Although Windows 7 is compatible with many legacy programs that can be installed without the need for configuration, some applications do not run with the latest Microsoft OS. For this case, we have Windows XP Mode, which is a Windows XP virtual machine that will run inside Windows 7. This article will walk you through the steps to set it up.
Step
Step 1. Go to https://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx in your web browser
Step 2. Click the checkbox on the 32bit/64bit version you want to download
Step 3. Note:
If you are not sure which version of Windows 7 you are running, you can obtain this information by clicking the Start button and browsing the Computer heading on the right, right clicking and selecting Properties. The System window will open, and you can find the version of Windows 7 you are running and whether it is 32 or 64 bit.
Step 4. Download the file and save the setup from the Windows virtual pc
Step 5. Under Step 4 on the webpage, there is a button 'Download and Install this first:
Windows XP Mode'.
Click that button, and save the file in a convenient place when prompted.
Step 6. When the file has finished downloading, run the file
The file will be extracted, then you will have to click Next to continue the installation process.
Step 7. Use the default installation location when prompted, and click Next
Step 8. The setup program will install the file into the directory
When finished, click Finish to end the setup.
Step 9. Return to your web browser, under the heading in Step 4, click the 'Download and install this second:' button:
Windows Virtual PC'.
Choose to open the file when prompted.
Step 10. Click 'Yes' when asked if you want to install Windows software updates
Review the license terms and click 'I Accept'.
Step 11. Windows 7 will proceed to install the required updates
After the installation is complete, you will be prompted to Restart Now. Take a moment to make sure you've saved whatever you're working on before you move on.
Step 12. When your computer finishes rebooting, click Start, then point to All Programs, then Windows Virtual PC, and then click Windows XP Mode
Step 13. Read the license agreement and click the 'I accept the license terms' checkbox then click Next when you are ready to proceed
Step 14. You will be asked to enter a password to login to your Windows XP Mode virtual machine
Choose something that is easy for you to remember, type it into both fields, then click Next.
Step 15. The next screen will ask if you want to enable automatic updates or not
This is highly recommended, so click enable and click Next, then click Next again on the next screen.
Step 16. Setup will complete the installation and start Windows XP Mode automatically
Safe! You have installed Windows XP Mode in Windows 7 successfully.
