And so far, Windows 7 has proven itself to be a skillful overall operating system. It has brought several needed improvements, and even some new technological features.

However, Windows 7 tin can have some problems with backwards compatibility, which is to be expected with any new operating system. Microsoft anticipated this and decided to add XP Mode to Windows 7.

XP Mode allows you to run Windows XP within a virtual machine within Windows seven. In turn, yous will be able to run older applications and programs if need exist. The following tutorial will guide you lot through adding XP mode to your Windows seven installation.

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Install XP Mode on Windows vii

Before y'all get started installing XP Mode, y'all should kickoff check to see if your computer supports virtualization. Use this tool, directly from Microsoft, to bank check your estimator's compatibility.

The file is only 1MB max (depending on selected components), so it should not have much fourth dimension to download. Subsequently you lot get it downloaded, install the file and run the check. If it say'due south that you lot're good to go, than continue on.

virtualization check

At present, you can download the actual XP Mode file here. After the download has completed, go ahead and double click the installer file to install XP Style to your reckoner.

xp mode setup

xp mode setup 2

xp mode setup 3

Install Windows Virtual PC

Now that you accept the XP Mode file ready, yous demand to install the Windows Virtual PC framework. Jump back to this page and click on the Download push.

Save the installer file to your computer, and double click to run it. Install Windows Virtual PC and any updates to your figurer. You volition need to restart your calculator after the installer finishes.

virtual pc agreement

virtual pc install

Subsequently your calculator gets done restarting and installing the new files, you should exist able to launch Windows XP Mode. Click the Offset Menu and use the path Start > All Programs > Windows Virtual PC > Windows XP Mode.

Blazon a password into the pop upwards box to use for your virtual machine, type once again to verify, and click next. On the second screen, select the option to turn automatic updates on, and click adjacent. Windows Virtual PC volition now gear up your XP Mode motorcar. This could take a couple of minutes to complete.

virtual machine password

virtual machine creating screen

Later setup completes, Windows XP will startup automatically within the virtual machine window.

From hither, you can setup your XP Way virtual machine the same way that you would setup an actual calculator with a normal XP install on it. You can add or delete accounts, add or remove programs, change desktop themes, etc.

You tin make your virtual motorcar full screen by striking the maximize window push button (the same button that you lot would use to maximize any window). Alternatively, to go back to normal view, just click the restore downwardly button.

xp mode demo screen

That'south all in that location is to it. You at present take Windows XP Fashion installed and ready to utilize within Windows 7. At present, you tin simply install any older programs that exercise not work with Windows seven, into your XP Way virtual machine.