Pros and Cons of XP mode for Windows 7
By Patrick Nelson
Microsoft
brings back Windows XP functionality in Windows 7 with
Windows XP mode.
Hopefully, you’ve kept your XP discs and licenses and didn’t junk them in disgust when they failed to work in Windows Vista.
This XP functionality appears to be the first time
Microsoft has made a concentrated effort--or even cared--to
assist legacy software to work on the latest operating
system beyond including the pseudo-DOS prompt in Windows 3.1
we all know as the “Command Prompt.”
Windows XP mode has some drawbacks though. It isn’t geared
towards graphics-heavy games, audio, super-visual programs
or hardware biased software like television tuners.
To be fair, that’s a limitation of virtualization across the board.
It also won’t run 64-bit XP programs.
However, neat features includes accessing USB drives from
within XP Mode; accessing
Windows 7 known
folders like My Documents; cutting and pasting between XP
Mode and Windows 7; and printing directly to an attached
printer from XP Mode.
You can use Windows XP Mode in two ways.
It can be function as a virtual operating system, mimicking XP; and it functions as a way to open programs.
The interface performs a bit like the Command Prompt in
that it opens an XP window within the Windows 7 desktop.
Programs however, appear in both the XP program list within
the XP Mode window, and also in Windows 7’s list.
CPU requirements are tough. The CPU needs to be capable of
Intel-VT or AMD-V hardware virtualization. Netbooks need not
apply.
In many cases users will need the nerve to be able to
delve into the machine’s BIOS and turn virtualization on.
Casual PC users may find that onerous. Plus, you need the
Professional, Enterprise or Ultimate editions of Windows 7.
Windows XP Mode involves two downloads.
First you need Windows Virtual PC and then you can go get Windows XP Mode. Once you’ve configured the machine the XP programs can be installed pretty painlessly.
Microsoft has a
Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC support website
where you can see if your machine is compatible.
Credit to Microsoft in that Windows XP Mode is a fully
licensed Service pack 3 version of XP.