This is going to sound like a stupid question, but my processor doesn't support virtualization. I haven't got any software virtual machines to work either (I must be an idiot, because I've tried). My question is exactly how well does VHD XP work in 7. I have my current PC dual boot, because there are a few programs that only work in XP that I rely on. One example is a program that changes your ethernet MAC address on the fly. This is software that controls hardware- would it work in virtual XP on win7?
I must say the integration with XPmode in VPC is pretty sweet under Windows 7. I also have the same issue on my laptop it does not support hardware based virtualizing. But regardless after playing with it on my desktop that does I find that using virtualbox seamless mode works just as well and does not have the same hardware requirements as xpmode. just my .02 cents, Chris
I have to second that thought. XP Mode works pretty good once you change the available memory it can use, the default is 256mb but if you have more then 2Gigs then you can bump it to 1024 and you'll see a big difference in performance.
XP as VM with 1024Mb I think it is a waste (no matter what your host has available) Natively it used less than 130Mb idle due to not haveing any hardware drivers overheads etc 512Mb is just fine (what do you expect to do in XP anyway?) sebus
I was just saying you *could* bump up the memory it uses, never said it *needed* to be bumped to 1024. Some people are not aware you can bump up the memory on XP Mode.
I'm not concerned about the memory issue, I do have one program thats XP only that requires a considerable amount. I want to know if a virtual OS can control computer hardware or is it not possible because it uses virtual hardware.
All hardware is virtual apart from CPU/memory and disk space on USB media What is that you need exactly? sebus
To be able to control (rapidly switch) the MAC address and network configurations- in a way that can't be done easily (at least not now) in windows 7. Also to see other XP computers on the network (without adding additional software or changing their network configurations)
During "hack attacks" even when they have the ip, changing the mac will kick 'em out for just a bit. I normally don't run any firewall or AV for that matter. It has the same effect as closing a port on your router that is being dos attacked, without the hassle. I've had my system pinged badly enough that I get an "unable to connect error" until I change the MAC or close a specific port; which is a pain with my current router. What caused (causes) this? - DL'ing stuff I really shouldn't have gained access to. I'll just leave it at that. (Same reason I have 2 ip addys, lol)