How to Install Windows XP Mode on Windows 7

As technology marches on about the only thing constant is obsolescence. We become comfortable with a device, can finally say that we know how to use it and before we get the words out of our mouth a new operating system comes along that isn't compatible with the software or device we have finally mastered!

Businesses, traditionally slow on the adoption path, frequently have this issue when the time comes to upgrade their systems. Like us, they don't appreciate being forced to upgrade every single piece of hardware and software owned just because the Giant at Redmond comes out with a new version of Windows.

Microsoft has listened to the complaints and offered a solution. Windows XP Mode is a full version of Windows XP installed within Windows 7 Business, Ultimate and Enterprise, enabling users to run software and some hardware that was compatible with the older operating system but is not compatible with Windows 7.

Advantages

Windows XP mode is a separate download that allows users to run XP in a separate window within Windows 7 itself. This option is free to the above versions of Windows 7, enabling you to run Windows XP without having to purchase a license, virtualization software, or even another computer. Another added benefit to Windows XP mode is that programs installed into XP mode will show up on both the Windows XP list of programs as well on Windows 7 program list, making it easy to access your software.

Disadvantages

XP Mode has been designed for business applications and may not run graphic-intensive 3D games very well, nor is it suited for software with certain hardware requirements like TV tuners. While some hardware may work in XP mode, some pieces may not be accessible.

NOTE: If your Windows 7computer is not capable of Hardware assisted Virtualization you will need to install Step 4 on the Windows XP Mode instructions page to enable use on your system. This tutorial is for Windows 7 computers that have Hardware-assisted Virtualization enabled.

How to Install Windows XP Mode:

Step One:
Visit the Windows Virtual PC page with Internet Explorer and click the orange "Get Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC now" button.

Step Two:
Select your version of Windows 7 and the preferred installation language using the two drop down menus.

Step Three:
Bookmark or print the instruction page so that you won't lose the instructions when you reboot your computer.

Step Four:
Click the "Download" button on Step 2, labeled "Windows XP Mode." This will download a 500 Mb file to your computer. Click "Continue" on the window that appears to validate your copy of Microsoft Windows, then click the "Continue" button once Microsoft informs you that your Windows Validation was successful.

Step Five:
Click "Save" to save the XP Mode program file to your hard drive. The file is large, so take a break and wait for the file to download.

Step Six:
Click the "Download" button listed on Step 3 "Windows Virtual PC." This downloads the files needed to run Windows XP Mode.

Step Seven:
Click the XP Mode EXE file to start the install process.

Step Eight:
Click the "Run" button on the security warning window that appears. A window will appear showing the progress of the file extraction.

Step Nine:
Click "Next" to begin the XP Mode setup process.

Step Ten:
Click "Next" to accept the default location for the XP Mode files. The installation will begin, while a status bar shows you the progress.

Step Eleven:
Click "Yes" on the User Account Control window to give permission for Windows to continue.

Step Twelve:
Click "Finish" to exit the Setup.

Step Thirteen:
Click the downloaded Virtual PC file.

Step Fourteen:
Click "yes" to install the update.

Step Fifteen:
Read the license terms and click the "I Accept" button. The installation of Windows Virtual PC will initialize. Note that this file is called an update file by Microsoft, and the installation menus will show this accordingly. A progress bar will show you when the installation is completed.

Step Sixteen:
Click "Restart Now" to complete the installation and wait for the computer to reboot.

Step Seventeen:
Go to Start (the orb), All Programs, Windows Virtual PC, Windows XP Mode.

Step Eighteen:
Read the license terms, place a check in the box indicating that you accept these terms and click the "Next" button.

Step Nineteen:
Type a password in the space provided, re-type to confirm and click the "Next" button.

Step Twenty:
Place a dot in the radio button beside "Help protect my computer by turning on Automatic Updates now (recommended) and press the "Next" button.

Step Twenty-One:
Press the "Start Setup" button to continue. A window will appear as XP Mode is set up for first use, with a progress bar at the bottom. There will be a slideshow about using Windows XP Mode that you can watch while Windows works. Windows XP Mode will load when finished.

Step Twenty-Two:
Enjoy your new installation of Windows XP Mode!

References:
Microsoft: Windows XP Mode
Windows Virtual PC
Microsoft: Install and Use Windows XP Mode in Windows 7
Personal Experience