How To Get Up And Running With Windows XP Mode

So you’ve received a new laptop running Windows 7 Professional, but still need to run legacy XP programs?

Well, you’re in luck. Microsoft makes available to you free of charge a Windows XP virtual machine, and in today’s article we’ll show you how to get it up and running.

Part 1: Downloading and installing Windows Virtual PC

Our first step will be to download and install a free copy of Microsoft’s Virtual PC, as it’s required to run XP Mode.

Step 1) To get Virtual PC, start by clicking on the below link:

• http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=3702

Step 2) This will bring you to the Microsoft Download center as shown below:

Step 3) Next, click on the “Download” button, select either the 32 or 64 bit version, and press “Next”:

Step 4) Now choose a location you’ll remember to save the download file to:

Step 5) When the download completes select “Open”:

Step 6) If you received a security warning select “Allow”:

Step 7) Now press “I Accept” to continue:

Step 8) This starts the installation process as seen below:

Step 9) When the installation is complete, you’ll need to restart your PC before you can use Windows Virtual PC:

Step 10) Now that you have Windows Virtual PC installed, you’ll find it in your Start Menu Programs as shown below:

Part 2: Downloading and Installing Windows XP Mode

Now that you have downloaded and installed Windows Virtual PC, the next step is to download and install Windows XP Mode.

Step 1) Start by clicking on the download link below:

• http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=8002

Step 2) Next, click on the “Download” button:

Step 3) Now select the version you want, and click on “Next”:

Step 4) At this point you may get notice that a popup has been blocked. If you do, unblock it:

Step 5) Now save the installation file to an easy to remember location:

Step 6) Once the download finishes, select “Run”:

Step 7) If you receive a security warning, select “Run” again:

Step 8) Now you will see the Windows XP Mode setup window. Start the installation by selecting “Next”:

Step 9) Choose an installation path and choose “Next”:

Step 10) Once setup completes, select “Finish”:

Step 11) Windows XP Mode will now show up in your Start Menu. Launch it to continue the setup:

Step 12) Check the “License Terms” checkbox, and press “Next”:

Step 13) Choose a password for your login, and press “Next”:

Step 14) Selection “Not right now,” and press “Next”:

Step 15) Now click on “Start Setup”:

Step 16) While setup progresses a short tutorial will be shown:

Step 17) Once done initializing, Windows XP Mode will launch and you’ll now see a virtual Windows XP desktop. At this point you can install your legacy software onto Windows XP Mode:

Note: Windows XP Mode automatically maps your Windows 7 drives and storage devices to allow you easy access to your installation files.

I hope the above article on how to download and install Windows XP Mode was helpful.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to leave them with us by filling out the “post a comment or question” link below

Until next time, Peace ✌️ 

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Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator

Eliminate commercials and gain access to my weekly full length hands-on, news, and Q&A sessions by becoming a member at The Automation Blog or on YouTube. You'll also find all of my affordable PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.

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Shawn Tierney

I'm a lifelong Technology Enthusiast who started programing in the early 80's on the new Apple II and VIC-20 personal computers. After earning a degree in Electronics, I worked as a Certified Automation Specialist for 25 years before leaving to focus on teaching at The Automation School, as well as publishing industry news and product how-to’s at The Automation Blog.

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