Datasheet

Virtualization Considerations 31
Next you’ll need to enable the virtualization option in the BIOS. My experience is that
this is not enabled by default, so you’ll need to reboot your system, read the screen to see
what key to use to enter BIOS, and then search for the virtualization option.
Many versions of BIOS are available, and there’s no standard of how to access BIOS.
Sometimes you’re prompted to press F10, sometimes the Delete key, and at other times
you’re prompted just to press any key at the appropriate time. The only thing that is consis-
tent is that a message will appear telling you what key to press to enter the setup mode that
allows access to the system BIOS.
The virtualization setting can be called AMD-V or Intel VT or simply Virtualization
Technology. Find the setting and enable it.
If the processor is capable, but the BIOS doesn’t have the Virtualization Technology set-
ting, it’s possible you’ll need to upgrade or flash the BIOS. Access the command prompt
and enter
SystemInfo. This takes a minute to complete, but it will list a significant amount
of information about your system including the BIOS version. You can search the Internet
using this information for a possible upgrade. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to
complete this process.
Downloading the Software
Once you’ve verified your processor is capable and you’ve configured the BIOS, you can
begin downloading the software needed for Windows XP Mode. You’ll need at least 1.6 GB
of free space. The space can be on any available partition.
The two files you’ll need to download and install are as follows:
Windows Virtual PC This is actually a Windows Update labeled as KB 958559. Both an
x86 version (for 32-bit systems) and an x64 version (for 64-bit systems) exist. Make sure
you install the one that’s right for your system. This will require rebooting your system.
Windows XP Mode This file is about 480 MB. It’s a self-extracting executable that will
add Windows XP Mode to your system and install the instance of Windows XP that can be
used to run legacy applications. There is only one version of this file, and it will work for
both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.
You can find both Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode at Microsoft’s
download site at
www.download.Microsoft.com. Search for “Windows Virtual PC” and
“Windows XP Mode.”
You’ll need the version of Virtual PC designed to work with Windows 7
and Windows XP Mode. If you have an older version of Virtual PC, you’ll
need to uninstall it first. An easy way to see if you have a compatible ver-
sion is by the name; if you’re running a version called Windows Virtual PC,
it’ll work because Windows Virtual PC was released with Windows 7. If
you’re running a version named Microsoft Virtual PC, you’ll need to unin-
stall it first.
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