Anatoly Cherdenko
Addict
Want to try Linux, run an old Windows, or keep a stubborn DOS program alive without touching your real install? Virtual PC 2007 lets you run another operating system in a window, in a virtual machine with its own virtual hard disk, and it's free. This is Service Pack 1, version 6.0.192.0, built for Windows XP and Vista.
Download:
Download Virtual PC 2007 SP1
Tip: the mouse gets captured by the virtual machine, and Right Alt is the key that gives it back. Once the guest is installed, run Install or Update Virtual Machine Additions from the Action menu for smoother mouse movement and better integration. A fixed-size virtual disk takes all its space the moment you create it, so check you have room, and don't delete the .vhd file unless you want the virtual machine gone with it.
Update: Windows 7 replaced this with Windows Virtual PC, covered in Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC, and Windows 8 and later use Hyper-V. This is the final release of Virtual PC 2007, and it may misbehave on anything newer than Vista.
Download:
Download Virtual PC 2007 SP1
- Unzip it, run setup.exe and follow the wizard.
- Start Virtual PC from the Start menu, choose New and let the wizard create a virtual machine and its virtual hard disk.
- Start the machine and install your operating system from a disc, or from an ISO through the CD menu.
Tip: the mouse gets captured by the virtual machine, and Right Alt is the key that gives it back. Once the guest is installed, run Install or Update Virtual Machine Additions from the Action menu for smoother mouse movement and better integration. A fixed-size virtual disk takes all its space the moment you create it, so check you have room, and don't delete the .vhd file unless you want the virtual machine gone with it.
Update: Windows 7 replaced this with Windows Virtual PC, covered in Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC, and Windows 8 and later use Hyper-V. This is the final release of Virtual PC 2007, and it may misbehave on anything newer than Vista.
