VM-ware for Windows 7 64-bit to use 32-bit apps?

[joe7dust]

I have some software that only works in 32-bit, can you please recommend an easy to use VM software so I can boot a 32-bit OS (either XP or Windows 7) from within W7 64-bit?

I haven't dabbled in dualbooting/virtualization yet because it looks tedious, so I'm looking for an easy to use program here.

 

[osholt]

As a free and still probably as the best solution (even if you had to pay for it) I would recommend Virtual Box. (Downloads - VirtualBox)

However if you give us some more information on your application that is 32 bit only we may be able to get it running on a 64bit machine. If the application involves complex 3D graphics and really doesn't like 64bit systems (GTA4 springs to mind here), Virtualization isn't for you.

remember you need to have a copy of Windows 7/XP to install in the VM.

Oli

On second thoughts I agree with Darician on using XP Mode.

 

[Darician]

I would recommend either Windows XP Mode since you have Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit or for better performance and ease of use, I would recommend VMware Player.

 

[joe7dust]

Its for motorola diagnostic drivers for my droid x, follwing a guide to flash it for metropcs but drivers are 32bit only. i could use a 2nd comp but im curious to get into vmware finally.

 

[joe7dust]

I would recommend either Windows XP Mode since you have Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit or for better performance and ease of use, I would recommend VMware Player.

Anywhere else to get "windows xp mode" than microsoft? They wanted to install some genuine advantage crap and I am not doing that.

Here's the link I was using: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx

As a free and still probably as the best solution (even if you had to pay for it) I would recommend Virtual Box. (Downloads - VirtualBox)

However if you give us some more information on your application that is 32 bit only we may be able to get it running on a 64bit machine. If the application involves complex 3D graphics and really doesn't like 64bit systems (GTA4 springs to mind here), Virtualization isn't for you.

remember you need to have a copy of Windows 7/XP to install in the VM.

Oli

On second thoughts I agree with Darician on using XP Mode.

Thanks a bunch! So far the XP installation is running smoothly and this software appears amazing considering its free.

edit: Is it possible to copy files to the .vdi virtual hard drive that the guest OS uses? Right now I have to use email to transfer files.

edit2: crap crap crap! This is not working, I can't access USB devices in the VM... Also I can't even access the CD/DVD drive which is very strange, but doesn't really matter I guess. I NEED USB support like ASAP had this phone for 2 weeks and still not flashed, really wanted to get this done today please help!

edit3: Figured it out, only the closed-source edition has USB support... going to see if I can find a torrent I guess.

edit4: Installing XP with VMWare Workstation 7, will let you know how if it works

edit5: It worked! Optical Drives and USB support required no tinkering, it Just Worked which is what I like. Thanks guys.