Software needed for Windows XP Mode in Windows 7

Downloading the Software

Once you've verified your processor is capable and you've configured the BIOS, you can begin downloading the software needed for Windows XP Mode. You'll need at least 1.6 GB of free space. The space can be on any available partition. The two files you'll need to download and install are as follows:

Windows Virtual PC

This is actually a Windows Update labeled as KB 958559. Both an x86 version (for 32-bit systems) and an x64 version (for 64-bit systems) exist. Make sure you install the one that's right for your system. This will require rebooting your system.

Windows XP Mode

This file is about 480 MB. It's a self-extracting executable that will add Windows XP Mode to your system and install the instance of Windows XP that can be used to run legacy applications. There is only one version of this file, and it will work for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.

You'll need the version of Virtual PC designed to work with Windows 7 and Windows XP Mode If you have an older version of Virtual PC, you'll need to uninstall it first An easy way to see if you have a compatible version is by the name; if you're running a version called Windows Virtual PC, it'll work because Windows Virtual PC was released with Windows 7 If you're running a version named Microsoft Virtual PC, you'll need to uninstall it first.

Installing Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode

Install Windows Virtual PC with the following steps:

Launch Windows Explorer. Browse to where you downloaded Windows Virtual PC and double-click the executable. This actually installs update KB958559. If it is already installed, it will inform you that it is installed and you can continue.
At the prompt to install the Windows software update, click Yes.
Review the license terms and click I Accept. The installation will start and take a few minutes to complete.
When the installation is complete, you'll be prompted to restart the computer. Click Restart Now.

Install Windows XP Mode with the following steps:

Launch Windows Explorer. Browse to where you downloaded the Windows XP Mode file and double-click it.
When prompted by the Security Warning to run the file, click Run.
On the Welcome screen, click Next.
If your C: drive has at 1.6 GB of free space, you can accept the default location of C:\Program Files\Windows XP Mode\ and click Next. Otherwise, choose another location.
When prompted by User Account Control to continue, click Yes.
The installation will complete, and the Setup Completed screen will appear. Leave Launch Windows XP Mode checked, and click Finish.
Review the Windows XP Mode License Agreement. Click the check box I Accept The License Terms and click Next.
You will be prompted to identify the installation folder and enter credentials for an XP Mode user account. Accept the default installation folder, and enter a password in the Password and Confirm Password text boxes. Make sure that the Remember Credentials (Recommended) check box is checked. Click Next. With Remember Credentials checked, users won't be prompted to enter credentials when using Windows XP Mode.
Enable automatic updates by selecting Help Protect My Computer By Turning On Automatic Updates Now, and click Start Setup. It will take several minutes for the setup to complete. Once it completes, a window will open with the Windows XP Mode desktop.

Windows XP Mode is now installed on your system. However, it won't be of much use until you install some applications and configure them to run within your Windows 7 system.

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