How To Use XP Mode

I’m not surprised that Windows 7 spun up a storm of interest far better than Vista ever did. People are really snapping up the new OS with many actually buying new laptops just to try out Windows 7. There’s one problem. While the OS may be super, there will still be legacy (archaic) devices that won’t have drivers or updates that will get them working with the new OS. In my case my 4 year old Sound Blaster Audigy simply refused to work that I had to deactivate it and use the integrated sound of my motherboard. Should this put the brakes on the enthusiasm?

Nope. It’s precisely for this reason that Microsoft created XP Mode. Think of it as virtualization to allow the hardware transition until end users finally chuck out all old software and hardware on their boxes.

XP Mode is a simple implementation. The system includes a licensed copy of Windows XP with Service Pack 3 contained in a virtual hard disk (VHD) that executes within Windows Virtual PC. XP-mode allows users to run Windows XP from within Windows 7. Think of it as Windows within Windows. The system allows more than running old software within the virtualized environment. USB devices like printers and discs can quickly control the drives on the primary Windows 7 system. Most importantly, Windows XP-mode lets you use Windows 7, while still providing a platform for you to use legacy hardware that is not compatible with Windows 7.

Not everyone can enjoy XP mode. Windows XP Mode comes in the Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise flavors of Windows 7. Those using the basic version may have to content dual booting which is cost effective- but may prove to be a trifling hassle

Those with the Professional to Enterprise variants should know that he core components required for Windows XP Mode are integrated into the RTM disc. It won’t run yet, however. Those wanting to avail of XP Mode must download Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode from the microsoft website.

But before splurging on WIn7 Ultimate just for the XP Mode, make sure that the computer hardware that you install Windows 7 and Windows XP Mode on have hardware-assisted virtualization. Not all do. Fortunately, over at Gibson Research, you can download a small applet that lets you know whether your PC can handle virtualization.

Meet all the requirements? Get ready to  fly with Windows 7!

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