How to add an XP Mode Virtual Machine to Windows 10 (or 8) using Hyper-V
by Mihai Neacsu on 15 October 2014
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1961375 views
Support for Windows XP has ended, and, although unofficial service packs exist, a better and safer idea would be to run XP as a virtual machine under your current OS if you still need to do some testing under XP.
If you have an XP Setup ISO or an XP installation disc, creating a virtual machine running XP is much easier, but if you don't, you can follow the tutorial below to install XP Mode under Windows 10. It works for Windows 8/8.1 Pro as well.
Notes:
a) The resulting virtual machine will run XP non-activated, without a license key, and you can use it for 30 days before it locks down. After the 30 days run out, you can re-create the virtual machine once again and use it for another 30 days, and so on. This is definitely not convenient for continuous use but will due just fine for testing old software or malware, for example. Alternatively, if you have an old XP license lying around, you can use it to register this installation.
b) If your Windows 8/8.1 or 10 does not include Hyper-V (test that by doing step 4 below - the Home editions for instance don't include Hyper-V), then you won't be able to do this tutorial. You can still create an XP virtual machine using VMWare Player or VirtualBox, by following this tutorial: "How to test Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP for Free, Legally".
XP Mode was introduced for Windows 7 (Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate) users as a way to run software designed for XP in Windows 7. For Windows 7 users, installing the XP Mode is easy: download XP mode, run the installer, done. Since Wiindows 8 or 10 does not support XP Mode, we'll need to extract the virtual hard drive included in XP Mode and run it as a virtual machine. Here's what you'll need to do:
- Download XP Mode
- Install 7-zip
- Extract VirtualXPVHD from the XP Mode file
- Enable Hyper-V
- Create a Virtual Machine running VirtualXPVHD
- Run the virtual machine
- Rejoice
- Or not, and make the internet connection work on the XP VM
1. Download the XP Mode from Microsoft
XP Mode is available for download directly from Microsoft: Download Here. Clicking the red download button on that page will give you the choice in the image below.
The difference between WindowsXPMode_en-us.exe and WindowsXPMode_N_en-us.exe is that the version with N in it does not contain Windows Media Player. Choose the one you want, click Next and continue with the download.
Alternatively, you can download WindowsXPMode_N_en-us.exe from Developer Link 3 on this page on Download3k.
2. Install 7-zip
Note: If you are unable to do step 2 and 3 below, using 7-zip, then you can try a different compression utility, such as WinRar, WinZip, Bandizip (one of our favorites here at Download3k), etc. This problem has been pointed out a few times in the comments section.
Download 7-zip (Download3k mirror) and install it. It's important to install the 32-bit (also called x86) version of 7-zip for a 32-bit operating system and the 64-bit (also called x64) version for a 64-bit OS, since the x64 version won't work on x86 and the x86 version won't run with context menu on x64 machines. We'll need context menu for 7-zip to make extracting easier.
Skip to Step 3 if you know what type of system you're in.
If you are not sure if you have a x86 or x64 operating system installed, you can find this out in several ways. Here are 2:
a) Press Win+X (this opens the Power User Menu) and select System. Look under System > System type for the OS type you have installed.
or
b) Click Start (or press the Win key) and type PC Info. Look under System type and find out the type of OS you're running.
Now that you know what type of OS you have installed, download and install the corresponding version of 7-zip.
3. Use 7-zip to extract its contents
a) Right-click the file downloaded at Step 1 above and select 7-zip > Extract Here or Extract to "WindowsXPMode_en-us" (or the filename you downloaded)
b) After extraction. browse to Sources and notice the xpm file. Right click on xpm and choose 7-zip > Open archive.
Quick tip: If you don't see the Sources folder at this time, go back one step and from the same 7-zip right-click context menu, choose open archive as CAB, instead of extracting to "WindowsXPMode_en-us", then pick up from there.
Notice the VirtualXPVHD file.
c) Extract it to a location of your choice. Rename it to VirtualXPVHD.vhd.
d) Clean up. You can go ahead and delete the file downloaded in Step 1 and all the other files extracted from it, except for VirtualXPVHD.vhd.
In order to use the .vhd image in a virtual machine, you can either use VirtualBox or the built-in Windows Virtualization called Hyper-V. Since VirtualBox is currently experiencing some bugs under Windows 10, we'll cover the Hyper-V method below.
4. Activate Hyper-V on your Windows 10
By default, Windows 10, just as Windows 8 did, comes with a few features disabled, including the Hyper-V technology.
a) In order to enable Hyper-V, you need to go to Win+X (opens the power user menu) > Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off, under Programs and Features.
Alternatively, you can open the Run command (Win+R) or do a search (Win+S) and enter optionalfeatures, then hit Enter.
b) This will open a new window where you must tick the box near Hyper-V, as shown in the image below, then click OK.
You will be prompted to restart. Do so. Upon re-entering Windows, Hyper-V will be enabled. The image above shows the Hyper-V options under Windows 8.1 - it looks similar in Windows 10.
If some of your Hyper-V options are grayed out, you should restart, enter BIOS and enable virtualization there first. BIOS menus are different from manufacturer to manufacturer, so you should search for settings regarding Virtualization, Data Execution Prevention (DEP), and SLAT. Enable them and restart.
If you don't see Hyper-V Platform or it appears grayed out in the 'Windows Features' window above, then you won't be able to create a virtual machine using Hyper-V.
Tip: check Hyper-V hardware compatibility by opening up PowerShell or Command Prompt (cmd.exe) and entering systeminfo.exe. It should list, under Hyper-V Requirements:
VM Monitor Mode Extensions: Yes
Virtualization Enabled In Firmware: Yes
Second Level Address Translation: Yes
Data Execution Prevention Available: Yes
5. Create a virtual machine for XP Mode in Hyper-V Manager
a) Open Hyper-V Manager by clicking Start (or press the Win key) and type Hyper-V Manager, then Enter.
Alternatively, you can open Start or Run (Win+R) and enter Virtmgmt.msc, then Enter.
b) Make sure your local virtualization server is selected.
If the left pane shows no Hyper-V servers (your local host computer) to connect to, then select the "Hyper-V Manager" in the left pane, click "Connect to server" on the right pane, select "Local computer" in the dialog that follows and click "OK".
c) Optional: if you need an internet connection for your virtual machine, you need to setup a virtual switch by going to Action > Virtual Switch Manager, in the Hyper-V Manager window.
Here you can create an External Virtual Switch, linked to your physical network card. Make sure the box Allow management operating system to share this network adapter is checked.
This default type of network connection does not work for XP and Vista so, if at the end of the tutorial you still don't have an internet connection for your XP VM, see the troubleshooting part.
d) Click Action > New > Virtual Machine. This will open an wizard.
e) Click Next and, in the next window, specify a name for your server.
f) In the next window, select Generation 1. (Generation 2 is only used for Windows 8 64-bit or newer and Windows Server 2012 or newer guest operating systems)
g) Specify an amount of RAM in the next window. 512 MB or 1024 MB should do it.
h) In the next window you can configure networking. If you need to use internet, you must redo the procedure from step a) and don't skip step c). If you don't need internet for your XP VM, press Next.
i) Select Use an existing virtual hard disk and browse for the VirtualXPVHD.vhd file from Step 3, as shown below. The Location path will vary in your case.
j) Click Next for Summary, then Finish.
Your XP Virtual Machine is now created.
6. Run the virtual machine
You need to connect to your newly created XP virtual machine and start it. There are several ways to do that.
a) One way is to click Connect under your XP VM, in the right Actions column, as shown below.
b) In the new window that opens, click the green Start button. See the image below for clarification.
c) The first time you start the VM, it will do the last steps of a regular XP installation. It won't go through the full XP installation, but you'll still need to agree to Terms, pick a computer name, set time and date, language and, after a final reboot, it will prompt you to configure updates.
That's it. If everything went ok, you should now have a working XP Virtual Machine inside your Windows 10 (or 8). Bonus tip: Create a shortcut for this Hyper-V Virtual Machine.
Alternatively, you can read this guide "How to test Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP for Free, Legally" and see if it suits your needs better.
Later edit to cover network connectivity troubleshooting:
Make the Internet work on the XP Virtual Machine
If the internet connection is not working on your newly created XP Virtual Machine, here's what you can try:
- Turn off the XP Virtual Machine.
- Open its settings window. You can do this in several ways:
- a) From the Hyper-V Manager, select the XP Virtual Machine and, in the right hand pane, click Settings.
- b) If the XP VM window is active, you can click File > Settings.
- In the Settings window, simply Add Hardware > Legacy Network Adapter. The Add Hardware option is the first one in the Settings window.
- Make sure the Legacy Network Adapter is set to use the previously created Virtual Switch (External).
- Click Apply/OK and start the XP VM again.
It should result in a quick driver install in the VM and, afterwards, the network should work inside the VM.
Comments (156)
@strykow, try this http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/make-usb-devices-accessible-to-a-windows-xp-virtual-machine/.
It basically shows you how to connect to the VM via remote desktop connection instead of the regular hyper-v way. When connected with a remote desktop connection, you can use local resources as well, such as printers and USB.
You may not even need to go that far for what you need. Simply creating a shared folder between the VM and the host might work.
It basically shows you how to connect to the VM via remote desktop connection instead of the regular hyper-v way. When connected with a remote desktop connection, you can use local resources as well, such as printers and USB.
You may not even need to go that far for what you need. Simply creating a shared folder between the VM and the host might work.
So, I believe I've resolved an old issue which was "What do I do when XP expires on my Hyper-V VM?". I have source files I need and don't want to lose. Once XP expires, you're toast and you can't get to them and need to re-install XP. If t his happens to you the files are accessible by right-clicking on the VHD file and copying them to another drive. Unfortunately you still need to re-install XP but at least you don't lose your data.
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2724115
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2724115
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After completing all of the steps through #5 the manage -HyperV window indicated that no virtual window was found. What should I do?
Find an old version of xp online. Mine activated no problem. If anyone can figure out why there's no sound or proper video drivers please post.
So, although I now have connectivity to the internet I'm unable to activate Windows XP. I select "Activate Windows" from the Start Menu but after some time it says it can't connect to the Activate Server. I wonder if this feature is still enabled? It appears that someone attempted to activate their license not that long ago but I also see your comment about needing to reinstall Windows XP every 60 days when it expires. Perhaps I need to call Microsoft Support as someone else tried. I have a valid license but just can't get a prompt to enter it on my VM.
Excellent suggestion. I do get a response when I ping google.com and other sites. I brought up the browser this morning in the XP VM and discovered that it had upgraded to IE 8 (I had automatic updates turned on). I'm now able to reach Google, though it's slow. Thanks for your help!
Thanks for confirming your process kshu. I deleted the legacy adapter and created it again selecting my wireless network. When I restarted my XP VM I do get www.msn.com by default with the latest news. I can also browse for www.microsoft.com but most of the graphics did not load, just a bunch of text links like "Home" and "Store Home" along the left side of the page. It fails on www.google.com and other popular sites. I turned off the firewall and it didn't help. Same problem with the console or remote desktop. Seems like some soft of security issue on the VM?
Hi djoy. I made no changes to TCM. I kept everything default and I only created a virtual switch with the following options: external network and "allow management etc". Then added a legacy network adapter using that network switch. And it worked. I have not tried this in a while, but I doubt it won't work due to changes in the latest Win 10 update.
kshu. Great article, thanks for all your help. Sadly, I have one big problem yet, no internet on my VM running XP Pro. I've tried the steps above, "Make the internet work on the XP virtual machine.", but no connectivity. I'm running Windows 10 and work wireless from home. I have XP running, it generates a valid IP and I can connect to it via Remote Desktop. However, no internet. Are there any IP changes I need to make to TCP on the VM?
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Just a heads-up, I have lots (OK, 4) old XP Home licenses, but this requires an XP Pro license. It defaults to using my old Windows 7 license, but I contacted Microsoft, and they said I can't use that license because it's already in use for my Win7 -> Win 10 installation.
kathyd, try this https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/328874
Hi @kathyd. If you wait a few minutes, the XP activation pop-up in the bottom right system tray will pop up. If not, you can go to Start > Run, then type "%SYSTEMROOT%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /A", without the quotes. You will get a message telling you if XP is activated or not. If XP is not activated, you can continue with entering the product key.
hi, I have followed your instructions and have XP now loaded and working properly in the Hyper drive on Windows 10. Now I have found my old XP product key and want to install it before the deadline. I can't find where to do that. I am not very "techie", so if you could dumb down any instructions, I would appreciate it.
I have an Epson Perfection 3200 Photo flatbed scanner, whose control panel software only works under Windows XP. I built my 64-bit PC with Windows 7 Professional, which could not run the Epson software, even in compatibility mode, but I was able to install the emulator (VirtualPC and WindowsXPMode_en-us.exe) and it worked fine that way. Incidentally, I didn't have the 30-day registration limit, either. Life was nice. Then, Microsoft released Windows 10, and I'm pretty much obligated to move to the new OS (I'm of that sad species known as IT support). Of course, VirtualPC didn't migrate over to Windows 10, and I couldn't find an equivalent arrangement using Hyper-V. The instructions on this article are the closest I've found, even after asking on the Microsoft forum. I installed Windows XP on Hyper-V using the same WindowsXPMode_en-us file that I used for Windows 7, per the instructions in this article. Of course, now I have a 30-day registration notice.
I installed my Epson software, but I cannot get the VM to see my USB devices (such as my scanner). I have the option to use Enhanced Mode when available, but it is grayed out in this case. I found a Microsoft page that says to use VMConnect, but I can't find the "Show Options" button that it shows in its illustration.
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn282274%28v=ws.11%29.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396
Does anyone have any suggestions how I could get my VM machine to see my USB scanner?
Thank you.
I installed my Epson software, but I cannot get the VM to see my USB devices (such as my scanner). I have the option to use Enhanced Mode when available, but it is grayed out in this case. I found a Microsoft page that says to use VMConnect, but I can't find the "Show Options" button that it shows in its illustration.
https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn282274%28v=ws.11%29.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396
Does anyone have any suggestions how I could get my VM machine to see my USB scanner?
Thank you.
Well, a checkpoint does include the programs installed and all other changes done to the XP VM up to that point, but it does not freeze the 30 days activation period.
If you do activate the XP VM with your existing XP license, then you should be able to use it without having to reinstall it every other 30 days. Maybe also create a checkpoint for backup reasons.
If you don't have an XP license key, you can re-arm the OS 4 times (120 days), logged in as administrator. In a command prompt, run C:\windows\system32\rundll32.exe syssetup,SetupOobeBnk. You won't get a confirmation message or anything. You can re-arm 4 times if the 30 days trial hasn't expired yet. If the 30 days period has expired, you can only re-arm 2 more times, and you must log in in Safe mode first.
More on the re-arm process:
- https://www.google.com/search?q=xp+rearm.
If you do activate the XP VM with your existing XP license, then you should be able to use it without having to reinstall it every other 30 days. Maybe also create a checkpoint for backup reasons.
If you don't have an XP license key, you can re-arm the OS 4 times (120 days), logged in as administrator. In a command prompt, run C:\windows\system32\rundll32.exe syssetup,SetupOobeBnk. You won't get a confirmation message or anything. You can re-arm 4 times if the 30 days trial hasn't expired yet. If the 30 days period has expired, you can only re-arm 2 more times, and you must log in in Safe mode first.
More on the re-arm process:
- https://www.google.com/search?q=xp+rearm.
Hm, that surprises me, I wood have expected the checkpoint snapshots to include the software I installed on top of it (what about all those Windows updates, would those have to be re-installed as well..? There are still a good bunch of them based on MS's official XP Mode image).
Either way, I still had a version of XP on a older laptop in my garage; I could use its license to activate XP in my VM so fortunately I no longer have the silly 30 day problem.
Again thanks for your time a drink expertise!
Either way, I still had a version of XP on a older laptop in my garage; I could use its license to activate XP in my VM so fortunately I no longer have the silly 30 day problem.
Again thanks for your time a drink expertise!
svenf, you'll need to reinstall the programs each time you rebuild the vm, but if you do find a workaround for this, please share it.
To make the process of recreating the VM easier, you can create one checkpoint before step 6 in the tutorial above, just before starting the Windows XP VM for the first time, and just use that checkpoint instead of a complete re-install of the VM.
About checkpoints:
- https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn818483(v=ws.11).aspx
- https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/virtualization/hyperv_on_windows/user_guide/checkpoints
To make the process of recreating the VM easier, you can create one checkpoint before step 6 in the tutorial above, just before starting the Windows XP VM for the first time, and just use that checkpoint instead of a complete re-install of the VM.
About checkpoints:
- https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn818483(v=ws.11).aspx
- https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/virtualization/hyperv_on_windows/user_guide/checkpoints
Hi Mihai, thank you so much for your effort to put together these instructions, everything works just fine for me on Win 10, including web access in XP. One question - your comment "re-create the virtual machine every 30 days" - do I need to re-download a fresh vhd file every time or can I just re-create a VM as described and point to the previously used image file (so that I don't need to reinstall the software I want to test every time that happen)?
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Hi Mihai,
Thank you for the article, it worked from the first try. I have a small questions: How do I move files from my win 10 to the virtual XP? Or maybe there is a solution to connect my external hdd or the other partitions?
Thank you for the article, it worked from the first try. I have a small questions: How do I move files from my win 10 to the virtual XP? Or maybe there is a solution to connect my external hdd or the other partitions?
I have a notebook computer running W7p64 on which I've installed the VM and XP emulator. * This allows me to run software that accesses a serial port (in this case, a USB-to-serial adapter) so I can communicate with my Parasound system controller, LEGO ris tower, and obsolete Brother "PC" label-making machine.
If I install W10 over W7, what will happen? Will the VM be wiped out and have to be reinstalled? Or will it continue and the apps continue to operate?
Thanks.
* For some reason, my desktop -- also running W7p64 -- refuses to install the VM. This isn't a problem, though, because the ProBook 4530s, being portable, is a much more convenient platform for addressing the controller and tower.
If I install W10 over W7, what will happen? Will the VM be wiped out and have to be reinstalled? Or will it continue and the apps continue to operate?
Thanks.
* For some reason, my desktop -- also running W7p64 -- refuses to install the VM. This isn't a problem, though, because the ProBook 4530s, being portable, is a much more convenient platform for addressing the controller and tower.
Thanks again kshu. The shared folder works as you suggested (I don't know why I didn't think of it...) But I tried the link you suggested to get the RDC. Following the instructions it works but one way only. I need to repeat the process and see why theVM can see the host but not the other way around. Thanks again.
@virtualall, try this http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/make-usb-devices-accessible-to-a-windows-xp-virtual-machine/.
It basically shows you how to connect to the VM via remote desktop connection instead of the regular hyper-v way. When connected with a remote desktop connection, you can use local resources as well, such as printers and USB.
You may not even need to go that far for what you need. Simply creating a shared folder between the VM and the host might work.
Don't know about the frozen mouse problem, I haven't experienced that at all. Maybe reinstalling the mouse drivers would help.
It basically shows you how to connect to the VM via remote desktop connection instead of the regular hyper-v way. When connected with a remote desktop connection, you can use local resources as well, such as printers and USB.
You may not even need to go that far for what you need. Simply creating a shared folder between the VM and the host might work.
Don't know about the frozen mouse problem, I haven't experienced that at all. Maybe reinstalling the mouse drivers would help.
kshu on 15 Mar 2016:
Unfortunately you were correct about re-using my Virtual PC/XP-Mode license #! It will not work. So following other comments I found, I called Microsoft! BIG WASTE OF TIME. First, I had hard time with the language barrier. Second they refused to understand my comments or replies to their statements! I tried hard to get them to explain why in Windows 7 Pro, I could install Virtual PC then get a free XP Mode license, but that license applied to me on the same PC would not be available on my upgrade to Windows 10! Anyhow, they continuously warned me about using XP because it is no longer supported by Microsoft for security updates. I informed them that did not matter to me as I did not use it on the internet, but only to run a database program with all my records and forms that the manufacturer stop supporting or upgrading after Win 95, but it would run on XP. I also informed them the program mfg site denoted to run the program in a VM! So now when I launch XP in Virtualbox , it tells it is not genuine! I do not really care if it is genuine, I got it from MS! So I launch Virtualbox, open my XP VHD, launch my program, use my thumb drive to access and update my database, print the needed forms , save, close and then back to Win 10.
Unfortunately you were correct about re-using my Virtual PC/XP-Mode license #! It will not work. So following other comments I found, I called Microsoft! BIG WASTE OF TIME. First, I had hard time with the language barrier. Second they refused to understand my comments or replies to their statements! I tried hard to get them to explain why in Windows 7 Pro, I could install Virtual PC then get a free XP Mode license, but that license applied to me on the same PC would not be available on my upgrade to Windows 10! Anyhow, they continuously warned me about using XP because it is no longer supported by Microsoft for security updates. I informed them that did not matter to me as I did not use it on the internet, but only to run a database program with all my records and forms that the manufacturer stop supporting or upgrading after Win 95, but it would run on XP. I also informed them the program mfg site denoted to run the program in a VM! So now when I launch XP in Virtualbox , it tells it is not genuine! I do not really care if it is genuine, I got it from MS! So I launch Virtualbox, open my XP VHD, launch my program, use my thumb drive to access and update my database, print the needed forms , save, close and then back to Win 10.
Does anyone know how to access a USB storage drive from the XP Virtual Machine? The Device Manager in the System info does not show a tab for USB although the XP machine was created using the VirtualXPVHD.vhd file from the download link in the instructions above.
Thanks
Also, has anyone solved the frozen mouse problem yet?
Thanks
Also, has anyone solved the frozen mouse problem yet?
XP Mode comes with a pre-installed license key. Once you extracted the .vhd and ran it in Virtualbox, it became a regular XP virtual machine, not an XP Mode. Therefore I don't think the included license key will work here. If you talk to MS about this problem, I'm curious of what solution they will provide. If you don't mind sharing the experience afterwards, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks kshu; I still need to do more work but I did find after running "sysinfo.exe" that Virtualization Enabled In Firmware:is NO. Maybe my AMD Athlon x3 processor or the ASUS motherboard do not support it! So this may stop me from using Hyper-V. But I did download Oracle Virtualbox, following the steps, then finding my original Virtual PC/XP Mode vhd, extracted '.CAB' the xpm, renamed with '.vhd'. Used it to launch XP in Virtualbox. Odd but even though it was the original vhd, it did not access any of the files I had on it when accessed in Win7/Virtual PC/XP-mode! Also odd is I also found the XP-mode license#. typed it in and it was not recognized! I guess I will call MS to get activated then. Any other thoughts or recommendations? Thank You
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I have been reading these comments and did not see one that details my concern. I have a Win7 Pro desktop that I have virtual PC /WinXP Mode running on. I now upgraded to Win X and then learn Virtual PC but no XP-mode link. I activated Hyper V and now can see my VHD from previous virtual setup.(my computer) Is there a way to use that VHD? Or do I still need to download the new "WindowsXPMode_en-us.exe"? If so what then should I do with that VHD "D:'? Delete it? Interesting that on the VHD I can find the old XP games such as solitaire, pinball, minesweeper, etc. and that they will open and play, just cannot find the XP operation system!
Hi Woody1996, this tutorial decompresses the entire content of the file downloadable from microsoft. Once downloades and decompressed with 7-file or WinRar (I've used WinRar as kurxos) you will find a folder. Inside this folder there is a subfolder called Sources that contains a file of 478955Kbytes called simply xpm. Right click and extract the content of this file on its same folder (xpm~).
Inside this xpm~ folder you will fins the 1.182.241Kbytes VirtualXPVHD file with no extension you must rename to VirtualXPVHD.vhd (simply adding the dot and the vhd extension).
Hope it will be useful for you, and finally you can enjoy Age of Empires again.
Inside this xpm~ folder you will fins the 1.182.241Kbytes VirtualXPVHD file with no extension you must rename to VirtualXPVHD.vhd (simply adding the dot and the vhd extension).
Hope it will be useful for you, and finally you can enjoy Age of Empires again.
Someone please help me, i'm fairly new to computers and only bought one because i wanted to play age of empires, i am stuck on stage 3 where it says 'b) After extraction. browse to Sources and notice the xpm file. Right click on xpm and choose 7-zip > Open archive.' I can't find the xpm file and can't understand what it means by 'browse to sources'
Greetings kshu :) I decided that the best thing to do would be to remove the VM I created before and start over at step 5a and very carefully do each step as laid out. At 5i I followed the instruction to browse for the file VirtualXPVHD.vhd that you asked me to report on previously. It looked good, everything appeared to be as it should so I began to get a bit hopeful. I clicked 'Next' for the summary and waited for a few seconds and then an error message appeared. Its text is entered below:-
An error occurred when attempting to retrieve the virtual hard disc "\\MYSERVERPC\Data (D)\Drivers\Win 10\WinXP Mode\VirtualXPVHD.vhd" on server DAVIDPC.
There followed more information such as "Failed to get the disc information"
and "System cannot find the file specified"
At that point there were no options available but to click "Close" on that dialog box. There was a bit of activity for a moment then a second error message appeared:-
"The Virtual Machine Management Service encountered an error while configuring the hard disc on your Virtual Machine".
After that the only logical choice was to "Cancel".
Comments?
An error occurred when attempting to retrieve the virtual hard disc "\\MYSERVERPC\Data (D)\Drivers\Win 10\WinXP Mode\VirtualXPVHD.vhd" on server DAVIDPC.
There followed more information such as "Failed to get the disc information"
and "System cannot find the file specified"
At that point there were no options available but to click "Close" on that dialog box. There was a bit of activity for a moment then a second error message appeared:-
"The Virtual Machine Management Service encountered an error while configuring the hard disc on your Virtual Machine".
After that the only logical choice was to "Cancel".
Comments?
Hello kshu. The size of my VirtualXPVHD.vhd file is reported variously as 1,184,290KB in the folder window details and as 1,212,712,448 bytes in the properties dialog if I right click on the file. The settings window on my machine are the same as the image that you provided except for one small detail - the Hard Drive under the IDE Controller 0 is named "New Virtual Machine.vhdx". I saw the comment from @aaaa but since I was making progress with your help and with the suggestion from spiritboar I carried on. You might be interested to know that afetr I submitted my last comment I noticed that in the BIOS settings CD was the priority of the boot order. I put in my old WinXP installation disc and it looked like it was installing from 'scratch'. However it eventually said that it was the wrong disc. I had another installation disc which I tried but that disc was not recognised at all.
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In step 3c, what is the exact size of your VirtualXPVHD.vhd file? In the settings window for your XP VM, do you have IDE Controller 0, in the left pane, set to use VirtualXPVHD.vhd as a hard drive? The settings window for the XP VM looks like this http://www.download3k.com/article_images/0/770/full_15_ef1a23708252a9717091d0b4b6775371.png (ignore the arrows there because the screenshot was taken for a different step in the tutorial).
Earlier in the comments, @aaaa encountered the same error. He said that "I solve problem, when I delete all files and repeat installation".
Earlier in the comments, @aaaa encountered the same error. He said that "I solve problem, when I delete all files and repeat installation".
Thank you kshu and thank you spiritboar. By combining the advice from both of you I managed to get right through to step 6b - Run the VM. When I click 'Start' I get the following error:-
"Boot failure. Reboot and Select proper Boot device or Insert Boot Media in selected Boot device_"
Any suggestions?
"Boot failure. Reboot and Select proper Boot device or Insert Boot Media in selected Boot device_"
Any suggestions?
@djw4250, I had the same problem when extracting with 7-Zip but after some trial and error I figured out, that I had to open the file as a 'cab' archive by doing this:
Right click WindowsXPMode_en-us.exe --> 7-Zip --> Open Archive > --> cab
This lets you extract the correct files including the 'sources' folder.
Right click WindowsXPMode_en-us.exe --> 7-Zip --> Open Archive > --> cab
This lets you extract the correct files including the 'sources' folder.
Are you using 7-zip or another archiver? You could try Bandizip as an alternative.
Making an XP VM is also easier with this tutorial: http://www.download3k.com/articles/How-to-test-Windows-10-8-7-Vista-XP-for-Free-Legally-01181.
Making an XP VM is also easier with this tutorial: http://www.download3k.com/articles/How-to-test-Windows-10-8-7-Vista-XP-for-Free-Legally-01181.
Thank you for the swift response to my query. I downloaded the file as directed and it is reported as being 469MB. Unfortunately when I open the archive the list of files is the same as I mentioned previously and 'Sorces' is not one of them. I have repeated the sequence of downloading and extracting very carefully a total of 4 times now - always with the same result. I downloaded from both of the sites that were suggested - witht he same outcome each time. Any other ideas?
Try this, djw4250: http://imgur.com/a/4dq86. Then follow with step 3c from the tutorial. After downloading WindowsXPMode_en-us.exe check to see if it has the correct size on your disk, 469.8 MB.
@aaaa, this might be exactly what you're looking for http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/windows-and-office/make-usb-devices-accessible-to-a-windows-xp-virtual-machine/. It's a lengthy explanation so I rather not cover it here.
Sorry, but I solve problem, when I delete all files and repeat installation. Now I need to add existing HDD to see it from XP machine, as weel I did not find, how to attach USB ports to machine... Can You help ? I have old HP printer-scanner HP Color LaserJet 2840 and scanning software don't exist for Win7-Win10. When I try Install it on machine - I get message, that I need USB ports. Probably software think, that printer attached to USB, but I have printer in network. Thak You.
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Re: memo on Jan. 3 statement: "Also I don't see any of the drives of the Lenovo. When I installed xpmode on a windows 7 machine I used to be able to see the other disks as shared disks. "
I have not seen comments on this issue.
I have same problem, to overpass it I make some "tricks" saving files in Dropbox (back and forth).
I have not seen comments on this issue.
I have same problem, to overpass it I make some "tricks" saving files in Dropbox (back and forth).
I followed the directions above on a windows 10 professional Lenovo. XP loaded but the mouse is trapped in side it until I shut it down. Also I don't see any of the drives of the Lenovo. When I installed xpmode on a windows 7 machine I used to be able to see the other disks as shared disks.
I also have a question regarding registering windows. I have old CDs with windows xp on them and I have the number I used. I assume I use those numbers to register this windows but I don't know how.
I also have a question regarding registering windows. I have old CDs with windows xp on them and I have the number I used. I assume I use those numbers to register this windows but I don't know how.
Excellent article very easy to follow. I was hoping I could still use XP mode in Windows . I like playing StarCraft Brood war hope it still plays well on my new rig.
ik2rpe, try running this command in a cmd: bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype Auto. Then reboot.
If it still does not work, try checking BIOS settings again and look for virtualization options. Also consider doing a BIOS firmware update, if one is available from your motherboard manufacturer.
If it still does not work, try checking BIOS settings again and look for virtualization options. Also consider doing a BIOS firmware update, if one is available from your motherboard manufacturer.
It simply doesn't exist, but I got the game working using DOSBOX so my root issue is solved now.
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Having Windows 10 Pro I did the steps up to 5 j)
When i go to step 6 b) and I click the Start button a message appears saying (translated from Italian):
Impossible to start "XP Mode 4 Money".
Impossible to start the "XP Mode 4 Money" virtual machine because the hypervision is not running
Any help please?
Carlo
When i go to step 6 b) and I click the Start button a message appears saying (translated from Italian):
Impossible to start "XP Mode 4 Money".
Impossible to start the "XP Mode 4 Money" virtual machine because the hypervision is not running
Any help please?
Carlo
Do you have Windows 10 Home? The Home edition does not include Hyper-V. You can try a different approach: http://www.download3k.com/articles/How-to-test-Windows-10-8-7-Vista-XP-for-Free-Legally-01181.
Tried this but when I go to Turn Off and On Windows Features there is no hyperV or Hyper anything in the list; what do I do?
Really want to play an old Win3.1 game that works on XP
Really want to play an old Win3.1 game that works on XP
I had a problem at Step 5a, launching Hyper-V Manager. Even after setting all the right Windows Features, Hyper-V Manager was neither in Start Menu nor Search. I found the answer in "How To Enable, Configure and Use Hyper-V on Windows 10" by Kent Chen" at
http://www.nextofwindows.com/how-to-enable-configure-and-use-hyper-v-on-windows-10
Mr. Chen had the same problem, and worked around it by adding Hyper-V manager as an Snap-in component to a blank MMC console as Mr. Chen suggested.
http://www.nextofwindows.com/how-to-enable-configure-and-use-hyper-v-on-windows-10
Mr. Chen had the same problem, and worked around it by adding Hyper-V manager as an Snap-in component to a blank MMC console as Mr. Chen suggested.
Just tried phoning Microsoft with the long product number set (9 groups of 6 number) to activate the Windows XP version I downloaded from the web. Alas it was declared as not genuine & MS refused to activate it. I guess I'll just have to rely on the Checkpoints route to use it. If I can find my original XP CD, I guess I could re-install it. Would that then generate a new set of numbers? I have one working PC with XP on it. Is there any way of extracting the set of nine numbers that must have been used for that machine? (Balarc Advisor just gives the product key.)
Thanks for the tip kshu - that was easily done!
@tallboyrip, with Hyper-V you can also use Checkpoints (previously called Snapshots), which basically work like a restore point. You can do one before the trial period expires and then revert back to it anytime you wish. Later edit: I'm afraid Checkpoints won't work either because they will not revert the trial expiration date too. However, you can create one checkpoint before step 6 above, just before starting the Windows XP VM for the first time, and just use that checkpoint instead of a clean re-install of the VM.
Thanks for the tip kshu. I just got a Microsoft reminder that I have 17 days left to activate Windows XP. Let's hope (when I try registering the product key) it works! When setting up XP I chose not to connect to the Internet (as I don't have any XP stuff that needs an online connection) so I'll have to use the telephoning system.
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@alphaalexl, what edition of Windows are you using? The Home edition comes without Hyper-V for example, in which case I recommend VMWare or Virtualbox via this guide http://www.download3k.com/articles/How-to-test-Windows-10-8-7-Vista-XP-for-Free-Legally-01181.
@aucksy, you can just use File Sharing. By default, my XP VM and the host OS are on the same network. The XP VM has the name ie8winxp, so on the host OS I just open File Explorer and enter \\ie8winxp in the address bar. With File Sharing turned on, I can see the folders shared by the XP VM with other PCs on the network. Works the other way around as well: access the host OS from within the XP VM.
You can find the name used by the XP VM on the network by simply right-clicking My Computer > Properties > Computer Name. For Windows 10, you can find the name of the host PC by doing: Win key + X > System.
Another way of transferring files between the host OS and the VM is by setting up a remote desktop connection and connect to the VM that way. Then simply copy/paste between the VM and the host.
@aucksy, you can just use File Sharing. By default, my XP VM and the host OS are on the same network. The XP VM has the name ie8winxp, so on the host OS I just open File Explorer and enter \\ie8winxp in the address bar. With File Sharing turned on, I can see the folders shared by the XP VM with other PCs on the network. Works the other way around as well: access the host OS from within the XP VM.
You can find the name used by the XP VM on the network by simply right-clicking My Computer > Properties > Computer Name. For Windows 10, you can find the name of the host PC by doing: Win key + X > System.
Another way of transferring files between the host OS and the VM is by setting up a remote desktop connection and connect to the VM that way. Then simply copy/paste between the VM and the host.
There's no HyperV folder in Windows Features. Im stuck.
Where is the KEY file located & how do you access it? Can you access it without starting up Virtual XP or must you do it from within XP? Once I know, I'll give it a try.
XP mode actually comes with its own key. If you rename the KEY file in the XPM file to KEY.txt you can get the code to activate. I believe it is the same for everyone
Hi kshu. I don't have an "Activate Windows" option in Systems Tools. However, I did install a routine written by a techie at How-to-Geek which retrieves your Windows Key. (He wrote this to retrieve his Windows 10 key after the free upgrade. It uses a VBScript Script file to retrieve the key.) It appears to work in Windows XP too and came up with a licence key, but where it came from, I don't know. Whether or not it will still work in 3-weeks time, remains to be seen!
I also did as you suggested regarding the pipe - which all would seem very logical, following the screencast example, but alas, so far I haven't managed to get my Psion to 'talk' to the PsiWin application on the Virtual XP machine. I know the RS-232C-USB adapter works OK as I can get them to communicate using my Windows 7 netbook, so I'll have to try different physical USB ports and check the Windows 10 Device Manager to ensure the adapter is still listed as COM2.
I also did as you suggested regarding the pipe - which all would seem very logical, following the screencast example, but alas, so far I haven't managed to get my Psion to 'talk' to the PsiWin application on the Virtual XP machine. I know the RS-232C-USB adapter works OK as I can get them to communicate using my Windows 7 netbook, so I'll have to try different physical USB ports and check the Windows 10 Device Manager to ensure the adapter is still listed as COM2.
If you go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools, do you have an "Activate Windows" option there?
If you already have a CD Key for XP, you could try one of these VMs for XP: http://www.download3k.com/articles/How-to-test-Windows-10-8-7-Vista-XP-for-Free-Legally-01181#download. I am currently using the one with "IE8 on XP" and it shows the 30 day activation check.
Regarding the pipe, let's assume your host PC is named tallboyripPC and you want to use the COM2 in the VM. You should select COM2 from the Hyper-V settings and name the pipe com2, then enter tallboyripPC for the remote computer. Did you try it like this? Example, but for COM1: http://www.screencast.com/t/jPkp5rhkA.
If you already have a CD Key for XP, you could try one of these VMs for XP: http://www.download3k.com/articles/How-to-test-Windows-10-8-7-Vista-XP-for-Free-Legally-01181#download. I am currently using the one with "IE8 on XP" and it shows the 30 day activation check.
Regarding the pipe, let's assume your host PC is named tallboyripPC and you want to use the COM2 in the VM. You should select COM2 from the Hyper-V settings and name the pipe com2, then enter tallboyripPC for the remote computer. Did you try it like this? Example, but for COM1: http://www.screencast.com/t/jPkp5rhkA.
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Thanks for the info kshu. I ran %SYSTEMROOT%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /A in the Virtual XP window and didn't get any message - one way or the other. Should I take it from this that XP is not activated? If so, how do I get to the activation screen to enter a Product Key? (I should have one from an old XP computer system.)
Regarding the pipe, I tried entering the name of my virtual machine (Hyper-V lets you choose which Com port you want the pipe to refer to) but sadly it didn't connect. There must be something more than just the name of the Virtual Machine require in the pipe name context. I'll keep searching.
Regarding the pipe, I tried entering the name of my virtual machine (Hyper-V lets you choose which Com port you want the pipe to refer to) but sadly it didn't connect. There must be something more than just the name of the Virtual Machine require in the pipe name context. I'll keep searching.
Regarding the XP activation, you can check that by going to Start > Run, then type "%SYSTEMROOT%\system32\oobe\msoobe.exe /A", without the quotes. You will get a message telling you if XP is activated or not.
Regarding the COM ports, I have 0 personal experience with that, but from what I read online, you could try this:
1. Add "com2" (without the quotes) as the pipe name.
2. If it still does not work, you can add the name of the host, your PC, as the remote server on that same COM2 pipe configuration window. Your host name is the one highlighted in step 5b above.
What are named pipes: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa365590(v=vs.85).aspx
Regarding the COM ports, I have 0 personal experience with that, but from what I read online, you could try this:
1. Add "com2" (without the quotes) as the pipe name.
2. If it still does not work, you can add the name of the host, your PC, as the remote server on that same COM2 pipe configuration window. Your host name is the one highlighted in step 5b above.
What are named pipes: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/aa365590(v=vs.85).aspx
I need to use Virtual XP to run PsWin - the backup software for Psion Revo Plus & other Psion PDAs. I've followed the above (very clear) instructions and have XP working under Hyper-V on my Windows 10 system. So far, I've not been asked to enter a product key. Should I have been? Will it stop work / ask me in two week's time?
Also, how do I link up to the physical Com2 port? Hyper-V says: "You can configure the Virtual COM port to communicate with the physical computer through a named pipe. If the named pipe is on a remote computer, you must also specify the computer name.†There are then two selection choices: none (no connect) and named pipe, with a space to enter the named pipe.
What’s a pipe?
what name do I have to enter to make the connection? (It’s in the form: \\.\pipe\)
I hope someone can tell me! Thanks, tallboyrip
Also, how do I link up to the physical Com2 port? Hyper-V says: "You can configure the Virtual COM port to communicate with the physical computer through a named pipe. If the named pipe is on a remote computer, you must also specify the computer name.†There are then two selection choices: none (no connect) and named pipe, with a space to enter the named pipe.
What’s a pipe?
what name do I have to enter to make the connection? (It’s in the form: \\.\pipe\)
I hope someone can tell me! Thanks, tallboyrip
Has anyone tried to wipe the xp part and install win 7 instead? Am trying it now and was wondering if there were any issues with doing this as i tried to activate xp and i don't have a key that will work? Also apparently the version of xp will not allow a straight upgrade to win 7.
On Windows 10, I got to step 6b and clicked on the start button - instead of showing me the license screen, it went straight to the Windows XP Logon screen with user name XPMUser and blank password - oops! What do I do now?
chief400, earlier in comments fred had the same problem and it appeared that his CPU was not 64-bit capable and was missing 'Hyper-V Platform' in step 4b above.
Can you double check step 4b and see if you have all features available there? Also double-check your BIOS settings for virtualization options.
On a side note, Virtualbox did the trick for fred, see the previous comments.
Can you double check step 4b and see if you have all features available there? Also double-check your BIOS settings for virtualization options.
On a side note, Virtualbox did the trick for fred, see the previous comments.
I need a little help please. When I go into Hyper-V Manager there is not a virtualization server listed. I go over and select the "Hyper-V Manager" in the left pane, click "Connect to server" on the right pane, select "Local computer" in the dialog and click "OK". I get the message "an error occurred while attempting to connect to the server 'Danny's PC.' Check that the Virtual machine management service is running and that you are authorized to connect to the server. The operation on computer 'Danny's PC' failed: Invalid class." Any ideas on why this is happening?
fred, if I understand this correctly, Virtualbox should run on x86 without a 64-bit processor: https://www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch10.html#hwvirt.
VMWare requires a 64-bit x86 CPU with LAHF/SAHF support in long mode: http://pubs.vmware.com/player-12-windows/index.jsp?topic=%2Fcom.vmware.player.win.using.doc%2FGUID-EDBB71AC-8562-4F18-A472-097FB71EDF21.html
VMWare requires a 64-bit x86 CPU with LAHF/SAHF support in long mode: http://pubs.vmware.com/player-12-windows/index.jsp?topic=%2Fcom.vmware.player.win.using.doc%2FGUID-EDBB71AC-8562-4F18-A472-097FB71EDF21.html
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kshu....I just wanted to add a few more notes to what I had to do to create the Virtual Machine on my system. I had created the Vitual Maching and then installed Windows XP Pro from my source CD. Everytime I went to load my Quickbook Pro it would give me warning indicating there was not enough "space" to load the program, even though I had created a Virtual Machine with the size of 4GB. I then tried it again with 5GB, same results. Long story short.....I created a 4GB Virtual Machine and then when installing the XP Pro, I told it to set up a 2GB partition ("C") and another 2GB partition (which started out as "E" by default). I was then able to install the operating system and QuickBooks Pro okay and everything works just fine.
kshu. Using your information I found several places that indicate that Hyper-V Platform is available only on 64 bit processors. Mine is 32. Sounds like obsolete hardware vs new technology. Not worth the effort to provide the 32 bit drivers for obsolete hardware. Thanks again.
kshu. I get (level 1) Hyper-V. (level 2) Hyper-V Management Tools. (level 3) Hyper-V GUI Management Tools and, Hyper-V Module for Windows Powershell. There was a delay in receiving Windows 10 here. Messages to the effect that some hardware features on my computer had no drivers available and that I should contact Intel. Do you suppose virtualization on my processor is not supported in W10? Thanks for your time and insight. Don't waste any more time on this as it looks like the obvious bases have been covered. Best regards from Ohio.
Not sure what that error means, fred. But I would try these:
- check for Windows updates in the Settings app because some updates might fix hyper-v bugs
- double check if everything is enabled on step 4b, including Hyper-V Platform with Hyper-V Hypervisor and Hyper-V Services
- double check BIOS again for virtualization settings
- check for Windows updates in the Settings app because some updates might fix hyper-v bugs
- double check if everything is enabled on step 4b, including Hyper-V Platform with Hyper-V Hypervisor and Hyper-V Services
- double check BIOS again for virtualization settings
kshu. (My computer's name is D794P91.) Message box appears, containing;
Hyper-V Manager. An error occurred while attempting to connect to server "D79Q4P91". Check that the virtual machine management service is running and that you are authorized to connect to the server. The operation on 'D79Q4P91' failed. Invalid Class.
Looks like something is still missing.
Hyper-V Manager. An error occurred while attempting to connect to server "D79Q4P91". Check that the virtual machine management service is running and that you are authorized to connect to the server. The operation on 'D79Q4P91' failed. Invalid Class.
Looks like something is still missing.
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railcrafter, I'm glad to hear that everything worked out ok for you :).
fred, I added a screenshot for step 5b. Have a look and see if you see a similar option on your Hyper-V Manager. You should see a server name in the left pane.
In step 4b everything looked ok? No grayed out options if you expand Hyper-V there?
fred, I added a screenshot for step 5b. Have a look and see if you see a similar option on your Hyper-V Manager. You should see a server name in the left pane.
In step 4b everything looked ok? No grayed out options if you expand Hyper-V there?
kshu...set up a network connection to my LAN and am able to connect to all of my computers. All I need to do now is install a few programs in XP Mode and looks like I am good to go. Thanks for your tutorial and suggestions. Helped a lot. Looks like Hyper-V will work for my needs.
kshu...Activated Hyper-V, installed XP Mode, selected legacy NIC and everything appears to be working great. I am now able to run the XP Mode and connect to the internet. Will try to set up LAN next.
kshu...I "blew" the hard drive, reinstalled Windows 7 Pro, installed all device drivers and updates. Everything checked out great. I then upgraded to Windows 10, again installed all updates including windows updates and device driver updates. Then reinstalled all programs. Again, everything checks out okay. No crashes on Windows Explorer or Internet Explorer. I wanted to check out each program over several days to make sure all is well.....and it is. I am now going to attempt to install Windows XP Pro using the Hyper-V virtual drive using your tutorial. I will let you know of the results.
Great tutorial. Everything worked as advertised until paragraph 5.b. The hyper-v manager did not show any local virtualization virtual server, only an introduction screen. Clicking ACTION only showed connect to server, view and help as options. This was not surprising since no server was listed. I am using a Dell Inspiron E1705 which under Windows 7 did run Windows XP Mode successfully. Virtualization is ENABELED in the BIOS and Hyper-V runs OK. It appears that maybe Windows 10 does not support virtualization on my machine. Any thoughts?
I wonder if it has anything to do with the version of BIOS installed? There are some later versions available, but Dell recommended using version A09 because the diagnostics run form the BIOS on later versions result in the blue screen.
Fortunately, I was able to get the VMware working using your other tutorial.
Fortunately, I was able to get the VMware working using your other tutorial.
I looked in the BIOS and couldn't find anything about DEP or SLAT. The virtualization setting is under Performance and still set to ON. There is some processor info under System and one of the lines says "Hyperthreading Capable = No". There is no way to change that.
I just tried running coreinfo.exe -v -p in the admin cmd and adding the -p paused the results so that I can read them. I can't copy and paste the results here so I'm re-typing them:
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz
Intel64 Family 6 Model 15 Stepping 11, GenuineIntel
Microcode signature: 0000000BA
HYPERVISOR - Hypervisor is present
VMX * Supports Intel hardware-assisted virtualization
EPT * Supports Intel extended page tables (SLAT)
I checked Windows Features and Hyper-V Hypervisor is still greyed out and still says "Hyper-V cannot be installed. The processor does not have second level address translation (SLAT) capabilities."
I just tried running coreinfo.exe -v -p in the admin cmd and adding the -p paused the results so that I can read them. I can't copy and paste the results here so I'm re-typing them:
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz
Intel64 Family 6 Model 15 Stepping 11, GenuineIntel
Microcode signature: 0000000BA
HYPERVISOR - Hypervisor is present
VMX * Supports Intel hardware-assisted virtualization
EPT * Supports Intel extended page tables (SLAT)
I checked Windows Features and Hyper-V Hypervisor is still greyed out and still says "Hyper-V cannot be installed. The processor does not have second level address translation (SLAT) capabilities."
I downloaded the Coreinfo and followed your instructions. The result: "Coreinfo.exe is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file."
I tried running Coreinfo.exe as admin and I could see it run and produce results but the window closes so fast and before I can read any of it.
I tried running Coreinfo.exe as admin and I could see it run and produce results but the window closes so fast and before I can read any of it.
I couldn't pinpoint their exact locations because BIOS menus are different from one manufacturer to the next. Best way to find these settings would be to browse the entire BIOS menu.
Another option is to use Sysinternal's CoreInfo.exe to determine if your machine supports Virtualization and SLAT. CoreInfo can be downloaded from http://download.sysinternals.com/files/Coreinfo.zip.
After you download it, you can run "CoreInfo.exe -v" from an elevated command prompt. The exact steps would be:
1. Download CoreInfo http://download.sysinternals.com/files/Coreinfo.zip
2. Extract it and move it to an easy to find location C:\coreinfo.exe.
3. Open an elevated CMD http://www.download3k.com/articles/What-is-an-Elevated-Command-Prompt-Several-ways-to-open-one-in-Windows-8-and-10-00434
4. Do "c:" and "cd\", without quotes.
5. Do "Coreinfo.exe -v", without quotes.
This gives the following output on my PC:
C:\>Coreinfo.exe -v
Coreinfo v3.31 - Dump information on system CPU and memory topology
Copyright (C) 2008-2014 Mark Russinovich
Sysinternals - www.sysinternals.com
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 CPU 750 @ 2.67GHz
Intel64 Family 6 Model 30 Stepping 5, GenuineIntel
Microcode signature: 00000005
HYPERVISOR - Hypervisor is present
VMX * Supports Intel hardware-assisted virtualization
EPT * Supports Intel extended page tables (SLAT)
Another option is to use Sysinternal's CoreInfo.exe to determine if your machine supports Virtualization and SLAT. CoreInfo can be downloaded from http://download.sysinternals.com/files/Coreinfo.zip.
After you download it, you can run "CoreInfo.exe -v" from an elevated command prompt. The exact steps would be:
1. Download CoreInfo http://download.sysinternals.com/files/Coreinfo.zip
2. Extract it and move it to an easy to find location C:\coreinfo.exe.
3. Open an elevated CMD http://www.download3k.com/articles/What-is-an-Elevated-Command-Prompt-Several-ways-to-open-one-in-Windows-8-and-10-00434
4. Do "c:" and "cd\", without quotes.
5. Do "Coreinfo.exe -v", without quotes.
This gives the following output on my PC:
C:\>Coreinfo.exe -v
Coreinfo v3.31 - Dump information on system CPU and memory topology
Copyright (C) 2008-2014 Mark Russinovich
Sysinternals - www.sysinternals.com
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 CPU 750 @ 2.67GHz
Intel64 Family 6 Model 30 Stepping 5, GenuineIntel
Microcode signature: 00000005
HYPERVISOR - Hypervisor is present
VMX * Supports Intel hardware-assisted virtualization
EPT * Supports Intel extended page tables (SLAT)
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kshu, I just finished re-upgrading to Windows 10 and I looked at the message behind the greyed our Hyper-V Hypervisor. I does say exactly the same thing it did before I enabled virtualization in the BIOS: "Hyper-V cannot be installed. The processor does not have second level address translation (SLAT) capabilities."
kshu, the message you asked about was before the BIOS was corrected. I'll plan to upgrade to Windows 10 again tonight and let you know what the current message is.
I don't have a problem trying the other method, but when I read over the tutorial, I found that it was telling me to make choices for certain steps that I have no way to know what to choose.
I don't have a problem trying the other method, but when I read over the tutorial, I found that it was telling me to make choices for certain steps that I have no way to know what to choose.
kshu....I am probably going to "wipe" my main ssd and do a clean install. Probably will create a second partition and set up a dual boot system. One for Windows 7 Pro and then upgrading to Windows 10 Pro and one for Windows XP Pro. As I built this computer, I did not set up nor do I have a recovery partition on this particular computer. Need to do a little research on setting up a dual boot system. Haven't tried that before. I may attempt to recreate the Hyper-V system again with the XP Mode. I will let you know of my progress.
jdmyers, you got the message "Hyper-V cannot be installed. The processor does not have second level address translation (SLAT) capabilities." AFTER you enabled virtualization from BIOS or with virtualization set to off? Is your Windows 7, the one you upgrade to Win 10, 32-bit or 64-bit?
Right now, a really good option for you would be to just download a VMware-ready XP virtual machine and import it to VMware Player (free) - from the other guide you said you find difficult following: http://www.download3k.com/articles/How-to-test-Windows-10-8-7-Vista-XP-for-Free-Legally-01181 (recently updated with fresh screens matching the layout change of the Microsoft Modern IE site used).
I did not personally test a VM import on Virtualbox or VMware Player under Win 10, but I assume it will work. I know the latest Virtualbox version has some incompatibility issues with Win 10 right now, so I'd go with WMware as a first choice at the moment. If you decide to follow that guide and run into trouble, feel free to leave a comment on the tutorial page and I'll try to help. I'm currently testing the XP VM with VMware and Virtualbox under Windows 10 myself so, if you wait a fee days, I might have a tutorial on those scenarios as well.
railcrafter, I added my networking troubleshooting suggestion at the bottom of this tutorial as well, just to be clearer, with pics. It did work for me with a Legacy Network Adapter.
Regarding your File Explorer crashing, you might consider first doing a Reset, with or without keeping your personal files: Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC. I'm assuming the File Explorer crashes in Windows 10.
Or open an elevated cmd and try "sfc /scannow". If you're not familiar with sfc, then type "sfc /?" and see what it does.
Right now, a really good option for you would be to just download a VMware-ready XP virtual machine and import it to VMware Player (free) - from the other guide you said you find difficult following: http://www.download3k.com/articles/How-to-test-Windows-10-8-7-Vista-XP-for-Free-Legally-01181 (recently updated with fresh screens matching the layout change of the Microsoft Modern IE site used).
I did not personally test a VM import on Virtualbox or VMware Player under Win 10, but I assume it will work. I know the latest Virtualbox version has some incompatibility issues with Win 10 right now, so I'd go with WMware as a first choice at the moment. If you decide to follow that guide and run into trouble, feel free to leave a comment on the tutorial page and I'll try to help. I'm currently testing the XP VM with VMware and Virtualbox under Windows 10 myself so, if you wait a fee days, I might have a tutorial on those scenarios as well.
railcrafter, I added my networking troubleshooting suggestion at the bottom of this tutorial as well, just to be clearer, with pics. It did work for me with a Legacy Network Adapter.
Regarding your File Explorer crashing, you might consider first doing a Reset, with or without keeping your personal files: Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC. I'm assuming the File Explorer crashes in Windows 10.
Or open an elevated cmd and try "sfc /scannow". If you're not familiar with sfc, then type "sfc /?" and see what it does.
kshu...Yes, I will try your suggestion on the legacy NIC and let you know the results. Got some other work I need to do now, but will get to it later today. Thanks for your suggestions. Nothing to do with Hyper-V, but I am also having a problem with Windows Explorer "crashing" on me occasionally. I'm thinking I may have to do a clean re-install of Windows 7 Pro, upgrade to Windows 10 Pro, and then re-install my programs, etc.
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jdmyers, I don't think the old XP Mode on Win 7 is causing any problems with Win 10. The XP Mode in Windows 7 worked using Virtual PC. In Windows 10, Virtual PC is no longer active and have been replaced with Hyper-V. Also, this tutorial is only using the XP Mode file to extract the .vhd from it and nothing else.
So I don't see a conflict between the old Win 7 and Win 10. Or maybe I'm missing something.
Anyways, you can't make use of this tutorial unless Hyper-V is active on Win 10 Pro. In your case, it wasn't and I have no idea why. That warning message when hovering over the disabled Hyper-V Hypervisor could have provided some clues.
So I don't see a conflict between the old Win 7 and Win 10. Or maybe I'm missing something.
Anyways, you can't make use of this tutorial unless Hyper-V is active on Win 10 Pro. In your case, it wasn't and I have no idea why. That warning message when hovering over the disabled Hyper-V Hypervisor could have provided some clues.
kshu, to answer your questions:
I used 7-zip. I downloaded and installed it as per step 2 above. I don't know which version but assume it was the latest version.
I didn't re-check the message for Hypervisor after changing the BIOS and I've already rolled back to Windows 7 for the 2nd time until we find out if we can get Windows 10 to work.
I will say that when I rolled back to Windows 7, XP Mode would not work so I tried to reinstall it and it wanted the old one uninstalled first. Add/remove programs would not uninstall it. I finally got it off the machine using IO-bit Uninstaller. At that point I ran out of time to do the install so I don't know if this will be successful. Do you think this uninstall/old version issue could have been the problem after upgrading to Windows 10?
I used 7-zip. I downloaded and installed it as per step 2 above. I don't know which version but assume it was the latest version.
I didn't re-check the message for Hypervisor after changing the BIOS and I've already rolled back to Windows 7 for the 2nd time until we find out if we can get Windows 10 to work.
I will say that when I rolled back to Windows 7, XP Mode would not work so I tried to reinstall it and it wanted the old one uninstalled first. Add/remove programs would not uninstall it. I finally got it off the machine using IO-bit Uninstaller. At that point I ran out of time to do the install so I don't know if this will be successful. Do you think this uninstall/old version issue could have been the problem after upgrading to Windows 10?
railcrafter, you can try this as well before going the Vmware/Virtualbox way (which I still consider far more user friendly with their settings):
1. Turn off the XP VM.
2. Open its settings window. You can do this in several ways:
- a) From the Hyper-V Manager, select the XP VM and, in the right hand pane, click Settings.
- b) If the XP VM window is active, you can click File > Settings.
3. In the Settings window, simply Add Hardware > Legacy Network Adapter. The Add Hardware option is the first one in the Settings window.
4. Make sure the Legacy Network Adapter is set to use the previously created Virtual Switch.
5. Click Apply/OK and start the XP VM again.
It should result in a quick driver install in the VM and the network should work inside the VM.
Let me know if this worked for you please.
1. Turn off the XP VM.
2. Open its settings window. You can do this in several ways:
- a) From the Hyper-V Manager, select the XP VM and, in the right hand pane, click Settings.
- b) If the XP VM window is active, you can click File > Settings.
3. In the Settings window, simply Add Hardware > Legacy Network Adapter. The Add Hardware option is the first one in the Settings window.
4. Make sure the Legacy Network Adapter is set to use the previously created Virtual Switch.
5. Click Apply/OK and start the XP VM again.
It should result in a quick driver install in the VM and the network should work inside the VM.
Let me know if this worked for you please.
I will try Virtualbox or Wmware. However, should I be able to access my NIC from within the XP Mode under Hyper-V? Or, am I configuring it incorrectly?
So, I had XP Mode working just fine on my Windows 7 Pro Desktop and ungraded to Windows 10 Pro. I got Windows 10 Pro working just fine on my Desktop and as I still have an accounting program that needed to run in Windows XP, I decided to attempt an XP Mode in Windows 10. I activated the Hyper-V Manager, created a vitual "external" switch and selected the installed Intel NIC. I then created a Virtual Machine, choosing Generation 1, set 2048 for Dynamic Startup memory, selected the installed NIC, Created a virtual hard disk, and then installed the Windows XP Pro from an installation CD. The install went well and the Virtual XP Mode appeared to be working okay, EXCEPT that it will not discover the internal Intel NIC. And so, I can't connect to the LAN or of course the internet. I tried installing the drivers for the installed NIC to no avail. The driver installation indicated that it could not discover the NIC. SO.......what am I overlooking or doing wrong?
Here's an update on what I've done after my last post. I rolled the OS back to Windows 7 and discovered my VM would no longer work there either. I went to the BIOS and found the virtualization was off (probably from a BIOS update I did a few days ago) and I turned it on. Then I reupgraded to Windows 10. I've started the steps here over again. The same issue exists on step 3a in that it only completes 99% and gives the same warning. It did create the files and allowed me to proceed, but once again on step 4b, the Hyper-V Hypervisor is greyed out. I proceeded anyway and this time on step 5c I got an error message while trying to retrieve a list of virtual switches saying the operation failed. I tried to get Microsoft to help me but that was a joke. Do you think this is something we can make work or should I stay with Windows 7?
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I will have a look at those errors later on and see if I find a solution for you.
Meanwhile, maybe this guide is enough for what you need:
http://www.download3k.com/articles/How-to-test-Windows-10-8-7-Vista-XP-for-Free-Legally-01181
With it, you can create a VM running XP. The XP in the VM should be activated for 90 days - and from there you have 2 options: use an existing XP license to activate it, or use the Snapshots feature of Virtualbox to rollback the VM to a previous state. It's all covered in that tutorial.
Overall, the steps in that tutorial are much easier to follow, with no need to extract the .vhd. The VMs come already prepared from Microsoft's servers.
I hope that helps for now.
Meanwhile, maybe this guide is enough for what you need:
http://www.download3k.com/articles/How-to-test-Windows-10-8-7-Vista-XP-for-Free-Legally-01181
With it, you can create a VM running XP. The XP in the VM should be activated for 90 days - and from there you have 2 options: use an existing XP license to activate it, or use the Snapshots feature of Virtualbox to rollback the VM to a previous state. It's all covered in that tutorial.
Overall, the steps in that tutorial are much easier to follow, with no need to extract the .vhd. The VMs come already prepared from Microsoft's servers.
I hope that helps for now.
Okay, even though step 3a only got to 99%, it did create the file needed. I was able to continue the steps. However, in step 4b, when I checked the box next to Hyper-V, one of the sub boxes was greyed out and did not check. It was the Hyper-V Hypervisor. That is the error message I'm now getting in step 6b. How do I turn on a greyed out feature?
I left the extracting running for about an hour and it never got past 99%. So I started over, this time downloading the files to my desktop instead of my file server. Same results at Step 3a, it got to 99% extracting and was stuck. Only one warning this time: "There are some data after the end of the payload data".
The 1st issue I have in the process is on step 3a during extraction of the WindowsXPMode_en-us file. It gets to 99% extracting and seems to stop. There are some warnings in the box:
1 There are some data after the end of the payload data
2 Can not delete output file : The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.
I'm not sure what that means but it did extract the WindowsXPMode_n_en-us directory containing the sources directory which contains the xpm file.
The 2nd issue I get in in step 3c during extraction of the VirtualXPVHD file. It gets to 99% copying and seems to stop. There is a message that says "1 Can not open output file : Access is denied. "C"\VirtualXPVHD".
I'm not sure if that is okay or not but it did create the VirtualXPVHD file that I renamed to add the .vhd extension.
1 There are some data after the end of the payload data
2 Can not delete output file : The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.
I'm not sure what that means but it did extract the WindowsXPMode_n_en-us directory containing the sources directory which contains the xpm file.
The 2nd issue I get in in step 3c during extraction of the VirtualXPVHD file. It gets to 99% copying and seems to stop. There is a message that says "1 Can not open output file : Access is denied. "C"\VirtualXPVHD".
I'm not sure if that is okay or not but it did create the VirtualXPVHD file that I renamed to add the .vhd extension.
OK, I have win 7 running with virtual XP mode available. If I upgrade to the free offer of windows 10 and then follow the details above will I still have the XP programmes available or will I have to reload them all again in the virtual machine. i.e. does the virtual hard drive have my installed XP programmes? Thank you in anticipation of your help.
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a3k, that's normal. It is supposed to be an exe file. Right click on the .exe file and see if you have your regular WinRar extracting options there.
Here is step 3 of the tutorial, adjusted for WinRar:
- right-click WindowsXPMode_en-us.exe and choose "Extract to WindowsXPMode_en-us"
- browse to WindowsXPMode_en-us\Sources and notice the xpm file with no extension
- rename xpm to xpm.rar
- open xpm.rar with WinRar and notice the VirtualXPVHD file
- extract VirtualXPVHD to a location of your choice
- rename it to VirtualXPVHD.vhd
- (optional) clean up: delete WindowsXPMode_en-us.exe and everything you extracted from it, except VirtualXPVHD.vhd
Continue with steps 4, 5, 6 of the tutorial. I hope this helps.
Here is step 3 of the tutorial, adjusted for WinRar:
- right-click WindowsXPMode_en-us.exe and choose "Extract to WindowsXPMode_en-us"
- browse to WindowsXPMode_en-us\Sources and notice the xpm file with no extension
- rename xpm to xpm.rar
- open xpm.rar with WinRar and notice the VirtualXPVHD file
- extract VirtualXPVHD to a location of your choice
- rename it to VirtualXPVHD.vhd
- (optional) clean up: delete WindowsXPMode_en-us.exe and everything you extracted from it, except VirtualXPVHD.vhd
Continue with steps 4, 5, 6 of the tutorial. I hope this helps.
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I could do everything nicely, untill the 5th step came by, somehow, windows 10 (build 10122) doesn't find hyper-v when I search it after pressing start. All it shows is the possibility to search it through bing -.-'
Anyhow, I searched if there would be any other way of opening hyper-v but I couldn't find one. What should I do?
Anyhow, I searched if there would be any other way of opening hyper-v but I couldn't find one. What should I do?
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