How to improve Win XP mode lag?

My computer is not slow but Windows XP mode seems like it is running slower than a single core processor would. I've given XP mode 2 gigs memory and disabled unnecessary services. Here's my list of gripes. (Please help me if you know how to fix this)

1. Very slow on executing programs. When switching windows, there is a noticeable lag as if I was running a 600mhz processor. Is there an option to give more processor juice to XP mode?
2. The sounds do not come out well. They are quite choppy. Are there any settings I can change?
3. (Least importantly...) Even with the simplest of vista themes cannot be installed. I tried to change desktop wallpaper, windows default icons, XP taskbar to Vista taskbar, etc. and it looks like crap. I can't change the color quality to more than 16-bit.

Yes, I am running the latest RTM version XP Mode & Virtual PC. I'm actually surprised that nobody else is noticing the laggyness on this forum. Unfortunately, I need integration features though but thanks for the suggestion.

Hopefully this will be improved in future versions.

Wow, seems like Virtualbox is very fast compared to XP mode. Also, it seems like it's free to download and use, but do you need a Windows XP cd-key?

Hi there
performance is the biggest bugbear with XP mode - and the initial 16 bit colour rendered (IMO) what was a fantastic idea almost unuseable as far as the general public is concerned.

Currently VMWARE and VBOX (possibly MS's Hyper-V as well -- haven't tried that yet) offer a MUCH MUCH better Virtual machine experience -- the only disadvantages are that Integration is "looser" i.e you have to network as if the virtual machine is a totally separate "physical" machine on your network and you need the appropriate Windows license for each windows virtual machine you use. XP mode comes integrated with an XP system so you don't need a license.

Other drawbacks of XP mode is that you need a version of Windows GREATER than Home Premium and you need VT to be switched on in the BIOS.

VMWARE will run quite happily on 32 bit HOSTS - even W7 Home basic - doesn't need VT to be enabled --but if the VT IS enabled you can run a 64 Bit Guest even on a 32 Bit Host.

I've run a guest 64 bit W7 ultimate on a HOST windows XP SP3 machine -- no probs other than the XP host can only have a max of 4GB RAM so your guest can't have much more than about 2GB.

I'd regard XP mode as "Work in Progress" for now. Those that have MS's ear should tell them that the biggest problems are SLOW PERFORMANCE and the 16 bit graphics definitely belongs in the class of "Bovine Scatology".

Cheers
jimbo

Thanks for the info. I guess I'll wait and be hopeful that Microsoft will fix this problem for us paying customers. Honestly, the only reason I upgraded to Win7 was because of the infamous XP MODE!!! (I'm afraid I would have been better off sticking with Vista runnin Virtualbox or VMware)

After doing a search I found out that Microsoft released KB972435 Hotfix which is supposed to help out. But I downloaded WinXP mode after the release date so I should have it though I don't see the hotfix number in my Installed Windows Updates list. Any one wanna try it out and post back? :)