XML to iso converter software?

[dmcrose]

I have Windows 7 home premium on my computer, and I used the windows backup software to create an xml image and recovery cd. I would like to create a virtual machine, load w7 into it, then get the w8 upgrade (I get os upgrades cheaply as a teacher) and try the upgrade in the vpc before I decide to upgrade my computer. I have heard lots of bad reviews about w8, so I will probably skip it as my main os, but I would like to check it out in a vpc. However, I have only installed xp that I downloaded from ms in a vpc, so I have a big learning curve here.

So I have two questions:
1) Can I successfully install an iso image of my current os into a vpc that I create on this comuter? Would the drivers be the same in the vpc?

And if so,
2) What is the best free software to use to convert an xml image to iso to do this?

 

[bobafetthotmail]

Uhm, no. I'm only going to answer the "how can I try Win 8 in a virual machine?". As that is your actual goal, and what you ask is a hassle that can be easily avoided.

this tutorial contains links to free and legal Win 7 isos from trusted sources (microsoft's own FTP servers) you can download and install Win 7. These will work without activation for a month or so and can be rearmed 3 times extending the trial to 120 days. I have doubts you can then upgrade to Win 8 without purchasing a valid activation code, if you just want to try Win 8, see below.

If you want to try win 8 then you may need to look for evaluation win 8 isos like this, again free and legal from MS's own servers, again a relatively long trial until you purchase the activation code or dump the VM.

As far as virtual machines go, I suggest VirtualBox, as it's free and is guaranteed to work, I have no experience with Win7's own integrated virtualizing capabilities and I think it can only run a Windows XP VM.

 

[dmcrose]

Hi Bob,
Thanks for responding and much thanks for the advice.

I have used both the VirtualBox and the win 7 Virtual Machine. Because I am such a newb, the w7 works better with windows os (xp)for me because it is easy. I have loaded a couple Linux os into VirtualBox vpcs.

I will give these suggestions a try. As I said, I get software very cheaply through work, including windows operating systems, so if I like it after testing it in a vpc, I could purchase it.

Thanks again.