Administrator DKT27 Posted March 18, 2010 Administrator Share Posted March 18, 2010 Although Windows 7's "XP Mode" has been a welcome feature of the new operating system, there has been a fair bit of confusion brought on by the virtualization layer's hardware requirements. To work, XP Mode has required a PC processor that supports hardware virtualization and for that feature to be turned on in the computer's BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), a requirement that caused a fair bit of confusion, as PC owners didn't always have an easy way to tell if their system fit the bill. Well, that requirement is no more. As part of a wave of virtualization announcements on Thursday, Microsoft said those running Windows 7 will now be able to use XP Mode without having to know whether their PC processor supports hardware virtualization. "This change simplifies the experience by making virtualization more accessible to many more PCs for small and midsize businesses wanting to migrate to Windows 7 Professional or higher editions, while still running Windows XP-based productivity applications," Microsoft said in a blog posting. As noted by ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley, those already running XP Mode don't need the update, but those that had found themselves on the sidelines because of their PC hardware can download the update and try out XP Mode. To run XP Mode legitimately, users still need to be running the Professional, Enterprise or Ultimate editions of Windows 7. Microsoft also noted some other virtualization moves in the blog posting, including a forthcoming update that will be part of the first service pack for Windows Server 2008 R2. The update will add two features, Microsoft said. "Microsoft Dynamic Memory will allow customers to adjust memory of a guest virtual machine on demand to maximize server hardware use," Microsoft said. "Microsoft RemoteFX will enable users of virtual desktops and applications to receive a rich 3-D, multimedia experience while accessing information remotely." Also on the virtualization front, Microsoft announced an expanded partnership with Citrix as well as some licensing changes that will make it easier for businesses to allow workers to remotely access their systems via virtualized desktops. Source: CNET Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HX1 Posted March 18, 2010 Share Posted March 18, 2010 .. and this is why I run the XP VHD from Microsoft in VirtualBox, well I ran it.. I haven't installed it yet.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtmulc Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 OR, you could just get an AMD processor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HX1 Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 IF I was going to upgrade.. it wouldn't just be my processor... The last AMD I had... was challenged to be politically correct.. so I don't usually have positive feeling towards AMD..LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jalaffa Posted March 19, 2010 Share Posted March 19, 2010 I've found Windows XP Mode really useful for testing out various software. This is great news for people with computers that did not match the prior required hardware requirements.You can find the Download page for Windows XP Mode here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anjandavid Posted March 23, 2010 Share Posted March 23, 2010 Windows XP Mode skips virtualisation hardware requirements.>>>http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/windows7/archive/2010/03/18/windows-xp-mode-now-accessible-to-more-pcs.aspx>>>>http://www.channelregister.co.uk/2010/03/22/windows_xp_mode_smbs_hardware_virtualisation/jalaffa Edit:Topic merged Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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