Q&A for How to Install Windows XP Mode in Windows 7

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Does XP Mode emulate the Windows XP desktop and file appearance?

Community Answer

Yes, it does. Windows XP Mode was made so that you could use older programs that came with XP, such as an old version of Internet Explorer.

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Question

How can I tell which version of Windows 7 I have?

Community Answer

Go into Control Panel and select System. At the top of the screen, it will tell you; for example: Windows 7 Professional Copyright C 2009 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved Service Pack 1

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Question

Does the question about 32 bit versus 64 bit refer to the host operating system or to XP?

Community Answer

It refers to the host operating system. The 32 bit version requires the 86x version.

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Question

Will this erase my data?

Community Answer

No, it is like virtualbox. Any changes you make will remain in a specific file. The virtual system won't be able to delete the hosts' data unless you share a specific folder with it.

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Question

Will I be able to install and run 16 bit programs?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as they are compatible with Windows XP they will work. However, MS-Dos programs may not work since they are not made to run on Windows at all.

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Question

Can I then install Outlook Express email?

Community Answer

Yes, you can install any XP-compatible program you like. Since it's a virtual installation of Windows XP that runs on top of Windows 7, anything compatible with XP will work there.

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Question

The link says not found. What should I do?

Community Answer

It works for me. Try using a different browser. Here is the link I used: microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=3702.

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Question

Can I install software on Windows XP mode in Windows 7?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. After your installation finishes, you can choose to run your installed application in XP mode, or you can choose to run from your host OS (Start Menu --> Windows Virtual PC --> Windows XP Mode Applications --> [your program name]).

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Question

Do I need to use Virtual PC, or can I use Virtualbox or VMWare to install Windows XP in Windows 7?

Kawaii Applebrandon

Community Answer

All three will work. In Virtualbox, make sure you have the guest additions installed if you want to go past 640 x 480 and 16 colors (a small price to pay, considering it's free). VMWare is paid; it does have more advantages, but for most cases Virtualbox should be just fine. Virtual PC doesn't support the wide range of guest operating systems the other two programs do, only a few specific ones, but since it is more focused on specific ones, it may have a few more advantages for those specific ones. It does not support the newest ones; however, the other two options will work from early Windows--3.1 all the way to 10--along with Linux/MacOS.

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Question

Can I install the XP mode as a full installation of Windows XP, to downgrade Windows 7?

Kawaii Applebrandon

Community Answer

No, you can not downgrade 7 with it. It is a virtual environment, a separate OS running in a virtual environment. Different window entirely. So no, it can not be used as a full installation to downgrade.

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Question

What do I do if I get an error saying XP mode can't be run on my version of Windows 7? When I follow the link provided by the error, it goes to a page that no longer exists.

Community Answer

You need windows 7 Enterprise, Ultimate, or Professional to run Windows XP mode.

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