INSTALLING "WINDOWS VIRTUAL PC" WITHOUT "WINDOWS XP MODE" INTO A "WINDOWS 7" HOST COMPUTER Summary: All computers running "Windows 7 Professional", "Windows 7 Enterprise", and "Windows 7 Ultimate" are entitled to a free copy of "Windows Virtual PC". This "computer within a computer" system is a great way for you to run old software applications that would not otherwise run in "Windows 7", such as printer management software, specialized accounting software, specialized video editing software, and some camera manufacturer's software applications. "WINDOWS VIRTUAL PC" IS NOT A "PROGRAM" FROM THE STANDPOINT OF "WINDOWS 7" From the standpoint of "Windows 7", "Windows Virtual PC" is a "Windows Update" and a "Windows Features. After you install "Windows Virtual PC", it will not shows up when you first start up "Programs and Features" in the "Control Panel". In order to see "Windows Virtual PC" listed in "Program and Features", you have to either click on "View installed updates" or "Turn Windows features on or off".
INSTALLING "WINDOWS VIRTUAL PC" INTO "WINDOWS 7 HOME PREMIUM" OR LOWER Despite what Microsoft says at their Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/default.aspx, you can run "Windows Virtual PC" in any version of "Windows 7" including "Windows 7 Home Premium". What they fail to disclose is that it is their "Windows XP Mode" virtual machine that only runs in "Windows 7 Professional" or higher. In order to install "Windows Virtual PC" into "Windows Home Premium" or lower, you have to lie at Microsoft's download page for "Windows Virtual PC" and tell them that you are installing it into "Windows 7 Professional". At a slightly older Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=3702, Microsoft does tell you that you can install "Windows Virtual PC" can be installed into any version of "Windows 7". This older Web page erroneously tells you that you have to have a CPU processor with VT, AMD, or Via hardware-assisted virtualization technology, This has not been true since March 19, 2010.
Step-by-step Instructions: To install "Windows Virtual PC" without "Windows XP Mode": Step 1: Go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx Step 2: Click on "Don't need XP Mode and want VPC only? Download Windows Virtual PC without Windows XP Mode":
Step 3: Use the drop-down list button to "Select system":
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Step 4: Use the drop-down list button to "Select language":
Step 5: Click on the "Download" button: *
* Step 6: Click on the drop-down button to the right of "Save" and select "Save as":
Step 7: Select a location for the installation file. Then click on the "Save" button: * Step 8: Click on the "Open" button to start the installation of "Windows Virtual PC":
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* MICROSOFT SOFTWARE SUPPLEMENTAL LICENSE TERMS WINDOWS VIRTUAL PC FOR MICROSOFT WINDOWS 7 Microsoft Corporation (or based on where you live, one of its affiliates) licenses this supplement to you. If you are licensed to use Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Enterprise or Windows 7 Ultimate (for which this supplement is applicable) (the software ), you may use this supplement. You may not use it if you do not have a license for the software. You may use this supplement with each validly licensed copy of the software. The following license terms describe additional use terms for this supplement. These terms and the license terms for the software apply to your use of the supplement. If there is a conflict, these supplemental license terms apply. By using this supplement, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not use this supplement. If you comply with these license terms, you have the rights below. 1. INSTALLATION AND USE RIGHTS. You may install and use one copy of the software on a computer that contains a validly licensed copy of the Microsoft Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Enterprise or Windows 7 Ultimate operating system. 2. ADDITIONAL LICENSING REQUIREMENTS AND/OR USE RIGHTS.
The software enables you to run multiple instances of guest operating systems and application programs. You are responsible for obtaining and complying with any licenses necessary to operate any such guest operating systems and/or application programs. 3. SUPPORT SERVICES FOR SUPPLEMENT. Microsoft provides support services for this software as described at www.support.microsoft.com/common/international.aspx. Step 9: Click on the "I Accept" button: *
* Step 10: Click on the "Restart Now" button:
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* * INFORMATION ABOUT "WINDOWS VIRTUAL PC" "Windows Virtual PC" installs as a "Windows feature" AND a "Windows Update": You will not find it in "Programs and Features".
* Click on "Control Panel":
* * Click on "View installed updates":
"Windows Virtual PC" shows up as a "Windows Update" with a KB.. number: "WINDOWS VIRTUAL PC" ALSO SHOWS UP IN "WINDOWS FEATURES"
Click on "Turn Windows feature on or off" in "Programs and Features" in the "Control Panel": * When it is installed into a "Windows 7" computer, "Windows Virtual PC" shows up in the "Windows Features" box in "Programs and Features" in the "Control Panel".
The installer for "Windows Virtual PC" creates a new folder called "Virtual Machines" at C:\Users\<your Windows user name>\"virtual Machines" * If you click on the "Start" button:
* Click on "All Programs":
You will find a new "menu folder" called "Windows Virtual PC" in the "Start menu": If you click on the "Windows Virtual PC" menu folder, some sub-menu items will be displayed:
If you click on the "Windows XP Mode" sub-menu item, a dialog box give you the oppurtunity to download and install "Windows XP Mode":