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I installed "XP Mode" in Windows 7 (which uses Windows Virtual PC to host XP). I have now discovered that VirtualBox, which I have installed on the same Windows 7 machine, refuses to run at the same time as Windows Virtual PC (it gives me an error about not running multiple visualization programs).

Is there any way I can convert the "XP Mode" image so that it will run inside VirtualBox instead of Windows Virtual PC? That way I will be able to run XP as well as other VM's at the same time.

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why not run the other VMs under VirtualPC instead? – quack quixote Jan 31 '10 at 2:00

2 Answers

up vote 5 down vote accepted

Following up @Molly7244's post, VMLite plugin for virtualbox.

http://www.sevenforums.com/virtualization/56399-vmlite-xp-mode-plugin-virtualbox-released.html

The official VMLite XP Mode Plugin for Sun VirtualBox, which enables VirtualBox to run XP Mode, has been released. Free download is available from our download area.

http://www.vmlite.com/index.php/download (the 2nd binary VMLiteWorkstationPluginSetup.exe) (registration required)

Who needs the plugin?

(1) Current VirtualBox users that want to run XP Mode. The plugin is fully compatible with VirtualBox 3.1.2, so your existing VirtualBox and virtual Machines won't be touched in any way. The plugin simply installs to a separate folder, and enables VirtualBox to run XP Mode.

(2) Current VMLite users that want to support USB devices, such as USB printers, USB webcams, etc. You will need to uninstall your current VMLite Workstation first.

How to install?

It requires Sun VirtualBox 3.1.2. you need to Install VirtualBox first, then install the plugin.

You will be able to run XP Mode with VirtualBox, or with the newly installed VMLite Workstation.

1) Current VirtualBox Users without any VMLite installed

you can download the plugin, and install VMLite, then follow the wizard to create the first XP Mode vm.

2) Current VMLite users without any VirtualBox installed

Follow the following steps exactly:

(1) Uninstall your current VMLite Workstation better to reboot the host machine after VMLite Workstation is uninstalled

(2) Very important - otherwise your previous VMs won't be available rename this folder, c:\users\%your-user-id%\VMLites to c:\users\%your-user-id%.VirtualBox (yes, there is a dot in front of VirtualBox)

(3) Download and install Sun VirtualBox 3.1.2 www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

(4) Download and Install our VMLite Plugin for VirtualBox the 2nd binary from our download page (VMLiteWorkstationPluginSetup.exe) www.vmlite.com/index.php/download

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up vote 2 down vote

When using the "XP Mode" VHD with VBox you'll have trouble with the activation, better setup up a your own XP VirtualBox.

VMLite is supposed to be working with the XP Mode VHD, however, it is build on the open source edition (OSE) of VirtualBox, which is lacking USB throughput. VMLite is particularly popular with users who can't run XP Mode in VPC due to hardware limitations (no hardware virtualization support).

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But then I need to buy a licensed XP right? (XP Mode is free with Windows 7 Ultimate) – JoelFan Jan 31 '10 at 1:39
1  
@JoelFan: you'd need a license anyway; Microsoft doesn't license your XP-mode image for use under another virtualizer. – quack quixote Jan 31 '10 at 1:59
1  
@JoelFan - If the license is your concern, you can always grab a free (but time-limited) Internet Explorer Application Compatibility VPC Image, they do work with VBox. microsoft.com/downloads/… – Molly7244 Jan 31 '10 at 2:04
So if it works in VMLite, will it also work in regular VBox? – JoelFan Jan 31 '10 at 15:47
@JoelFan - It will boot but fail the activation in VirtualBox. There might be workarounds but that might not be legal, so i'd rather not discuss it here. – Molly7244 Jan 31 '10 at 17:45

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