Operate Windows 7 in XP mode

Microsoft offers users of Windows 7 the so-called "XP Mode". With this mode, older programs that do not work on Windows 7 can still be used. Read this practical tip to find out how to install XP Mode.

Step 1: check the Windows 7 version

Microsoft offers a free Windows XP mode for the Windows 7 versions Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise. This means that you can still use older applications that no longer run on Windows 7.

1. First, check which version of Windows 7 you have. To do this, press the key combination [Win] + [Pause] or right-click on the workstation and select the "Properties".
2. If you have the Home Basic or Home Premium version, you have to take a small detour. In the following instructions, only download "Windows Virtual PC".

Step 2: download files for XP mode

1. First you need the "Windows Virtual PC" program to set up a virtual system. Download it here.
2. Then download the XP mode. Here you will find the link for download.
3. If you use Windows 7 in the 64-bit version, you must download the XP mode directly from the following download from Microsoft.
4. After validation, two downloads are available. "WindowsXPMode_de-de.exe" is the full version of Windows XP including media player and media center. With "WindowsXPMode_N_de-de.exe" there is no native player.

Step 3: Install and set up XP mode

1. First install "Windows Virtual PC". This is known as "Update for Windows (KB958559)".
2. After a restart, the "Windows Virtual PC" application is available to set up virtual systems.
3. Then install Windows XP Mode and start it after the installation.
4. Follow the steps in the setup wizard to install the XP Virtual System.
5. You can then use the virtual Windows XP. To do this, open "Windows XP Mode" in the Start menu.

XP mode with Windows 7 Home Basic and Home Premium

If you do not have the variants of Windows 7 mentioned above, you do not have to do without a virtual Windows XP. The prerequisite is that you have a legal Windows XP installation CD or download an ISO file from Windows.

1. To do this, open the "Windows Virtual PC" in the start menu and click on "Create virtual computer" in the menu bar at the top.
2. Follow the wizard's instructions.
3. As a rule, 512 MB should be sufficient as working memory for Windows XP.
4. After you have set up the virtual system, insert the Windows XP CD and start the virtual system with a double click on the "XP Mode.vmcx" file.
5. The installation of Windows XP should now start in the virtual system, which you carry out step by step.

Optional: Install integration features

With the integration features, programs that you install in the virtual system are also displayed in the physical operating system in the start menu.

1. Create a user with the same name and password as on your "real" system.
2. If not integrated in the XP version, install Service Pack 3 using the Windows Update.
3. Then click "Tools" and "Install integration features" in Windows Virtual PC.
4. Windows should then automatically install the update (KB961742). If not, you will find the link for manual download here.
5. Restart Windows Virtual PC and click on "Tools" and "Activate integration features".

If the Windows Virtual Machine does not appeal to you, try the free VMware Player.