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Note that this virtualization solution is provided by Microsoft as a Windows Update (KB958559) and can only be used under Windows 7.ĭownload the version adapted to your version of Windows 7 : To use your Windows XP virtual machine, you will need to download and install Windows Virtual PC (which is free). Now, you have a virtual hard disk with Windows XP SP3 inside.īut, in order to use it, you will also need the virtualization solution from Microsoft compatible with this virtual hard disk.
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Note that it may take more space depending on what you install in this virtual machine.
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Select where you want to extract the virtual hard disk from Windows XP. The downloaded "WindowsXPMode_en-us.exe" file will be approximately 469 MB, which is normal since it contains a virtual hard disk with a Windows XP SP3 installation. To get started, download and install Windows XP Mode from the Microsoft Download Center. Note that this still requires support and activation of the Intel VT-x or AMD-V in the BIOS of your motherboard since the Windows XP Mode solution is based on the older virtualization solution : Microsoft Virtual PC. This solution is called Windows XP Mode and is available for people who have a professional, enterprise, or ultimate edition of Windows 7. You will simply need to download 2 files and install them.
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Indeed, no IT knowledge will be necessary to use it. If you still use Windows 7 and you still have programs that are no longer compatible with this version of Windows, Microsoft has everything planned, because it allows you to reinstall a Windows XP SP3 virtual machine legally in a few clicks.
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