image". The VBox installation comes with that iso image by default, and that menu selection just simplifies the process of loading the iso in the VM's virtual CD drive and running it. Just follow the prompts and finish with a reboot of the VM, and you should have the ability to use higher resolutions or go full-screen.

 

[Admiral Awesome]

Thanks dg1261. You say: 'It sounds like you perhaps forgot to install the VirtualBox "Guest Additions". That provides the VM with enhanced display options. I run XP in a VBox VM, and I can confirm it will run at the full 1920x1080 resolution of my monitor.'

Yes friend, that sounds right. I most certainly missed that. I will reinstall VirtualBox, follow your instructions and report back.
Again thank you.

 

[Admiral Awesome]

Nope. I got a 404 error when asked to log on to my existing Sun account:

so this thing is obviously not for me.

 

[Josbeph]

I downloaded it, then just download the 'Guest Additions' pack from their website and installed it. I don't think you have to log in.

 

[Admiral Awesome]

Well, then you're luckier than I am. I was prompted to log in - couldn't get around it. I'm tired of trying to swing this for today and will perhaps get back to it some days later. Anyway your post sounds like there is hope yet Josbeph

 

[Josbeph]

Well, then you're luckier than I am. I was prompted to log in - couldn't get around it. I'm tired of trying to swing this for today and will perhaps get back to it some days later. Anyway your post sounds like there is hope yet Josbeph

Glad I was able to help

 

[Nihal mazhar]

You don't need to register with sun.virtualbox is free .you just need to setup your virtual machine ,after XP is installed, choose the devices tab, select insert guest additions CD ,now from explorer,click open the files in virtual CD ROM,run the windows guest addition file.after the installation Windows will reboot and you are set to go.The screen will resize and you can also enter full screen mode

 

[Admiral Awesome]

Thanks dg1261. You say: 'It sounds like you perhaps forgot to install the VirtualBox "Guest Additions". That provides the VM with enhanced display options. I run XP in a VBox VM, and I can confirm it will run at the full 1920x1080 resolution of my monitor.'

Yes friend, that sounds right. I most certainly missed that. I will reinstall VirtualBox, follow your instructions and report back.
Again thank you.

Success! dg1261, my new-found friend, you did it! I reinstalled the VM, then XP, then selected "Devices->Insert Guest Additions CD image" and, hey presto, full screen.

To say you saved the day is the understatement of 2016, thank you.

 

[Admiral Awesome]

Thank you all that contributed suggestions Member dg1261 said 'It sounds like you perhaps forgot to install the VirtualBox "Guest Additions" and that was it, just like that.