The system requirements for Virtual PC 2007 (a virtualization software similar to VMWare Workstation) says that the host computer must be running Windows XP Pro or the tablet edition.
You can however install Virtual PC 2007 on XP Home machine without problems though the installer will throw a warning saying "Host OS Not Supported" - ignore the error. It’s only the Microsoft will not provide support but the software will work just fine.
Even Virtual PC 2004 can be used on Windows XP Home without problems.
To download readymade virtual machines for VPC, you can visit the Microsoft Download Center and download vhd files for Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 - require no activation though they expire after some time.
Find this article at: http://www.labnol.org/software/tutorials/install-virtual-pc-2007-windows-xp-home/1539/
web: http://www.labnol.org/ email: amit@labnol.org
Reader Comments
On my virtual pc 07 whenever i try to run a virtual machine it says “an unrecoverable process error has occured” or somethin like that.
Written by DeAndre on 07.03.08
DeAndre,
I got the same error, but it turns out to be related to my memory. I first got the error when I increased my RAM from 2GB to 4GB and adjusted the memory settings in VPC from 1GB to 2.5GB. I was only able to avoid the error by reducing the setting BELOW 2GB (1995 MB works for me). Others report no problem with more than 2GB for VPC, but since I’m running XP Home, I’m wondering if that might have something to do with it.
If you have 4GB and you are able to get VPC to run my setting VPC memory less than 2GB, please post a followup.
Written by David on 08.28.08
Hey thanks for the info. :P Now I can install VPC 2007.
Written by Jack Nicholson on 09.19.08
How do I run Windows XP and earlier on Virtual PC in Windows Vista? Where do I get the VHD’s? I want them! And, make sure it doesn’t take longer than 30 minutes to download.
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I just found the word “dictionary” in my dictionary! I think it’s just such a waste of time to put an extra dictionary in a dictionary :-D
Written by Bob on 09.20.08
Bob, when you run Virtual PC, you create a virtual hard drive with limited connections to your computers physical input and output ports. You then must installing an operating system, just as you would on a real hard drive. You can create as many VHD’s as you want, although you probably wouldn’t want to run them simultaneously. BTW, you must have a separate license for each O/S installed.
Written by David on 09.25.08
When I try to run Virtual PC on Windows XP Pro, I see (Virtual PC cannot find MSXML 6.). Attempting to install MSXML 6 I see (MSXML 6.0 failed because a higher version already exists on the machine. To procede, uninstall the higher verion & then run MSXML 6.0 parser setup again.)/
What is the higher version that I may uninstall it?
I have service pack 2, I’m leary of service pack 3.
How can I get Virtual Machine to work?
Thank you, Bill
Written by Bill on 02.11.09
pls help me urgent . when i install vpc 2007,and install xp servicepack3,after booting vpc os is automatically runing i cannot go to my main os . pls tel me how can i go to my main os
Written by manosh on 04.26.09