XP Mode issues

[M4dn3ss]

I have a PC with Windows 7 Home Premium installed, and another one with Windows 7 Profressional edition - obviously the one with Professoinal is able to use the XP Mode.
However, if I don't install XP mode on the PC running Professional, would I be able to use the license of Windows XP to run XP Mode on the computer running Home Premium?

 

[gregrocker]

XP Mode isn't included in Home Premium, but you can use VMWare, Virtual Player, Virtual Box or another freeware. Obviously if you're not using XP in Pro you can then use it elsewhere.

 

[Kari]

In addition to what Greg already told you, you can download and install Microsoft Virtual PC on every edition of Windows 7 except Starter, so there's nothing preventing you to use Virtual PC on your Home Premium and then install XP on a virtual machine using your own, licensed install media. Microsoft has only restricted the use of XP Mode to Professional or better, but VPC can be used on all editions from Home Basic.

Instructions on how to download and install Virtual PC to your Home Premium can be found in this post: http://www.sevenforums.com/virtualization/143367-hey-help.html#post1232299

Kari

 

[M4dn3ss]

As I said, I also have Windows 7 Professional, but can I download XP Mode from the PC running Professional and then use it on the PC running Home Premium? I already know XP mode isn't included with Home Premium but since I also have Professional that means I have a license for XP sitting there collecting virtual dust.

 

[Kari]

No, it's not going to work. XP Mode checks the edition and does not install on lesser than Professional.

Kari

 

[M4dn3ss]

Ok sorry to bump this thread but I figured it would be better than starting a new one:
After trying out XP mode on a Windows 7 Professional PC I found that you can launch an XP mode application directly from the start menu without having to launch Virtual PC and it automatically handles all the integration features. Is there any way to do this with Virtualbox/VMWare/others? Like launching a virtualized application seamlessly without having to open the guest OS first?