Run XP Mode on Windows 7 - No Virtualization Required

Running XP Mode on Windows 7 Without Hardware Virtualization

A particularly useful feature available in Windows 7 Professional and later versions is XP Mode. However, not all computer systems are equipped to utilize it. This guide demonstrates how to employ VMware to run XP Mode on machines lacking Hardware Virtualization capabilities.

How is this Achieved?

Even if your computer doesn't possess hardware virtualization, installing XP Mode remains possible. The limitation lies in running it directly via Virtual PC. This is where VMware Player comes into play. This free software allows the creation and execution of virtual machines, irrespective of hardware virtualization support. Furthermore, it can directly import XP Mode, granting you free access to that version of XP. While some features differ, it serves as an excellent alternative, as using XP Mode would otherwise be impossible.

Please note: XP Mode is not compatible with Home editions of Windows 7. You will also require VMware Player 3.0.

Getting Started

First, download and install XP Mode (link provided below). There's no need to download Virtual PC if your computer cannot support it; simply download XP Mode from the provided link. Follow the standard prompts during the installation process.

Next, download and install VMware Player. The download is free, but registration is required.

You may encounter prompts requesting driver installation; approve these as they appear. While we didn't observe these prompts during our latest testing, they have occurred in the past. Upon completing the VMware Player installation, a computer restart is necessary.

Adding XP Mode to VMware Player

With your computer rebooted, launch VMware Player. To import XP Mode, navigate to File and select "Import Windows XP Mode VM."

VMware Player will initiate the import process. Converting XP Mode to the VMware format may take a few minutes, depending on your hardware. Patience is advised.

Once completed, a new virtual machine labeled "XP Mode" will appear in VMware Player. Click "Play Virtual Machine" to begin running XP Mode.

XP will proceed through its initial setup process.

During loading, you may be prompted to install or update VMware Tools. This is essential for integrating XP Mode with your computer, so select either "Update Tools" or "Install Tools" as appropriate.

The tools will download and install automatically, though you may need to approve a User Account Control (UAC) prompt.

Now you can continue with the XP setup. Accept the license agreement.

Choose your preferred locale and keyboard settings.

Enter a name for the virtual machine and an administrative password.

Finally, verify the date, time, and timezone settings. The time and date are usually correct, but the timezone often requires adjustment.

XP will now finalize your changes and reboot.

Upon restarting, choose your desired settings for updates.

Windows may ask to search for drivers; simply press cancel, as VMware Tools will provide everything needed.

After a brief delay, your XP desktop will appear within VMware Player!

There’s one final component to install – VMware Tools. This should launch automatically within XP Mode; if not, navigate to Start, then My Computer, and double-click the CD drive labeled VMware Tools.

Run the Tools installer using the Typical setup type, and reboot XP Mode when finished.

Integrating XP Mode in VMware Player with Windows 7

A key benefit of the native XP Mode in Windows 7 is the seamless integration of XP programs with their Windows 7 counterparts. You can run them concurrently, copy data between them, and open/save files to the same folders. Let's configure this within VMware.

Copy and paste functionality from Windows 7 to XP Mode is enabled by default. To use your XP programs seamlessly with Windows 7, click VM at the top of the VMware window, then select "Enter Unity."

You can easily access any program or file in XP Mode through a dedicated XP Mode Start Menu. Hovering over your Windows 7 Start button will reveal a new button labeled "Windows XP Mode." Clicking this will display a full Start Menu from XP Mode directly within Windows 7.

Here’s an example of Internet Explorer 6 running from XP alongside Internet Explorer 8 in Windows 7, thanks to VMware Player!

By default, virtualized windows will have a border and the VMware logo. To remove these, click VM in the VMware player window, then Settings. Select the Options tab, and choose Unity on the left. Uncheck the boxes labeled "Show borders" and "Show badges."

Removing the VMware borders and badges provides a more authentic XP Mode appearance.

You can also use removable devices, such as flash drives, in XP Mode within VMware Player. When you connect a new device, VMware will prompt you to add it to XP Mode. Click VM, then Removable Devices. Select your device and click Connect.

Saving Files in XP Mode to My Documents in Windows 7

By default, files created in XP Mode are saved within the virtual machine. Saving them directly to the My Documents folder in Windows 7 is more convenient. Click VM, then Settings. Select the Options tab, and then choose Shared Folders on the left. Check the box for "Always enabled" and "Map as a network drive in Windows guests."

Click Add to add a shared folder.

Let's share the My Documents folder from Windows 7. Click Browse and select your My Documents folder. Click Ok, then click Next.

Ensure the box labeled "Enable this share" is checked, and click Finish. You can now close the settings window.

Within XP Mode, click Start, right-click My Documents, and select Properties. Click Move to locate the new My Documents folder.

Find the shared folder from Windows 7 by navigating to My Computer, then the drive labeled "Shared Folders on 'vmware-host'" or similar. Select the Documents folder and click Ok.

Click Ok in the main properties window. You may be prompted to copy files from the old My Documents folder to the new one; choose Yes to ensure all your documents are transferred to Windows 7.

Now, files saved in XP Mode will automatically be saved in your My Documents folder on Windows 7. You can repeat this process for other folders like My Pictures and My Music.

Conclusion

You now have a fully functional XP Mode running on your computer without requiring hardware virtualization. Most features are preserved, with the primary difference being the Start Menu integration, which VMware’s menu effectively replaces. Our tests indicate that VMware performs as well as, or even better than, native XP Mode on systems with hardware virtualization support. If your Windows 7 machine(s) lack support for XP Mode, this VMware method provides a viable solution, allowing you to utilize it on any compatible machine.

Links

• Download Windows XP Mode
• Download VMware Player 3
• Download Securable to Test if your Machine Can Run XP Mode