Windows 7 Pro & XP mode

[tehidyman]

I see in a description that "Windows 7 Professional (includes 32 & 64-bit versions) lets you run Windows XP productivity programs in Windows XP Mode".  Does this mean that programs I currently run like Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 which will not install on later than XP can be installed and operate in this mode and/or are there hidden potential problems?

[Glenn]

From what I remember, you need to download a version of XP from MS and use an existing product key, XP is then run as a virtual system from within W7.

Here we go http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx

[Lance]

I think this is more likely to be about right clicking on the executable, going to properties and enabling the compatibility mode. This, in my experience, is more miss than hit and a VM is a much better solution.

[tehidyman]

Thanks for link - tried the W7 upgrade check and it suggested that some programs may work but my key ones are problematical and loking at the Adobe forum it would not be a route I would risk.

Re Lance's suggestion of a VM I have never looked at that. Is it relatively straightforward to DIY or do I need professional help?

[Ray]

I've successfully used MS Virtual PC 2007 on my Win 7 PC, this creates a virtual machine that you can then install Windows XP and your older applications onto.

More information and download link here: - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows-vista/Virtual-PC-2007-Run-multiple-operating-systems-without-multibooting

[tehidyman]

Following advice above I Installed a virtual machine on my new Windows 7 (64bit) (home premium) PC and followed all instructions (or so I thought).  I then set up a new virtual hard disk.  So far no problem but then I tried to start my VM to load Windows XP but all I get in a DOS screen is Reboot and select proper boot device or insert boot media in selected boot device  Searching for help on Microsoft and briefly on Google I could find no help I could understand.  I did try turn off and start again but that that made no difference.  Can anyone help please?

[tehidyman]

Please ignore the above.  I had not copied over enough of the link instructions and found I should have my XP disc in.  It took so long to set up before I could get back into IDnetters I could not edit.

[Rik]

Glad you got there, I had no ideas.