The virtual machine is Windows XP. Creating a Windows XP Virtual Machine

Today there is a small circle of users of computer systems, which in their work prefer not to use two operating systems installed in parallel on one computer, and so-called virtual machines. Today we will find out what it is, and at the same time give readers recommendations on how to configure a virtual machine Windows XP. We note at once that there should not be any difficulties here, so do not be frightened.

What is a Windows XP virtual machine and why is it needed?

Let's start, perhaps, with the most burning question about what really represents this seemingly plausible concept.

If you do not consider the technical side of the operation of such a system, the simplest explanation will be the fact that, in fact, such a program in operation is a complete analog to a real computer, but only in a virtual version. In the operating system, which is provided as a guest, you can work in the same way as in the usual "operating system" installed on the user terminal.

It goes without saying that such a system easily installs programs, changes settings, etc. In other words, in a virtual "Windows" you can see how this or that program will work, and even infected with the virus, without affecting the underlying OS.

And Windows XP as a guest system is chosen not by chance. The fact is that, starting with the version of Vista, some applications that are designed exclusively for "expirka" simply stop working, and they have to run in compatibility mode. Well, you will not install two "OSes", but also so that they do not conflict with each other? Firstly, this is a rather laborious process, and secondly, if we proceed from the honesty of a law-abiding user, then additional expenses for acquiring a license are inevitable.

In this sense, the creation of a virtual machine Windows XP has many advantages. In addition, the process does not take much time. The only thing that you have to pay attention to is some nuances when choosing parameters. But about everything in order.

Startup disk

Now consider the initial conditions and determine what we need to create a virtual machine Windows XP on Windows 8, for example, although for any other "OSes", starting with the "seven" and higher, the process will be the same.

Naturally, you can not do without a boot disk or an image created from the original Windows XP installation disk, and preferably with a full third service pack (SP3).

To do this, you can use your own tools already available on the computer system, but it is better to give preference to programs like UltraISO, DAEMON Tools and the like. The process is fairly simple, so there is no point in dwelling on it in detail.

Creating a virtual machine: choosing a program and basic requirements

Further, for example, when creating a virtual machine Windows XP 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 established "operating system".

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, so to say, practicality and ease of operation in this example, we will use VirtualBox, a program often called a "sandbox".

Installing Oracle VirtualBox

So, the Windows XP virtual machine on Windows 10, for example, can be created only after installing the main software product in the existing environment ("operating system").

As expected, the main installation file of the program is launched first. Immediately we stipulate that the launch should be performed on behalf of the Administrator, otherwise errors may occur. Next, as in all standard procedures, we select the place where the software product will be installed, put the checkboxes next to the icons on the desktop (if needed), in general, follow the instructions of the "Setup Wizard".

During the installation, windows with warnings may appear that the program has not been tested for compatibility. Do not panic. Just click the continue button. Yes, by the way, if suddenly during the installation the Internet connection is lost, there is nothing terrible in this 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 the good program), the application will start automatically, and with the interface in the language that is installed in the existing "default" by default.

Additional requirements

During the installation, you should pay attention to the fact that the program can request installation of all drivers. If this situation occurs, in all dialog boxes we simply agree with the suggestions.

And further. If, at the end of the installation, you need to run the program in compatibility mode, you need to right-click on the file and select Start in the appropriate mode with Administrator rights in the context menu. But, as practice shows, this in most cases is not required.

Virtual machine Windows XP on Windows 7 and higher: the 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 from the top or the command to add a machine in the menu. Let's talk at once: depending on the version of the application itself, the names of the buttons, menu lines or appearance may differ. But, as already clear, the essence of this does not change.

At the first stage, the virtual machine Windows XP assumes to enter its name, after which the operating system category is chosen, which, presumably, will be installed later (in our case this is an "expiry").

Criteria for choosing the amount of RAM

The next step is to specify the amount of RAM required for the work. There you have to be careful. For example, if you need to test one or two not too resource-intensive programs, you can put at least 192 MB.

If the user wants to avoid "slowing down", it is better to use either 512 MB or 1024 MB. True, one should take into account the capabilities of its system, so it is not recommended to overestimate the bar, but when the virtual machine is turned on, the main system will start to slow down.

Nuances of creating a virtual hard disk

Next, you should choose a location on the hard drive where the image of the virtual machine Windows XP with the system installed in the future will be stored. In this case, the "Create virtual hard disk wizard" is started.

The user will be prompted to create a dynamic or static partition. See for yourself. Dynamic partition as it is filled can automatically increase in size, and static partition has fixed volumes. Regardless of which type is selected, it is desirable to specify at least 10 GB (and more, but again, everything depends on the physical capacity of the existing hard drive, including all its logical partitions).

At the same time, the location of the information storage is selected. Note that you do not need to create a new partition manually on the existing system. In the program, you can select the desired location as a folder (by default it's Win_XP_SP3 in the specified location). 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 on drive C, for Windows XP, it's best to select partition D.

When the settings are continued, all parameters of the created machine will be displayed. If all is correct, click on the end button. The first part of the way is passed.

Installing Windows XP

Now go to the process of installing the guest system. To do this, we use either the created installation disk or an 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 in such a way that the CD-ROM is in the first place for installing the "expiry" (it can simply be dragged 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 the same as if this "operating system" was installed on the hard drive in the normal mode.

Shared folders and add-ons

But that's 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 regular flash drives.

In addition, the user should be able to switch between the primary and guest OS, for example, using a standard mouse. To do this, start the guest "OSes", and then in the "Devices" select the command to install add-ons to it. Now that's all. We got a ready-made virtual machine Windows XP, fully working and ready to use.

In the very "ekspishke" you can make all the standard actions, say, by adding new devices, working with programs and documents, etc. In general, such a virtual machine Windows XP looks absolutely identical to a real computer. In addition, if the machine is in Startup, when the main system starts, you can choose which OS to start. Although it is fair to say that this is never required.

Instead of concluding

So, here is a brief overview of the main issues related to creating and configuring a Windows XP virtual machine. Finally I want to draw your attention to the fact that the option was considered exclusively for Windows systems higher than the "expiry". However, the creation of such a machine can almost exactly the same be done in other OSes, for example, in Linux Ubuntu or any other, while the process of its creation and functioning absolutely does not differ from everything that was described above. By the way, for all those who work with systems other than Windows, this is quite a serious plus, but mostly those who develop software will be happy.