Windows 7 to have "XP Mode", Special Requirements Discussion

Microsoft's upcoming Windows 7 operating system will have an "XP mode" feature that allows users to run programs that do not work on Vista or 7 through a virtual version of XP.

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Even though I'll probably never have a use for this virtual XP, I'll probably try it out when I get my hands on Windows 7; I had planned on getting the Ultimate edition anyway, and my T9500 and Studio 1535 BIOS both support Virtualization Technology, and I have 4GB RAM.

 

Very nice. I, too, will probably not have a need to use the virtual XP mode but it is a nice thing to have anyway for those rare times when there is a compatibility problem.

The only programs that would require a virtual XP mode are, for me, CleanCache and Spacemonger. I miss both those programs.

 

Nice move by Microsoft, this would swing a lot of users to using windows 7.

 

...unless, of course, Microsoft arrogantly, and idealistically, prices themselves out of the market by charging outrageous amounts for Windows 7, as reported in another thread.

The price could be a dealbreaker for many if Microsoft doesn't listen to the consumer.

 

I don't really think they would. I assume the marketing team at Microsoft knows better than that.

 

Are you're sure you're not talking about Apple? Almost all of their things fit your description.

 

I hope the XP mode will allow to use old devices that have only driver for XP like scanner.

 

The Inquirer is casting doubts about how well this mode will work.

And I just saw this with a memorable quote:

If that's true then why hurry ahead with Windows 7?

John

 

Hmm I think this is nice, it may be a way for me to run some of those old games/programs that wont work for me in Vista.

Does it run 32bit XP if your in 64bit Win 7 is the question.

My program PPJoy for instance is 16bit and wont run in a 64bit OS.

I definitely think I will be one to explore this option for what its worth.

 

You actually believe what the Inquirer says? That article is the biggest pile of cr@p I've read in a while. The guy doesn't even know what he's talking about and is simply out there to bash MSFT for whatever it's worth.

 

Lol true enough, soon as I was old enough to read as a kid, I knew inquire was like pure bs & screwed information the first time I read one of there magazines.

I always thougt it was supposed to be a joke magazine that you read knowing its false for entertainment, I cant believe some people actually think things from them to be true.

 

It's written tabloid-style, which means half-truths and whole lies.

 

If this XP mode works well then I will definitely be more inclined to upgrade to Windows 7. There are several games I have that do not work on Vista that I want to play.

 

Seriously, that guy doesn't know crap. The entire article is a piece of but the sad thing is there are people reading it and believing it.

 

Since this XP Mode requires hardware virtuilization support from the processor, its pretty lame since some manufacturers deliberately lock off the feature in their computers, Sony locks it off on almost all their computers. Lets hope they change their stance once Windows 7 launches as it would be lame to cut off their customers from this major feature of the OS.

From what I can tell, this feature uses Microsoft's own Virtual PC technology so this XP Mode is identical to installing Virtual PC on Windows 7 and running XP from there, no difference?


Also, what would the rough performance hit would be vs. natively running XP?

 

Except this time Microsoft supports the technology, so if there are problems with incompability, they have to deal with it.

 

It's probably not going to work well for games because I'd assume it won't virtualise your graphics card.

 

Yeah but Chaz is probably in the same situation as me, all the old games we have that wont run on Vista are so old that they really dont require much gpu work

Games like Worms or Mortal Kombat Trilogy, they dont even require a 3d card.

Though I have to wonder with Virtual PC, what is this going to do better otherwise its nothing new.

My guess is make it more lamans and easy to use, but with hope maybe it can do full blow 3d acceleration and stuff too.

 

Consider me mad but I do read The Inquirer.

Has their research on the nVidia GPU problem proved to be wrong?

For me, this latest article about the XP mode cautions me to do more research about how well it works before considering spending money on W7.

John

 

Having spoken to a couple of people in the industry (of designing and producing laptops) their take is "yeah right, show me" on this XP feature as well. Even though MSFT is saying it removes the barrier for Enterprises upgrading to Windows 7 for lack of backward compatibility with XP dependent software, you'll still see them wait at least a year or two before moving to Windows 7.

For consumers who don't have to worry about support for thousands of users, I think this is just a cherry on top of an OS that already looks pretty promising.

 

It takes it a step further by allowing you to run XP apps in a seamless mode similar to VMware Fusion for Mac.

Hopefully, if Microsoft does this right, they can do a completely rebuilt Windows from the ground up-kind of how Apple did with Mac OS X. Just as there was OS 9 Classic in the beginning, there could be XP Mode for Windows.