Windows XP Mode - Install and Setup

How to Install and Setup Windows XP Mode in Windows 7​

   Information

Windows XP Mode is 32-bit XP Pro SP3 virtual machine.

Windows XP Mode for Windows 7 makes it easy to install and run your applications for 32-bit Windows XP directly from your Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit based PC. It utilizes virtualization technology such as Windows Virtual PC to provide a Virtual Windows XP environment for Windows 7. Windows XP Mode provides only Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, or Enterprise users the flexibility to run many older productivity applications in a virtual Windows XP environment on a Windows 7-based PC.

UPDATE: Windows XP Mode now accessible to more PCs | Blogging Windows

   Note

Windows Virtual PC (step 1 below) is the latest Microsoft virtualization technology for Windows 7. It is the runtime engine for Windows XP Mode to provide a virtual Windows environment for Windows 7. With Windows Virtual PC, Windows XP mode applications can be seen and accessed from a Windows 7-based PC. For more detailed information about Windows Virtual PC, see Windows Virtual PC: Documentation

To find out whether your computer's CPU is capable of hardware-assisted virtualization. To check, download and run the Hardware-Assisted Virtualization Detection Tool.

• If you receive the message “This computer is configured with hardware-assisted virtualization,” you can run Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode. See the instructions below.
• If you receive the error message "There is no hardware-assisted virtualization support in the system," your computer's CPU doesn't support hardware-assisted virtualization. You can still use Windows XP Mode by installing an update to Windows 7. See Why am I receiving errors about hardware-assisted virtualization (HAV) when I try to use Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC?. Be aware that XP Mode will run much better if hardware-assisted virtualization can be enabled.

   Tip

• To Uninstall Windows XP Mode
  • Open Control Panel (icons view), click on Programs and Features, and select Windows XP Mode.
• To Uninstall Windows Virtual PC
  • Open Control Panel (icons view), click on Programs and Features, click on the View installed updates link in the left pane, then select Windows Virtual PC (KB958559).

   Warning

Windows Virtual PC Requirements:

• 1 GHz 32-bit / 64-bit processor required
• Memory (RAM)
  • 1.25 GB required, 2 GB memory recommended
• Recommended 15 GB hard disk space per virtual Windows environment
• Supported host (your computer) operating system:
  NOTE: Windows XP Mode can only be installed on Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, and Windows 7 Enterprise.
  • Windows 7 Home Premium (32-bit or 64-bit)
  • Windows 7 Professional (32-bit and 64-bit)
  • Windows 7 Ultimate (32-bit and 64-bit)
  • Windows 7 Enterprise (32-bit and 64-bit)
• Supported guest (virtual machine) 32-bit only operating system:
  • Windows XP
    • Virtual Applications feature is supported only on Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) Professional
  • Windows Vista
    • Virtual Applications feature is supported only on Windows Vista Enterprise and Windows Vista Ultimate
  • Windows 7
    • Virtual Applications feature is supported only on Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows 7 Ultimate

EXAMPLE: Windows XP Mode

Here's How:
1. Go to the Windows XP Mode webpage, select your language, and click on the Continue button. (see screenshot below)

2. If you have not already, you will need to validate your Windows 7 first. Click on Install to install the Genuine Windows Validation Component, or follow on screen instructions. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: You will need to have Windows 7 activated and cookies enabled to be able to do this.

3. Download and Install Windows XP Mode
A) Select your language, and click on the Download button for the version (ex: WindowsXPMode_en-us.exe) you want to download. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: The "N" version of Windows XP is for the European version of Windows.

B) Save the WindowsXPMode_en-us.exe file to your desktop.
C) Double click on the downloaded WindowsXPMode_en-us.exe installation file to start installing it.
NOTE: The part of the name in red will vary for you depending on what language you selected (step 1).

D) Click on the Next button. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If you like, you could click on Browse and select another location to save the VHD file for XP Mode to instead of the default location in the screenshot below.

E) Click on the Next button. (see screenshot below)

F) If prompted by UAC, click on Yes.

G) When Windows XP Mode is finished installing, click on the Finish button. (See screenshot below)

4. Download and Install Windows Virtual PC
A) At the Windows Virtual PC webpage, select your language, and click on the Continue button. (see screenshot below)

B) Select your language, and click on the Download button for either the Windows6.1-KB958559-x86-RefreshPkg.msu (32-bit) or Windows6.1-KB958559-x64-RefreshPkg.msu (64-bit) file for your same 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 7 version you have installed.

C) Save the Windows6.1-KB958559-x86-RefreshPkg.msu or Windows6.1-KB958559-x64-RefreshPkg.msu file to your desktop. (see screenshot below)

D) Double click on the downloaded Windows6.1-KB958559-x86-RefreshPkg.msu or Windows6.1-KB958559-x64-RefreshPkg.msu file to start installing it.

E) If prompted by UAC, click on Yes.
F) Click on Yes. (see screenshot below)

G) Click on the I Accept button. (see screenshot below)

H) When it is finished, click on the Restart Now button. (see screenshot below)
WARNING: This will restart your computer immediately. Be sure to save and close anything that you have open first.

I) When the computer is finished restarting, continue on to step 6 below.
5. To Open and Run Windows XP Mode
A) Open the Start Menu, then click on All Programs, expand the Windows Virtual PC folder, and double click on the Windows XP Mode shortcut. (see screenshot below)

6. Check the I accept box, then click on the Next button. (see screenshot below)

7. Type in a password and type it in again to confirm it, then click on the Next button. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: If you would like to be logged on automatically whenever you open Windows XP Mode (step 5), then check the Remember credentials box.

8. Select (dot) the Help protect my computer by turning on Automatic Updates now box, then click on the Next button. (see screenshot below)

9. Click on the Start Setup button. (see screenshot below)

10. You will now see this for a few moments while Windows XP Mode is being setup. (see screeshot below)

11. When setup is finished and you did not check the Remember credentials box in step 7 above, then you will need to enter your password entered and click on OK. If you did, then skip this and continue on to step 12. (see screenshot below)

12. The Windows XP Mode - Windows Virtual PC window will now open. You are now in Windows XP Mode. (see screenshot below)

13. Next, be sure to install Integration Components and enable Integration Features.
NOTE: Sometimes this will be enabled for you automatically during installation.

14. Set Windows XP Mode Settings
A) In the Windows XP Mode window, click on Tools (menu bar) and Settings. (see screenshot above)

B) In the left pane, select Close/Shut Down. (see screenshot below)

C) In the right pane, select (dot) Automatically close with the following action, then select Shut Down and click on OK. (see screenshot above)
15. To Close Windows XP Mode
A) Click on the X in the upper right corner of the Windows XP Mode window like you would any other window in Windows 7. (see screenshot below step 19)

OR

B) In the Windows XP Mode window, click on Action (menu bar) and Close. (see screenshot below step 16)
16. Installing a Program in Windows XP Mode
NOTE: You would install a program in Virtual Windows XP just like you would in Windows 7 with the same access to everything in Windows 7. For example, hard drives, DVD drives, USB drives, Windows 7 folders and files, etc.....
A) After you have installed any program (ex: CCleaner) in Windows XP Mode, you will notice that there will now also be a shortcut to it in the Windows 7 Start Menu in the Windows XP Mode Applications folder under Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: Double clicking on the program's shortcut (ex: CCleaner) in the Windows 7 Start Menu when Windows XP Mode is closed will open and run the program in Windows 7 but as if it you were running it in Windows XP Mode. You could also move or copy this Windows XP Mode Applications shortcut where you like in Windows 7 for easy use.




That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Change Virtual Machine Settings in Windows Virtual PC
• How to Create a Virtual Machine in Windows Virtual PC
• How to Create Differencing Disks in Windows Virtual PC
• How to Delete a Virtual Machine Created with Windows Virtual PC
• How to Copy a Virtual XP Machine in Windows 7
• How to Add Limited User Accounts to Windows Virtual PC XP Mode
• How to Boot from a CD or DVD in a Windows Virtual PC
• How to Connect Windows Virtual PC to the Network
• How to Install, Enable, and Disable Windows Virtual PC Integration Features
• How to Select Host Devices to Share with Virtual Machines in Windows Virtual PC
• How to Enable the Built-in Administrator Account in Windows XP Mode
• How to Speed Up Performance of a Virtual Machine

 

[darkassain]

One suggestion here would be compiling a list of cpus that will support virtualization for both Intel and AMD. It will take some time but will make things easier for anyone wanting to try this out and only later finding they are not running a cpu seeing support.

im doing this now...
although its pretty hard as the there is no white sheets on AMD-v...

 

[Brink]

One suggestion here would be compiling a list of cpus that will support virtualization for both Intel and AMD. It will take some time but will make things easier for anyone wanting to try this out and only later finding they are not running a cpu seeing support.

im doing this now...
although its pretty hard as the there is no white sheets on AMD-v...

You could also just run the Intel Processor Identification Utility or AMD Virtualization Compatibility Check Utility at the link in the first item in the WARNING box to see if the CPU supports virtualization as well.

 

[ranjan2001]

This is what I found on the web.

For AMD-based machines, practically all Opteron server CPUs support AMD-V, as do all Phenom desktop processors, all Athlon 64 X2 processors with Socket AM2 dating back to 2007, and all dual-core Turion 64 X2 processors. Look for logos such as the Intel vPro and AMD-V symbols, which certify a machine as supporting virtualization in hardware.

 

[darkassain]

For AMD-based machines, practically all Opteron server CPUs support AMD-V, as do all Phenom desktop processors, all Athlon 64 X2 processors with Socket AM2 dating back to 2007, and all dual-core Turion 64 X2 processors. Look for logos such as the Intel vPro and AMD-V symbols, which certify a machine as supporting virtualization in hardware.

technically all *2nd* generation Opteron
and anything consumer based that uses the AM2 pin chip design...
and also includes the S1 pin design..
socket F too...

 

[Night Hawk]

That's still a good find there! ranjan2001 The article mentioned did point out some Intel models on the other hand rather recent ones too that lacked support.

I'm not at all surprized to see any server type line automatically supporting this already like the Opterons. That's a different platform to begin apart from desktop models.

 

[swarfega]

If I go to the download page for XPM I see two download links.



Since I already have the patch installed and XPM, I would like to try out Virtual PC Beta as well but it keeps wanting me to install the patch I already have.

 

[Ex_Brit]

One suggestion here would be compiling a list of cpus that will support virtualization for both Intel and AMD. It will take some time but will make things easier for anyone wanting to try this out and only later finding they are not running a cpu seeing support.

There is a complete list here of Intel chips that support it see below (You need Powerpoint or Powerpoint Viewer installed) and AMD chips are a little more complicated to list as their website is so vague, according to this article: Windows 7 XP Mode Pre-requisite « Software Ruminations

 

[Brink]

If I go to the download page for XPM I see two download links.

View attachment 9840

Since I already have the patch installed and XPM, I would like to try out Virtual PC Beta as well but it keeps wanting me to install the patch I already have.

Hi Nick,

I would just go ahead and let in reinstall it then to stop it from bugging you. It will not hurt anything, and if it is a newer version, then you'll be updated.

 

[Night Hawk]

Agreed! Often as part of the installation the installer will request an extra item go on like DX for various game installers making no difference that you already have that version or newer installed. Now all I need here is the two downloads themselves for the 32bit RC! The 64bit is already running all of the XP apps!

 

[CanonGlas3]

this is very helpful

 

[Night Hawk]

Where this will help the most is for those who upgrade from XP to 7 directly. Not being able to run out and buy all new softwares this will allow the use of the older XP apps through the virtual machine/XP mode.

You still hear sound and use a programmable mouse through 7 while seeing the full functionality of XP Pro since 7 is still the acting host OS. I didn't get too far with the Virtual PC 2007 while this one while still beta works like a champ here!

Another good one! Brink This will help a lot of people out.

 

[alandiloon]

I want to download this program because I can not install Windows programs on the new Can you tell me where to download ..?​

Virtual Windows XP Mode in Windows 7>????????
...

 

[Night Hawk]

I want to download this program because I can not install Windows programs on the new Can you tell me where to download ..?​

Virtual Windows XP Mode in Windows 7>????????
...

First you need to download two things from two different pages in order to see this work. 1)Virtual PC beta from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...EB-DF9B-415F-B2D6-27F6EF5DCEB9&displaylang=en

That will need to go on first where you then follow that with the installation of the XP mode for 32bit or 64bit in two separate downloads from Download details: Windows XP Mode Beta

The installation for both the Virtual PC beta and the select XP mode depending on which 7 you are running(32 or 64) goes on quickly. The default first reached desktop you would expect to see in XP Pro 32bit will fill the blank black colored screen seen in the Virtual machine's main window there. You can even setup your home page on the IE there right off since you are still connected by your present 7 setup!

 

[Brink]

I want to download this program because I can not install Windows programs on the new Can you tell me where to download ..?​

Virtual Windows XP Mode in Windows 7>????????
...

Hello Alandiloon, and welcome to Seven Forums.

In addition to Night Hawks post above:

You will just need to click on the links in the first and second steps in the tutorial to go to where to download them.

Shawn

 

[Night Hawk]

It's always better to start off with page #1 for anything! The one thing that wasn't expected however is seeing regular XP updates available in the XP mode! That came as somewhat of a surprize.

 

[iThaos]

That's a nice tutorial.
Isn't MS going to put XP mode in the final version of 7?

 

[Brink]

Hello iThaos,

It appears that so far they are going to keep them separate like they did with Virtual PC 2007 and Vista, but time will tell I suppose.

 

[Night Hawk]

Virtual PC and the XP mode are separate optional items becoming now in beta form. When 7 is finshed they'll still be an option rather then being included. The Virtual PC itself has been a separate option right along. 7 simply now has the option for the XP mode a new feature you install separately in order to run older programs.

 

[alandiloon]

First you need to download two things from two different pages in order to see this work. 1)Virtual PC beta from http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...EB-DF9B-415F-B2D6-27F6EF5DCEB9&displaylang=en

That will need to go on first where you then follow that with the installation of the XP mode for 32bit or 64bit in two separate downloads from Download details: Windows XP Mode Beta

The installation for both the Virtual PC beta and the select XP mode depending on which 7 you are running(32 or 64) goes on quickly. The default first reached desktop you would expect to see in XP Pro 32bit will fill the blank black colored screen seen in the Virtual machine's main window there. You can even setup your home page on the IE there right off since you are still connected by your present 7 setup!

Thank you for assistance, but unfortunately I can not install the software .. I do not know it because an error in Windows.?? Is there a solution to this problem ..?

http://www.iraqlove.net/upload//uploads/images/domain-2816b252c0.jpg​

 

[Ex_Brit]

Is it because your motherboard/CPU perhaps doesn't support hardware virtualization? It says to check the Event Log so do that and see what it says. See System Requirements in the first post in this thread.