Windows Virtual PC

[enigma1944]

I just received my weekly MS update notification and I saw this download of Windows Virtual PC.

I never used this option so I looked at the specs and I must say it is a little confusing to me, confused is not unusual with me.

According to this program it is possible to have two { 2 } OS's running on one computer. If that is correct, I can have both Vista and Windows 7 functional on my laptop.

Can I do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks
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[swarfega]

Yep, and if you have the power, more than 2. VPC allows you to install a hosted OS which can be anything the program supports such as all previous versions of windows, linux etc. Its a good way to maintain compatibility with older programs that you use that are no longer being developed or you cant afford to upgrade. Its also a good way to try linux out because if you make a mistake its only a file and not your machine.

 

[Kari]

Virtual PC emulates a computer. You can create so called virtual machines and use them in a window in your Seven desktop. The screenshot here shows my desktop where a virtual Windows XP is running in its own session. I can install programs to that XP and run them exactly as it was a second computer with XP installed.

For example, I have Ubuntu Linux, Chrome OS, Windows XP and Vista installed on Virtual PC. I can run all simultaneously, at the same time, though it takes a lot of resources. Running one virtual machine at the time is no problem.

Welcome to the virtual computing!

Kari

 

[enigma1944]

OK thanks for the response.

I will be upgrading to W7 Home Premium next week when I receive the CD from MS. Should I wait till after I upgrade or do it now!!!!!

My info on drives are as follows:

Local Disc " C " 360GB 256GB Free Space

Recovery " D " 13GB 2.1 GB Free Space

Thanks again

 

[Kari]

Sorry, Enigma but I have some bad news for you. To run Virtual PC and XP Mode you need Seven Professional or Ultimate edition. Virtual PC does not run in Seven Starter or Home editions.
(Source: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx)
Kari

 

[enigma1944]

Thanks for info

Since I use Vista Home Premium I see it will not function

I wonder why MS did it this way but who knows

Thanks again

 

[Barman58]

The reason for this being available only in the Professional version and above is I think an assumption on Microsoft's part that it will be relatively unused by home users

All is not lost however

If you want to try virtualisation you could do worse that take a look at VirtualBox from Sun.

VirtualBox

Also you may want to check out the full version OS requirements for the full Microsoft VirtualPC 2007

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/support/requirements.aspx

 

[stew2]

IMO virtualbox is far better than microsofts virtual pc. So you are in luck

Virtualbox at least for me runs faster, doesnt crash and has more options that you can tweak. It also supports way more OS's, for instance i couldnt copy files as i was using XP sp2 and virtual pc required me to be running XP sp3 for the integration features to work. On virtual box its easy i just wish id found it sooner.

 

[Barman58]

The one advantage of the Microsoft XP mode is of course that the XP is a licensed copy. Not so important if you are loading a different OS

 

[Matt140]

Even if we can't run XP mode, we should still be allowed to download Virtual PC....

 

[whs]

A little while ago I made a little tutorial on how to install Win7 (or any other OS) in vBox (and virtual PC). It may come in handy. I recommend vBox - it is really great. Allocate 1GB of Ram for the virtual partition and 25 to 40GB of disk space (depending how much you want to do with that system). If you have 3 or 4 GB of RAM, you won't even notice an impact on the host system. And the beauty is that you can switch between the 2 systems with 1 click.

Tutorial: How to install Windows7 in a Virtual Partition « How-To Geek Forums


This is my Win7 running "on top" of your post - LoL. And as I said, one click and it was there.

 

[stew2]

Even if we can't run XP mode, we should still be allowed to download Virtual PC....

Yes you definately should but honestly virtualbox is way better anyway.

 

[Barman58]

Even if we can't run XP mode, we should still be allowed to download Virtual PC....

you can ....


Download details: Virtual PC 2007

 

[stew2]

Thats the old version of virtual PC. It doesnt support usb sticks etc....

 

[Barman58]

The latest version of Virtual PC is available for download ...

Download details: Windows Virtual PC


This is the one that works with XP mode, which is not included

Requirements state Windows 7 as the only OS requirements

 

[Kari]

The latest version of Virtual PC is available for download ...

Download details: Windows Virtual PC


This is the one that works with XP mode, which is not included

Requirements state Windows 7 as the only OS requirements

That's true! it says clearly Home is enough. Amazing how different information Microsoft gives, this is what you get if you try to download XP Mode:

 

[Barman58]

Hi Kari,

It looks as if the actual virtual PC is available to all versions but just the XP mode is limited. Most people will arrive at the download page for XP made and Virtual PC, which kicks you out if you do not qualify for both.

I got to this page through a direct link I received from Microsoft, so I assume it's genuine and the requirements are correct, But you never quite know with Microsoft.

 

[whs]

I ran VPC on Home Premium. Had all kinds of problems. That's why I switched to vBox.

 

[HexDSL]

i just installed VBox and have now finished installing service packs on my virtual XP install.

i cant really see what XP-MODE would offer me over the 'seamless' mode that VBox has.

also guys, you think virtual install's need anti-virus?

 

[Kari]

...
also guys, you think virtual install's need anti-virus?

Virtual machine acts and works like an independent computer with a separate MAC and IP address. Host computers firewall and AV-protection don't cover virtual machine. It needs it's own protection.

Kari