Windows XP Mode

In some instances, such as when standard application mitigation strategies fail, virtualization technologies might be appropriate. For example, you can use Windows XP Mode as a safety net for applications that aren't compatible with Windows 7. The Windows XP Mode environment is available for Windows 7 Enterprise, Professional, and Ultimate Edition operating systems.

Using Windows XP Mode, users can run a Windows XP virtual machine on a computer that is running Windows 7. This way, you can proceed with your Windows 7 deployment rather than delay because of application incompatibility. Your organization can take full advantage of the new features and capabilities in Windows 7 and still provide user access to earlier versions of mission-critical applications. In addition, the organization can realize a return on the investment of upgrading to Windows 7 faster than it would by implementing other shortterm application compatibility solutions.

Windows XP Mode requires Windows Virtual PC, which is an update that you apply to Windows 7 Enterprise, Professional, and Ultimate Editions. Windows Virtual PC provides a time-saving and cost-saving solution anywhere users must run multiple operating systems (x86 operating systems only) and is an excellent short-term solution for mitigating application compatibility issues; it allows you to continue with Windows 7 deployment. However, you should consider selecting a longer-term solution. Note that Windows Virtual PC requires a CPU with the Intel Virtualization Technology or AMD-V feature turned on. This feature must be enabled in the system BIOS.

Installing Windows XP Mode is easy. You must first install Windows Virtual PC and then install Windows XP Mode. You can perform both tasks from the Windows Virtual PC Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx.

More Info For step-by-step instructions on using Windows XP Mode, including installing and using applications, see http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/support/default.aspx.