HowTo: Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC in Windows 7

Windows 7 has feature for Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC. More info on this feature is available at Microsoft website.

Installation of Virtual PC
The user need to download and install by following the instruction given.

Figure 1: Microsoft Website

Once installed, you can access the virtual PC from Start menu.

Figure 2: Start Menu of host PC

Features of Windows Virtual PC as mentioned below.

Figure 3: Microsoft's website

Create New Virtual PC
1. Start > All Programs > Windows Virtual PC.

Figure 4: Start Menu

Figure 5: Virtual Machines folder

2. Depending on the user's setting, virtual PC files (.vhd, .vmc, .vmcx) may be placed in one folder or split to different folders. As in this tutorial, the files were splitted to 2 main folders.

Figure 6: Virtual PC Location

3. Click on [Create virtual machine] wizard and follow the instruction given.

Figure 7: Create virtual machine

Figure 8: Specify Name and Location of the new virtual PC

Figure 9: Specify memory and network

Note: The memory is preferable to have 512 RAM or the multiple of 512 RAM.

Figure 10: Create virtual hard disk

Figure 11: New created virtual PC

4. Highlight the .vmc file (Virtual Machine Settings file) then click on [Settings] menu.

Figure 12: Setting

Figure 13: Setting - ISO file

 Figure 13 above is necessary since the newly created virtual PC is do not have any OS. In my example, I'm using ISO for Fedora. You may install your chosen OS either from ISO file or the physical drive. Click [OK] once done.

5. Double-click on .vmcx files to start virtual PC.

Note: Microsoft Help files for Virtual PC is very complete and resourceful. You can access the help file from the Windows Virtual PC settings for more info.