XP mode won't start

[bittert]

Hi,

After using XP mode for a while it just won't start anymore.
The screen that pops up when it is starting does pop up, but after completing like 30% it goes back to 0% and that repeats time after time.

I won't mind re installing it, but I do need some files saved to the desktop, anyone know how I can get them, or how I can get XP mode to work again?

Thanks,

bittert

 

[sygnus21]

Is this your problem... http://www.sevenforums.com/virtuali...ns-msft-virtualization-team-8.html#post544062. If so, the fix is there.

 

[bittert]

Thanks for the quick reply!
I don't get any error message, it just keeps "rebooting" it seems..
I'll try to create a new virtual machine tomorrow and see if I can work around it like that.
Thanks!

 

[bittert]

I just created a second virtual machine,
It starts, and when I see the win xp screen I get a blue screen.
Think a new install will be required, but is there any way to retrieve files from that desktop?

Thanks

 

[Kari]

I just created a second virtual machine,
It starts, and when I see the win xp screen I get a blue screen.
Think a new install will be required, but is there any way to retrieve files from that desktop?

Thanks

Before re-installing VPC and XPM, copy the problem virtual drive to another location. The vhd-file you have to copy is C:\Users\Your_Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Virtual PC\Virtual Machines\Windows XP Mode.vhd

After re-installing, go to the new XP Mode's settings, choose Hard Disk 2 and mount the old XP Mode vhd-file as a second hard disk:



Boot your new XP Mode, move files you need from E: (default Hard Disk 2 in XP Mode) to C:. Turn off the XP Mode, go back to settings and unmount the Hard Disk 2. Afterwards you can delete the old XPM vhd-file.

Please remember you have to uninstall Virtual PC and XP Mode before reinstalling. Read here how to do that.

Kari

 

[bittert]

Last night I finally had time to do this.
I got my files back, thanks Kari!

 

[Kari]

Nice to hear it worked!

 

[jub]

Alternate solution

Just an update and possible alternate solution...

I had this problem and went into the same folder as the .vhd file. If you have XP Mode open or--in my case--had the XP Mode freeze up and not shut down properly, there will be a .vsv file with the same name as your XP Mode. This is a saved state file for the XP Mode.

I deleted this file and my XP Mode booted properly. Since I didn't touch the .vhd file, everything on the virtual hard drive was intact and the XP Mode was in the same state as when I previously tried to shut it down and got into this mess.

I hope this helps others in the future!

 

[fafhrd]

A simple way to extract data from an unbootable Windows Virtual Hard Disk is to use 7-Zip.

Assuming that the VHD has not been corrupted beyond recognition, if you have 7-Zip, it will open VHD files as archives in the 7Z file manager.

It is then easily possible to copy the required folders and files from the guest filesystem in the VHD to the hard disk of the host system, just by dragging and dropping.

 

[Cardinal24]

This is for Jub. I've lost most of my hair doing tech.
So, on those rare occasions when I get lucky, I need to say so.
I had a VM that wouldn't start. I followed your advice of deleting .VSV. It took 5 minutes and everything was FINE. Thank you so much!
One comment: In my case, it was also necessary to open Task Manager and find the VPC line and press "End Process".
Great job, Jub. T H A N K Y O U.

 

[Jam99]

You guys rock!

Thank you so much to Jub and Cardinal24.
A bit more info for the blondes out there (yes I even managed it!), if your XP Mode won't start.
Locate the .VSV - (from desktop, hit F3, search C: drive for .VSV)
Delete the .VSV file (will be named something like WinXP Mode.VSV, didn't take note!)

If that doesn't solve it, yes, go to the Task Manager (I didn't know how to find that! So went Control Panel, then top right corrner Search Box, search for Task Manager. Results give you a link to Task manager).
Scroll down the list on the "Processes" tab, find the process referring to VPC, and bottom right corner I think it was, "End Process".
It took longer to join and make this post than get my XP Mode running, thamk you guys!!