Learn How to Run Windows XP Mode in Virtual PC Seamlessly
Windows XP used to be the most used Windows Operating System version. The OS version existed and was widely used by users around the world for 14 long years until the 8th of April, 2014. April month 2014 put an end to the usage of Windows XP Operating System by officially announcing and implementing end of support for the same. However, despite the release of newer and better versions of the Windows Operating System, a number of users still wished to continue working on XP OS. Along with Windows XP, the Windows XP Mode also saw an ending on the 8th of April 2014. Therefore, the next alternative was to make it possible with the help of virtual PC service. This segment helps you understand how to run Windows XP Mode in Virtual PC.
About Windows XP Mode Virtual Usage
Support services for Windows XP Mode also ended, making the host machine vulnerable to malware threats. Therefore, before starting with the process, it is highly recommended that the mode be used without connection to the internet. Internet connection should not be enabled while the mode is being used in order to prevent entrance of malware into the system via web connectivity.
NOTE: Shut down all modes of internet connectivity to the system and Bluetooth connection if any enabled.
How To Run Windows XP Mode in Virtual PC
Windows 7 featured support for Windows XP Mode via its Professional edition. However, not all machine configurations are able to support operating the provision. To make it possible, the usage of VMware is done as a medium to do so without having to perform the virtualization of the system hardware.
To Start: Without hardware virtualization too, one can run the Windows XP Mode. Install VMware Player which is a freeware enabling users to create and operate a virtual system without virtualization of system hardware.
NOTE: XP Mode can directly be imported; therefore, the copy of it can be used free. Except for a few differences, the virtually use XP Mode is a great replacement for such necessities.
Important: Note that Windows XP mode is not supported on the Windows 7 Home Version and VMware Player 3.0 is required.
Stage 1
Download the setup file for XP Mode and get it installed on your machine. For XP Mode installation, just follow the default prompts displayed and continue until the end.
Stage 2
Once you are done with XP Mode installation, start working on the installation of VMware. Downloading the setup is free of cost however; you will need to do a registration.
NOTE: A few prompt may appear asking you to install certain drivers; approve them. They have appeared in the past, though not in the latest, therefore, keep in mind what to do if it does appear.
Step 1: Reboot the machine once you are done with the installation.
Step 2: Once rebooted, run the VMware player. Import XP Mode:
- Go to File menu
- Click on Import Windows XP Mode VM
This might take a couple of minutes as the XP Mode is being converted to VMware format. However, the time taken depends on your machine’s hardware configuration.
Step 3: When done, a new virtual machine will appear on the player – XP Mode. To run the XP mode, click on ‘Play Virtual Machine’.
Step 4: Click on Update/Install Tools when prompted to. This is generally required to integrate XP Mode on the computer.
Step 5: Just approve a prompt for UAC and rest the tools will install on their own.
Step 6: Accept the license agreement and proceed operating your Windows XP Setup.
Step 7: choose the regional, keyboard settings for your XP setup, and proceed with setting up other options for your XP configuration like; date and time, automatic system updates, and more.
NOTE: if you are asked for drivers to be searched, do not proceed and instead click on cancel. This is owing to the fact that the previously installed VMware Tools have everything that is needed including the drivers.
Final Words
Explained above are the basics to learn how to run Windows XP Mode in Virtual PC and start working with it. Customizations can further be performed for specifying the default folder for XP storage. For a seamless usage of the XP Mode on Windows 7, Enter Unity mode can be enabled on the machine. This was how without involving hardware virtualization, users can achieve XP Mode in a Virtual Environment. For users not having access to XP Mode due to the lack of compatibility on their machine, this is a great method of continue working on the XP that too without involving hardware virtualization.