Today there is a small circle of users of computer systems who prefer not to use two operating systems installed in parallel on one computer, but so-called virtual machines. Today we will find out what it is, and at the same time we will give readers recommendations on how to configure the Windows XP virtual machine. Just note that there should not be any difficulties here, so you should not be scared.
What is a Windows XP virtual machine and why is it needed?
Let us begin, perhaps, with the most burning question of what exactly is this concept, which seems to be a lot of tricks.
If we do not consider the technical side of the functioning of such a system, the simplest explanation will be the fact that, in fact, such a program in operation is a complete analogue of a real computer, but only in a virtual version. In the operating system, which is provided as a guest, you can work in exactly the same way as in the usual "OS" installed on the user terminal.
It goes without saying that programs are easily installed in such a system, settings are changed, etc. In other words, in the virtual Windows you can see how a particular program will work, even if it is infected with a virus, without affecting the main OS.
And Windows XP as a guest system was not chosen by chance. The fact is that, starting with the version of Vista, some applications designed exclusively for the “add-on” simply stop working, and you have to run them in compatibility mode. Well, you will not install two "OSes", and even so that they do not conflict with each other? Firstly, this is a rather time-consuming process, and secondly, based on the integrity of a law-abiding user, additional costs for acquiring a license are inevitable.
In this sense, creating a Windows XP virtual machine has many advantages. In addition, the process itself does not take so much time. The only thing you have to pay attention to is some of the nuances when choosing options. But first things first.
Boot disk
Now we will consider the initial conditions and determine what we need in order to create a Windows XP virtual machine on Windows 8, for example, although for any other “OS”, starting with the “seven” and above, the process will be the same.
Naturally, you can not do without a boot disk or image created from the original installation disk of Windows XP, and preferably with a full third service pack (SP3).
To do this, you can use your own funds already existing on the computer system, but it is better to give preference to programs like UltraISO, DAEMON Tools and the like. The process is quite simple, so it does not make sense to dwell on it in detail.
Creating a virtual machine: program selection and basic requirements
Further, for example, when a Windows XP virtual machine is created on Windows 8.1, you need to decide on software (software). It goes without saying that when choosing a program, you should pay attention to the criterion of its compatibility with the installed "OS".
As for the programs themselves, they can be found quite a lot today. The most common and most popular are VirtualBox, VMware Workstation, Microsoft Virtual PC, QEMU and many others. However, in view of the practicality and simplicity of operation, so to speak, in this example we will use VirtualBox, a program that is often called a sandbox.
Install Oracle VirtualBox
So, a virtual machine Windows XP on Windows 10, for example, can only be created after installing the main software product in an existing environment ("OSes").
As expected, the main installation file of the program is launched first. Immediately make a reservation that the launch should be done on behalf of the Administrator, otherwise errors may occur. Further, as in all standard procedures, we select the place where the software product will be installed, put checkmarks in front of the lines for creating an icon on the desktop (if necessary), in general, follow the instructions of the “Installation Wizard”.
During the installation, warning windows may appear that the program has not been tested for compatibility. Do not panic. Just click the continue button. Yes, by the way, if the Internet connection suddenly disappears during the installation process, there is nothing wrong with that either - it should be so. We are waiting for the end of the process.
So, the installation is complete. After pressing the confirmation button (by the way, this is exactly what the program is good for), the application will start automatically, moreover, with an interface in the language that is installed in the existing “OS” by default.
Additional requirements
During installation, you should pay attention to the fact that the program may request the installation of all drivers. If such a situation arises, we simply agree with the proposals in all dialog boxes.
And further. If, nevertheless, upon completion of the installation, you need to run the program in compatibility mode, you need to right-click on the "executable" and select launch in the corresponding mode with the administrator rights in the context menu. But, as practice shows, this in most cases is not required.
Windows XP virtual machine on Windows 7 and later: first steps to create
After the first start of the program, you need to create a new virtual machine. To do this, use the corresponding button on the panel above or the command to add a machine to the menu. We will make a reservation right away: depending on the version of the application itself, the names of buttons, menu bars or appearance may differ. But, as is already clear, the essence of this does not change.
At the first stage, the Windows XP virtual machine proposes to enter its name, after which the category of the operating system is selected, which, presumably, will be installed later (in our case, this is a "copy").
Criteria for choosing the amount of RAM
At the next stage, you need to specify the amount of RAM needed to operate. Here you need to be careful. For example, if you need to test one or two not too resource-intensive programs, you can put a minimum of 192 MB.
If the user wants to avoid "braking", it is better to use either 512 MB or 1024 MB. True, you should take into account the capabilities of your system, so it is not recommended to overestimate the bar, otherwise when the virtual machine is on, the main system will begin to slow down.
The nuances of creating a virtual hard disk
Next, you should choose a place on the hard drive where the image of the Windows XP virtual machine with the installed system in the future will be stored. In this case, the "Create Virtual Hard Disk Wizard" is launched.
The user will be prompted to create a dynamic or static partition. See for yourself. The dynamic section may automatically increase in size as it fills, while the static one has fixed volumes. Regardless of which type is selected, it is desirable to specify at least 10 GB (more can be, but here, again, it all depends on the physical capacity of the existing hard drive, including all its logical partitions).
Along the way, the storage location is also selected. Note that you do not need to create a new partition manually in the existing system. In the program, you can select the desired location in the form of a folder (by default, it is Win_XP_SP3 in the specified location). Please note: it is advisable to place the virtual disk in the logical partition, and not in the one where the main system is installed. For example, if Windows 7 is located on drive C, for Windows XP it is better to select partition D.
When you continue the settings, all the parameters of the created machine will be displayed on the screen. If everything is correct, click on the completion button. The first part of the path has been completed.
Install Windows XP
Now we turn to the process of installing the guest system. To do this, we use either the created installation disk or the image.
But first, in the virtual machine, you need to go to the properties menu, where you need to configure some parameters, for example, enable 3D-acceleration in the "Display" section. The most important thing is that in the settings menu of the motherboard you need to set the boot order so that the CD-ROM is in the first place for installing the "extras" (you can simply drag it to the first position with the mouse).
Next, in the media section, load the created image (this is done using the button to the right of the attribute string). After that click “OK”.
To install Windows XP, use the "Start" button. The installation itself is absolutely no different from how if this "OS" was installed on the hard drive in normal mode.
Shared Folders and Extras
But that is not all. The Windows XP virtual machine must somehow interact with the existing system. To do this, it is desirable to create at least one shared folder, although you can use removable media in the form of ordinary flash drives.
In addition, the user should be able to switch between the main and guest OS, for example, using a standard mouse. To do this, run the guest "OS", and then in the "Devices" select the command to install add-ons to it. Now it’s all. We have a ready-made virtual machine Windows XP, fully functional and ready to use.
In the same e-book, you can perform all standard actions, say, adding new devices, work with programs and documents, etc. In general, such a Windows XP virtual machine looks absolutely identical to a real computer. In addition, if the machine is in startup, at the start of the main system, you can choose which OS to start. Although in fairness it is worth noting that this is never really required.
Instead of a conclusion
So, here is a brief overview of the main issues regarding the creation and configuration of a Windows XP virtual machine. Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the option was considered exclusively for Windows systems at a level higher than the "ekspishka". However, the creation of such a machine can be carried out almost exactly the same in other OSs, for example, Linux Ubuntu or any other, while the process of its creation and operation is absolutely no different from all that was described above. By the way, for all those who work with systems other than Windows, this is quite a serious plus, but for the most part those who are involved in software development will be satisfied.