AfterDawn: News

Microsoft finishes up Win 7's XP Mode

Microsoft Corp. has released the final Windows 7 XP Mode software to manufacturing, and will offer it for download later this month from its website. The Windows 7 virtualization tool is offered to provide incentive for businesses to upgrade to Microsoft's new operating system when it is released later in October.

"We expect many Windows XP applications to be compatible [with] Windows 7," reads a blog post from Microsoft, "however Windows XP Mode is meant to serve as an added safety net so small and mid-sized businesses can migrate and run Windows 7 without any road blocks."



Windows XP Mode software will be available for users of Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Enterprise, or Windows 7 Ultimate from Microsoft's website on October 22, when WIndows 7 is scheduled to launch. It requires an extra gigabyte of RAM, 15GB disk space and virtualization features must be present in hardware and activation in BIOS.

Written by: James Delahunty @ 2 Oct 2009 2:46

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• 48 comments

• plazma247

  Can you say MS virtual PC ... come on microsoft been doing that for ages.
  
  How about enabling Direct X compatibility under virtual PC instead of spending your time bolting it onto the back of the OS.

  2.10.2009 03:53 #1

• KillerBug

  Originally posted by plazma247: Can you say MS virtual PC ... come on microsoft been doing that for ages.That's what I thought at first, but it is not like virtual PC. It is much more integrated with the rest of the GUI that virtual PC ever was...no more pressing ATL+TAB to move your mouse off of it or any of that crap. There is no DirectX support because XP mode is not designed for gaming/graphics/etc...it is designed for proprietary business apps that were writen for Windows 95. These are typicaly text-based...or with very basic GUI's that could never benifit from DirectX support.

  2.10.2009 06:02 #2

• joe777

  Quote:It requires an extra gigabyte of RAM, 15GB disk space and virtualization features must be present in hardware and activation in BIOS. That doesn't sound to good. Activation in bios? Sounds like MS are basically saying, its going to be a hassle for you, more ram more HDD space and messing with your bios, ah just use our new equivalent of whatever old product your using it only costs blah blah blah to buy and you must give us your money.
  With many business's not migrating to vista, I can also see not many migrating to 7 either. But when support is dropped from XP this will make some business's panic and force them into spending money to do something that their old system is still capable of doing.

  2.10.2009 08:12 #3

• core2kid

  Windows XP was released October 25th, 2001. It's almost 8 years old. To me it still performs like a brand new couple year old OS. I'm so happy with it and see no reason to spend to upgrade to Windows 7.
  
  Seems like Windows 7's release date could be the same as Windows XP's if a delay occurs.

  2.10.2009 10:56 #4

• windsong

  Windows7 is windows Vista with service pack 3. If you didnt like Vista, you wont like W7.

  2.10.2009 13:53 #5

• jony218

  Unless your motherboard supports "virtualization" this is worthless. Many people still using XP probably don't have the latest motherboards that can handle this feature. Might as will use virtualbox or something easier. If it worked on all motherboards then it would be beneficial for everybody to upgrade.

  2.10.2009 14:01 #6

• elitepunk

  what a bunch a carksuckerz eh? i don't need no win7. sheeeit, windows xpsp2 4 life.

  2.10.2009 14:07 #7

• LissenUp

  I use 7 RTM 64-bit and it's the best OS yet. I run all games, audio editing software and everything else on it FLAWLESSLY. The only program that doesn't work (because it's not available yet) is Peerguardian 2 and I run that with Utorrent/Limewire on XP Mode. Oh, and Symantec EndPoint DOES WORK. The firewall doesn't but the AV does work awesome. No biggie because real network professionals don't need a latest and greatest FW if you're network/computer are properly configured and locked down.
  
  I'm a network manager and engineer and trust me when I say this OS is what MS should have engaged long ago. It's fantastic and XP mode is great. As a previous user stated, it's integrated with the OS and not just a "virtual PC". Though it does use Vir PC...............it's a bit different. I only use that like 2% of the time. My PC shuts down and restarts in less than 60 seconds and if I'm just starting it from a shutdown state, it takes less than 30 seconds. I love using it.

  2.10.2009 14:52 #8

• LissenUp

  Quote:Quote:It requires an extra gigabyte of RAM, 15GB disk space and virtualization features must be present in hardware and activation in BIOS. That doesn't sound to good. Activation in bios? Sounds like MS are basically saying, its going to be a hassle for you, more ram more HDD space and messing with your bios, ah just use our new equivalent of whatever old product your using it only costs blah blah blah to buy and you must give us your money.
  With many business's not migrating to vista, I can also see not many migrating to 7 either. But when support is dropped from XP this will make some business's panic and force them into spending money to do something that their old system is still capable of doing.
  Oh man...............your title says your a "member" and maybe that's exactly what you are for making this comment.
  
  Virtualization needs to be enabled in the BIOS ALWAYS. Same with servers pal. No Hyper-V can be used in Server 2008 unless you have virtualization enabled. Newbies learn something new every day......Thank GOD.
  
  As for sticking with XP...................GO AHEAD!! Stop whining and recognize XP has been out since 2001. It's played, it's done, it's boring and frankly avid computer users love new tech. You wanna stick with XP then fine..........stay in the dark ages and remain a shmo. The rest of us will have fun with new stuff while you just keep complacently "computing on the brink of extinction".

  2.10.2009 14:58 #9

• LissenUp

  Originally posted by elitepunk: what a bunch a carksuckerz eh? i don't need no win7. sheeeit, windows xpsp2 4 life.Your screen name says it all...............PUNK. "XP4Life"...........sheesh, get a clue my young little naive computer user.
  
  Perhaps you will continue using the same toothbrush for life too. HA HA HA

  2.10.2009 15:01 #10

• LissenUp

  Originally posted by core2kid: Windows XP was released October 25th, 2001. It's almost 8 years old. To me it still performs like a brand new couple year old OS. I'm so happy with it and see no reason to spend to upgrade to Windows 7.
  
  Seems like Windows 7's release date could be the same as Windows XP's if a delay occurs.
  I use it now...............it's ready. Trust me, there will be no delay. Besides, that is a fairly lame comment considering that the RTM is available. Best OS. MS could only F up so many times before getting it right.................that they did this time.

  2.10.2009 15:06 #11

• LissenUp

  Originally posted by windsong: Windows7 is windows Vista with service pack 3. If you didnt like Vista, you wont like W7.Dumbest comment I've heard EVER. "7 is Vista with SP3"???????????????
  
  Please keep the ignorance to yourself as it depresses me because it seems to be contagious all over the world. Stop, think, and listen.
  
  It's better than Vista, lighter than Vista, faster than Vista and much more feature rich than Vista. Just because there is still a little round circle on the start menu that no longer says "START" and just because you can still search on the start menu, doesn't make it Vista with SP3. It starts 75% quicker as well as shuts down. It populates the "Programs and features" 80% quicker. Task bar is redesigned and MUCH MORE EFFICIENT. I used Vista Ult 4 separate times in hopes that SP1, SP2 and other changes would address the issues and Vista was the biggest flop and nightmare since Windows ME. You definitely aren't an avid computer user and certainly not doing any professional computer work like Network Manager, Admin, Engineer. Maybe..........just maybe, you're a help desk answering phones.

  2.10.2009 15:15 #12

• core2kid

  Quote:Originally posted by core2kid: Windows XP was released October 25th, 2001. It's almost 8 years old. To me it still performs like a brand new couple year old OS. I'm so happy with it and see no reason to spend to upgrade to Windows 7.
  
  Seems like Windows 7's release date could be the same as Windows XP's if a delay occurs.
  I use it now...............it's ready. Trust me, there will be no delay. Besides, that is a fairly lame comment considering that the RTM is available. Best OS. MS could only F up so many times before getting it right.................that they did this time.
  I like XP because everything works. There is no need for a compatibility mode and I can run it on any old system and use it perfectly fine.

  2.10.2009 15:25 #13

• LissenUp

  Quote:Quote:Originally posted by core2kid: Windows XP was released October 25th, 2001. It's almost 8 years old. To me it still performs like a brand new couple year old OS. I'm so happy with it and see no reason to spend to upgrade to Windows 7.
  
  Seems like Windows 7's release date could be the same as Windows XP's if a delay occurs.
  I use it now...............it's ready. Trust me, there will be no delay. Besides, that is a fairly lame comment considering that the RTM is available. Best OS. MS could only F up so many times before getting it right.................that they did this time.
  I like XP because everything works. There is no need for a compatibility mode and I can run it on any old system and use it perfectly fine.As I already stated.........I use the 64-bit RTM of Windows 7 Ultimate. There is NOTHING that doesn't work on it. NOTHING except Peerguardian 2 and that's because they haven't made one for 7 yet. Right now I have Symantec Endpoint, Soundforge 10, Google Earth, Daemon tools, Firefox 64-bit (Shiretoko), Quicktime, Roxio Creator 2009, Google Earth, Steam (Tombraider 8, FEAR 2, Dead Space, Street Fighter 4, Left 4 Dead and several more running flawlessly. I highly recommend that if you get the chance to obtain a free (hooked-up) copy of 64-bit Windows 7...............install it and you absolutely won't regret it. I promise. I have connections to MSDN and get this stuff immediately for free once it's out and this OS release was all the worth it.

  2.10.2009 15:56 #14

• ChiknLitl

  Where the hell is the "Report an offensive post" link??!! ---Chikn

  2.10.2009 16:05 #15

• Pop_Smith

  Originally posted by ChiknLitl: Where the hell is the "Report an offensive post" link??!! ---ChiknIt doesn't show up unless you browser the news articles via the forum, under "News Discussion".

  2.10.2009 16:07 #16

• Pop_Smith

  Originally posted by LissenUp:
  As I already stated.........I use the 64-bit RTM of Windows 7 Ultimate....except Peerguardian 2 and that's because they haven't made one for 7 yet.Check out PeerBlock, it's a "fork" for PeerGuardian that is now being worked on and maintained. They recently bought a signed driver so you can install it on the 64-bit OSes without a problem.
  
  PeerBlock

  2.10.2009 16:13 #17

• ddp

  LissenUp, next time edit your previous post if nobody posts after you as per forum rules. post padding is NOT tolerated on this site & you just posted 5 in a row. also knockoff the member attacks as you will be banned for that newbie!

  2.10.2009 16:17 #18

• core2kid

  Quote:Quote:Quote:Originally posted by core2kid: Windows XP was released October 25th, 2001. It's almost 8 years old. To me it still performs like a brand new couple year old OS. I'm so happy with it and see no reason to spend to upgrade to Windows 7.
  
  Seems like Windows 7's release date could be the same as Windows XP's if a delay occurs.
  I use it now...............it's ready. Trust me, there will be no delay. Besides, that is a fairly lame comment considering that the RTM is available. Best OS. MS could only F up so many times before getting it right.................that they did this time.
  I like XP because everything works. There is no need for a compatibility mode and I can run it on any old system and use it perfectly fine.As I already stated.........I use the 64-bit RTM of Windows 7 Ultimate. There is NOTHING that doesn't work on it. NOTHING except Peerguardian 2 and that's because they haven't made one for 7 yet. Right now I have Symantec Endpoint, Soundforge 10, Google Earth, Daemon tools, Firefox 64-bit (Shiretoko), Quicktime, Roxio Creator 2009, Google Earth, Steam (Tombraider 8, FEAR 2, Dead Space, Street Fighter 4, Left 4 Dead and several more running flawlessly. I highly recommend that if you get the chance to obtain a free (hooked-up) copy of 64-bit Windows 7...............install it and you absolutely won't regret it. I promise. I have connections to MSDN and get this stuff immediately for free once it's out and this OS release was all the worth it.
  The last time I checked:
  -DOS games don't work properly
  -Alcohol 52%/120%
  -Grand Theft Auto San Andreas (Didn't work in Vista)
  -ATI Radeon Software for x1400 (My notebook battery life was about an hour in Windows 7, 3 hours in XP
  
  This is a huge setback for me

  2.10.2009 17:00 #19

• Pop_Smith

  Originally posted by core2kid: The last time I checked:
  -DOS games don't work properly
  -Alcohol 52%/120%
  -Grand Theft Auto San Andreas (Didn't work in Vista)
  -ATI Radeon Software for x1400 (My notebook battery life was about an hour in Windows 7, 3 hours in XP
  
  This is a huge setback for meDaemon Tools is a good alternative to Alcohol 120% and it works perfectly fine on my laptop which is running Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit.

  2.10.2009 17:10 #20

• Amak

  Quote:Originally posted by windsong: Windows7 is windows Vista with service pack 3. If you didnt like Vista, you wont like W7.Dumbest comment I've heard EVER. "7 is Vista with SP3"???????????????
  
  Please keep the ignorance to yourself as it depresses me because it seems to be contagious all over the world. Stop, think, and listen.
  
  It's better than Vista, lighter than Vista, faster than Vista and much more feature rich than Vista. Just because there is still a little round circle on the start menu that no longer says "START" and just because you can still search on the start menu, doesn't make it Vista with SP3. It starts 75% quicker as well as shuts down. It populates the "Programs and features" 80% quicker. Task bar is redesigned and MUCH MORE EFFICIENT. I used Vista Ult 4 separate times in hopes that SP1, SP2 and other changes would address the issues and Vista was the biggest flop and nightmare since Windows ME. You definitely aren't an avid computer user and certainly not doing any professional computer work like Network Manager, Admin, Engineer. Maybe..........just maybe, you're a help desk answering phones.Windows 7 seems to be an overhauled Vista. Vista wasn't that bad, just that most people were trying to run it on PCs that could never do so. I had no trouble with it and to this day can't figure out what people were whining about.

  2.10.2009 17:45 #21

• joe777

  @ LissenUp I am a fan of *nix and seldom use MS products, only for sound production as my DAW will not function on any *nix OS.
  After reading your posts I dont beleive for 1 minute you are a software engineer and a netwerk pro.
  The software list you stated is, for me personally, a joke. Symantec, roxio, peer guardian( which is as good as a concrete parashute or a chocholate fire guard) you also use limewire? and after you admit to using this software you accuse me of being a noob? And hey you dont nead a firewall to control whats leaving your box? Yeah real netwerk admins will agree with you, he he he he.
  Oh me, AD is filled with strange people today.
  Oh and by the way theres no need to be so rude with me, I always jump on the MS threads to say how sh*t their products really are.
  If ever theres a topic saying MS are releasing all the source and wish all the users the best using it I will sing their praise for you.
  
  Oh and what audio editor software do you use? Something to mp3 pro No7:P

  2.10.2009 17:48 #22

• rvinkebob

  Meh, everything still runs slower in Vista/7 than it does in XP. So there really is no need for me to upgrade, until support is dropped in 2014. Though I should have a much beefed up PC by then, and Windows 8 might be released by then as well :)
  

  
  

  2.10.2009 17:53 #23

• creaky

  Originally posted by windsong: Windows7 is windows Vista with service pack 3. If you didnt like Vista, you wont like W7. Hehe; i deliberately avoided Vista but love Win7 :) (and XP too, plenty of years left in XP yet, on some of my machines anyways).
  
  LissenUp - who rattled your cage ?. Way to go to annoy everybody in the thread. Unnecessary comments/rants like yours give Admins (in my case Unix, not that it matters a kipper here) a bad name. Your comments come across like a teenager with something to prove. As per ddp's comments, knock it off already.
  

  
  
  Main PC ~ Intel C2Q Q6600 (G0 Stepping)/Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3/2GB Crucial Ballistix PC2-8500/Zalman CNPS9700/Antec 900/Corsair HX 620W
  Network ~ DD-WRT ~ 2node WDS/WPA ~ Buffalo WHR-G54S. 4node WPA2/AES ~ WRT54GS v6 (inc. WEP BSSID), WRT54G v2, WRT54G v3.1, WRT54G2 v1, WRT54G v5. *** Forum Rules ***

  2.10.2009 18:11 #24

• LissenUp

  Originally posted by ddp: LissenUp, next time edit your previous post if nobody posts after you as per forum rules. post padding is NOT tolerated on this site & you just posted 5 in a row. also knockoff the member attacks as you will be banned for that newbie!Ok.........first........I'm not a newbie. I've been posting on here for 5 years and unfortunately it's like a Disney movie on this site. AD moderators whine about anything offensive or critical no matter how minute it is and find other things to senselessly and needlessly whine about like padding. I just keep getting banned for calling out stupid remarks and comments WHEN THEY SHOULD BE CALLED OUT.
  
  Second, I did NOT violate padding. I merely commented on SEVERAL SEPARATE postings and they all related separately. I don't know how the Fins think but when Americans have something to say about 5 separate posts............WE COMMENT ON THEM. How ridiculous can you be to slam someone for not waiting until another comments on my comment? Get a clue and be reasonable.............and that is not an insult, it's simply a reasonable statement in response to your comment.

  2.10.2009 18:36 #25

• LissenUp

  Quote:Quote:Quote:Quote:Originally posted by core2kid: Windows XP was released October 25th, 2001. It's almost 8 years old. To me it still performs like a brand new couple year old OS. I'm so happy with it and see no reason to spend to upgrade to Windows 7.
  
  Seems like Windows 7's release date could be the same as Windows XP's if a delay occurs.
  I use it now...............it's ready. Trust me, there will be no delay. Besides, that is a fairly lame comment considering that the RTM is available. Best OS. MS could only F up so many times before getting it right.................that they did this time.
  I like XP because everything works. There is no need for a compatibility mode and I can run it on any old system and use it perfectly fine.As I already stated.........I use the 64-bit RTM of Windows 7 Ultimate. There is NOTHING that doesn't work on it. NOTHING except Peerguardian 2 and that's because they haven't made one for 7 yet. Right now I have Symantec Endpoint, Soundforge 10, Google Earth, Daemon tools, Firefox 64-bit (Shiretoko), Quicktime, Roxio Creator 2009, Google Earth, Steam (Tombraider 8, FEAR 2, Dead Space, Street Fighter 4, Left 4 Dead and several more running flawlessly. I highly recommend that if you get the chance to obtain a free (hooked-up) copy of 64-bit Windows 7...............install it and you absolutely won't regret it. I promise. I have connections to MSDN and get this stuff immediately for free once it's out and this OS release was all the worth it.
  The last time I checked:
  -DOS games don't work properly
  -Alcohol 52%/120%
  -Grand Theft Auto San Andreas (Didn't work in Vista)
  -ATI Radeon Software for x1400 (My notebook battery life was about an hour in Windows 7, 3 hours in XP
  
  This is a huge setback for meWell, to each his own. DOS games........???? It's not surprising you're still with XP and probably no intention to leave.
  Alcohol probably doesn't work because they're finicky but there are hundreds of alternatives.
  
  I do see that the ATI thing is an issue. My suggestions of going with 7 are really based around more recent computers so XP would be a wise option for you.
  GTA SA will run on 7.

  2.10.2009 18:43 #26

• LissenUp

  Originally posted by joe777: @ LissenUp I am a fan of *nix and seldom use MS products, only for sound production as my DAW will not function on any *nix OS.
  After reading your posts I dont beleive for 1 minute you are a software engineer and a netwerk pro.
  The software list you stated is, for me personally, a joke. Symantec, roxio, peer guardian( which is as good as a concrete parashute or a chocholate fire guard) you also use limewire? and after you admit to using this software you accuse me of being a noob? And hey you dont nead a firewall to control whats leaving your box? Yeah real netwerk admins will agree with you, he he he he.
  Oh me, AD is filled with strange people today.
  Oh and by the way theres no need to be so rude with me, I always jump on the MS threads to say how sh*t their products really are.
  If ever theres a topic saying MS are releasing all the source and wish all the users the best using it I will sing their praise for you.
  
  Oh and what audio editor software do you use? Something to mp3 pro No7:PI knew posting Limewire would yield a comment like yours. I use it simply for obtaining hard to find DJ single songs. I use it with major protection and caution and 6 viruses attempted access to my computer to no avail.
  
  I am a network manager/admin/engineer by profession you punk. I don't leisurely compute on a decked out server and Cisco HW firewall at home. BTW.............NEVER SAID I WAS A SOFTWARE ENGINEER. I'm a "NETWORK ENGINEER"...........BIG DIFFERENCE.
  
  Symantec is the preferred AV solution for MOST businesses. Roxio is just in case I need to burn a DVD. Peerguardian is the ONLY practical and viable solution to protecting myself from the RIAA when downloading music/movies (as I'm not interested in investing time and effort for a proxy............unless it points to your IP). I'm not a nerd but a foremost expert in my field. I never said "no firewall".............I SAID "LATEST AND GREATEST FW". Windows 7 FW is fine in my tight network. Don't need an ASA, SonicWall, etc.
  
  As for your not using MS............GREAT! I'm sure like the woman you encounter.........linux makes you compatible with about 2% of the world's computers and users. You're obviously not much of a gamer as I am, you're definitely not a nerd because you dogged my software selection and misquoted me several times and misapplied the practical use of the software I use.
  
  
  Ba Bye.

  2.10.2009 18:55 #27

• LissenUp

  Quote:Originally posted by windsong: Windows7 is windows Vista with service pack 3. If you didnt like Vista, you wont like W7. Hehe; i deliberately avoided Vista but love Win7 :) (and XP too, plenty of years left in XP yet, on some of my machines anyways).
  
  LissenUp - who rattled your cage ?. Way to go to annoy everybody in the thread. Unnecessary comments/rants like yours give Admins (in my case Unix, not that it matters a kipper here) a bad name. Your comments come across like a teenager with something to prove. As per ddp's comments, knock it off already.My apologies but I'm just tired of the uneducated, uninformed stupidity out there and it brutally shows here so often. Kinda like when I was a kid................when I needed a lesson to be learned.............a swift kick in the ass from dad really helped. I just apply that same mentality to those rattling off lame comments. Intolerance of stupidity is not "teenager-like"............Moderators threatening to ban for "padding" when in actuality I was commenting on 5 SEPARATE posts is being like a teenager. It's so Disney in here. " Watch your mouth, don't say that, don't say this" or "we'll ban you"..........
  
  Yeah.............and I will create yet another user account and continue to post. Reaching "Senior" status is not my goal.

  2.10.2009 19:02 #28

• joe777

  @ LissenUp. I'm all for a reasonable discussion with some heated attitudes also but hey listen fella your being a bit out of order here. Your gonna get yourself needlessly into trouble banging around the forums like a bull in a china shop. Relax take it easy and either play in the park or leave.
  You say peer guardian is the only way to protect yourself from the mafIAA. Oh dear oh dear, me thinks you are doomed. Peer guardian is as much use as a group hug in a 3rd degree burn's hospital.
  *nix is only compatible with 2% of the worlds computers PMSL and this is coming from an admin
  Sounds like you are a security guard / bouncer @ mothercare.
  
  You also claim again to being a "network manager/admin/engineer by profession". I sure do hope your not working with any company close by me, if you were I would disconnect myself quick sharp. Oh on the other hand your company and many business's use symantec I must be safe then:P Run joe run pull out that cable quick. Lol
  
  Quote:I knew posting Limewire would yield a comment like yours. I use it simply for obtaining hard to find DJ single songs. I use it with major protection and caution and 6 viruses attempted access to my computer to no avail.Major protection? whoa you maybe need protection from yourself fella.
  6 viruses attempted to access your machine? but your major protection saved the day for you in a major way eh. Ah good for you those major protections are dam good. But on the other hand most savvy people can spot dodgy things not to download in the first place. You know what I mean?

  2.10.2009 19:29 #29

• brockie

  Windows 7 is better than you think running ultimate 64 bit best kit I have used out of all the windows os dont hate just for the sake of it.

  2.10.2009 19:32 #30

• ZippyDSM

  I hope it dose not need virtualiztion to work.....

  2.10.2009 20:25 #31

• ooZEROoo

  It still will need virtualization

  2.10.2009 20:58 #32

• core2kid

  Quote:Quote:Quote:Quote:Quote:Originally posted by core2kid: Windows XP was released October 25th, 2001. It's almost 8 years old. To me it still performs like a brand new couple year old OS. I'm so happy with it and see no reason to spend to upgrade to Windows 7.
  
  Seems like Windows 7's release date could be the same as Windows XP's if a delay occurs.
  I use it now...............it's ready. Trust me, there will be no delay. Besides, that is a fairly lame comment considering that the RTM is available. Best OS. MS could only F up so many times before getting it right.................that they did this time.
  I like XP because everything works. There is no need for a compatibility mode and I can run it on any old system and use it perfectly fine.As I already stated.........I use the 64-bit RTM of Windows 7 Ultimate. There is NOTHING that doesn't work on it. NOTHING except Peerguardian 2 and that's because they haven't made one for 7 yet. Right now I have Symantec Endpoint, Soundforge 10, Google Earth, Daemon tools, Firefox 64-bit (Shiretoko), Quicktime, Roxio Creator 2009, Google Earth, Steam (Tombraider 8, FEAR 2, Dead Space, Street Fighter 4, Left 4 Dead and several more running flawlessly. I highly recommend that if you get the chance to obtain a free (hooked-up) copy of 64-bit Windows 7...............install it and you absolutely won't regret it. I promise. I have connections to MSDN and get this stuff immediately for free once it's out and this OS release was all the worth it.
  The last time I checked:
  -DOS games don't work properly
  -Alcohol 52%/120%
  -Grand Theft Auto San Andreas (Didn't work in Vista)
  -ATI Radeon Software for x1400 (My notebook battery life was about an hour in Windows 7, 3 hours in XP
  
  This is a huge setback for meWell, to each his own. DOS games........???? It's not surprising you're still with XP and probably no intention to leave.
  Alcohol probably doesn't work because they're finicky but there are hundreds of alternatives.
  
  I do see that the ATI thing is an issue. My suggestions of going with 7 are really based around more recent computers so XP would be a wise option for you.
  GTA SA will run on 7.
  I still go back to my DOS games at times, they're awesome! lol.
  For GTA SA, it never worked properly on any Vista computer I tried. Then again, I was always using a No CD patch which could have been the reason but it did work fine in XP
  ATI will be a huge reason for me to stay back. If I was to upgrade, I would have upgraded on my laptop that has the ATI card. I'm not gonna bother touching my desktop. It's a 7 year old Win XP install running fine and I have no intension to change it. After seeing how the Vista RC was good and how the release was terrible, I'm kinda skeptical about 7

  2.10.2009 21:11 #33

• xnonsuchx

  Just disable the Program Compatibility Assistant service and run the old Virtual PC 2007 (still free on M$'s website, I think).

  2.10.2009 22:40 #34

• KillerBug

  All you people that think XP is so great don't have modern computers. Modern computers have more than 4GB total memory, and thus require 64 bit operating systems. XP64 has terrible driver support...so I know you are talking about XP32 when you say how much you love it. Stick XP on a modern machine with 6GB of ram and 1-2TB of vram, and you will see how terribly outdated it has become.
  
  Vista64 was glitchy as hell, and it still needed virtualization to run most of the old apps that XP Mode is intended for. Win7x64 is very stable (more stable than some Linux distros), it has great compatability (better than Vista64), and XP Mode is the topper...to make sure that every windows program will work.
  
  As for system specs, the 16GB is for a virtual hard disk with swap file and a hybernate function. The 1GB of extra ram is allocated right to the virtual OS...if you open system properties inside XP mode, you will see it says that it has 1GB of ram (you can configure it to use less, but XP needs 1GB to be functional anyway). If you want to tweek-out your virtual machine with more ram, it can use up 4GB of ram...
  

  Current System: Windows 7 RC1, DFI M2RS, ATI 3870HD, Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1600, Athlon 9950, 6GB Corsair DDR2, 3TB RAID 5, 750GB Raid-1, 500GB RAID-1, 640GB RAID-0 Boot, 3ware 9690SA, Adaptec 2610SA, Adaptec 1430SA, Intel Gigabit NIC (PCI), LG 20X Lightscribe DVDR, Coolmax 1200w Power Supply, Logitech G15(first edition), Logitech G5(Second Edition), modified dell poweredge 1800 server case.
  Overall configuration: Perfect chair, two 22" widescreens overhead, Logitech 5.1 Audio

  3.10.2009 04:18 #35

• borhan9

  So basically with this new Microsoft Windows 7 I would need to build a new system. Maybe ill do this after the end of the year or something. I would need to have 4gigs ram and a massive hard drive the hard drive does not worry me but my motherboard can not take 4gigs ram soo ill build a new system for this Operating System.

  3.10.2009 04:28 #36

• scum101

  *yawn* .. here we go again with the M$/hardware manufacturers (particularly Intel) tie down of customers... "Build a new system" to run this pile of bloat?.. a pile of bloat with NO new stuff in it I might add..
  Sound familiar anybody?
  
  ker-ching.. NO SALE!!
  
  More junkware from the masters of restriction, thievery and tie in...

  3.10.2009 06:05 #37

• garmoon

  @lessup
  
  Quote:Second, I did NOT violate padding. I merely commented on SEVERAL SEPARATE postings and they all related separately. I don't know how the Fins think but when Americans have something to say about 5 separate posts............WE COMMENT ON THEM. How ridiculous can you be to slam someone for not waiting until another comments on my comment? Get a clue and be reasonable.............and that is not an insult, it's simply a reasonable statement in response to your comment.Please don't identify yourself as an American, we have enough bad publicity as it is. Most of us Americans do NOT have diarrhea of the mouth and unpleasant manners. As for the MODs, they were tooooo lenient with you.

  3.10.2009 07:45 #38

• Pop_Smith

  Originally posted by borhan9: So basically with this new Microsoft Windows 7 I would need to build a new system. Maybe ill do this after the end of the year or something. I would need to have 4gigs ram and a massive hard drive the hard drive does not worry me but my motherboard can not take 4gigs ram soo ill build a new system for this Operating System.I have a three-year old Inspiron 1720 and it's running Windows 7 x64 perfectly fine. My laptop only has 2GB of RAM and a T7300 so it's nowhere near a "fast" system. The HDD is a 160GB 7200RPM SATA.
  
  However, Windows 7 is pretty stable and I haven't had a single problem with it.

  3.10.2009 12:43 #39

• xnonsuchx

  Originally posted by KillerBug: All you people that think XP is so great don't have modern computers. Modern computers have more than 4GB total memory, and thus require 64 bit operating systems.Modern computers don't NEED more than 2-4GB RAM unless you have a particular use for it (e.g. multiple VMs, editing full super high resolution images, etc.) or run 20-50+ smaller programs all at once regularly. Only power users/geeks feel a NEED for it.

  3.10.2009 22:19 #40

• Pop_Smith

  Originally posted by KillerBug: All you people that think XP is so great don't have modern computers. Modern computers have more than 4GB total memory, and thus require 64 bit operating systems.An x86 architecture, such as 32-bit OS, can only support something around 3.2GB of RAM. However, 64-bit operating systems can support a terabyte, or more, of RAM. You can have 4+ GB of RAM on a system running a 32-bit OS but it's kind of a waste.
  
  Originally posted by xnosuchx: Modern computers don't NEED more than 2-4GB RAM unless you have a particular use for it (e.g. multiple VMs, editing full super high resolution images, etc.) or run 20-50+ smaller programs all at once regularly. Only power users/geeks feel a NEED for it.2GB is pretty common and most systems will run comfortably on that. My current Windows 7 64-bit OS runs fine with only 2GB. However, the more RAM you can afford the smoother your system will run. If you are just using your computer to check email, write word documents, and listen to MP3s then you'll be OK with 2GB.
  
  However, if you do anything more than that it would be beneficial to have a 64-bit OS with 4GB or more of RAM if you can afford it.

  3.10.2009 22:31 #41

• smokyrain

  Alcohol 120% works fine in Windows 7 ultimate. Even the latest NIS 2010 is working fine.
  
  I have been using it for a few months now.
  
  I have been running Windows 7 since Beta, and kept upgrading as the releases were out.
  
  I was a big XP user also, since before it was released offcially. I have always like it, but have moved on now.
  
  I don't really care about the XP mode in Windows 7, have no need for it, but its great for those that may want it.
  
  To each his own I guess.
  
  
  

  
  
  My consoles: Dreamcast aug/99>PS2 V7-Seagate 400gb hdd-Maxtor 300gb hdd,PS2 V14 FMCB 1.8 - Memor32>DS-Lite-G6DS Real 16GB-R4DS Ultra 8gb SDHC>Gamecube-Original>Wii-Wiikey 2>PSP PHAT CFW 5.00 M33-6>DSi (Kingdom Hearts Edition)-EZ Flash Vi - M3i Zero Sakura

  3.10.2009 22:33 #42

• KillerBug

  Most of the econo-laptops now come standard with at least 3GB of ram, and often have a "free upgrade to 4GB" offer running. These computers do not have the power to edit video quickly, they can't play bluray movies, and they are intended as a netbook with a larger screen and DVD support. If these systems come with 4GB, then I feel comfortable saying that any new system with less than 4GB is a super-econo-box, a micro-PC(netbook, car pc, etc), or a specialized platform (like PS3/Xbox360).
  
  I know that there are plenty of old computers still in use with less than 4GB of memory (some don't even have x64 support). While microsoft would be happy to sell to them, they are not the target audience, as they are not the type to pay for upgrades anyway.
  
  IMHO, the only reason that WIN7 is available in a x86 version is for netbooks.
  

  Current System: Windows 7 RC1, DFI M2RS, ATI 3870HD, Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1600, Athlon 9950, 6GB Corsair DDR2, 3TB RAID 5, 750GB Raid-1, 500GB RAID-1, 640GB RAID-0 Boot, 3ware 9690SA, Adaptec 2610SA, Adaptec 1430SA, Intel Gigabit NIC (PCI), LG 20X Lightscribe DVDR, Coolmax 1200w Power Supply, Logitech G15(first edition), Logitech G5(Second Edition), modified dell poweredge 1800 server case.
  Overall configuration: Perfect chair, two 22" widescreens overhead, Logitech 5.1 Audio

  5.10.2009 01:27 #43

• FredBun

  Still a bit paranoid to switch to 7 when it comes out, took me long enough to learn XP, now got to do it all over again YUK, but know sooner or later will have to do so. I saw a nice printer on sale the other day I wanted to buy, it said vista ready, did not mention anything about 7, the staff at the store didn't know nothing so I balked.

  8.10.2009 09:07 #44

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by FredBun: Still a bit paranoid to switch to 7 when it comes out, took me long enough to learn XP, now got to do it all over again YUK, but know sooner or later will have to do so. I saw a nice printer on sale the other day I wanted to buy, it said vista ready, did not mention anything about 7, the staff at the store didn't know nothing so I balked.7 is an upgraded vista and should work, its vista 64bit that may give you trouble, its more fussy.
  

  Until lobbying is a hanging offense I choose anarchy!
  Ah modern gaming its like modern film only the watering down of fiction and characters is replaced with shallow and watered down mechanics, gimmicks and shiny-er "people".
  http://zippydsmlee.wordpress.com/

  8.10.2009 11:21 #45

• core2kid

  Originally posted by ZippyDSM: Originally posted by FredBun: Still a bit paranoid to switch to 7 when it comes out, took me long enough to learn XP, now got to do it all over again YUK, but know sooner or later will have to do so. I saw a nice printer on sale the other day I wanted to buy, it said vista ready, did not mention anything about 7, the staff at the store didn't know nothing so I balked.7 is an upgraded vista and should work, its vista 64bit that may give you trouble, its more fussy.
  Vista x64 sucks so much. I prefer XP x64 over it. Every now and then I have to fix my friends laptop. I keep telling her that Vista x64 is terrible but there's nothing we can do. No drivers for XP and I don't have Vista x32. After Windows 7 it should solve all the problems.
  

  My PC: Core2Quad Q6600|Asus P5K-E Wifi/AP Edition|4GB DDR2 800MHz|9800GTX|250GB SATA XP MCE 2005|200GB SATA Vista Home Premium|Vista Rating 5.4
  My Game Systems(By Release): Atari 2600|NES|Genesis|GB Original|PS|Green GB Pocket|N64|Dandelion GB Color|Dreamcast|Dreamcast|PSone|PS2|PS2|Arctic GBA|XBOX Halo Edition|Platinum GameCube|Flame GBA SP|Slim PS2|Titanium DS|PSP|20th Anniversary GB Micro|20GB XBOX 360 Premium|Cobalt/Black DS Lite|PS3 80GB MGS Bundle w/BC|Wii|Blue DSi
  PSN/XBL: Core2Kid. Add me & send a message if your from AD!

  8.10.2009 15:05 #46

• wazzat

  Windows 7 worked fine on my dualcore AMD when I could use it. Had some trouble after installing 3rd party software in Jaunty and had to remove Wins7 and Jaunty. My old P3 computer won't install Wins because the 3 harddrives 120g, 80g, 40g installed give a bluescreen nonboot error. Jaunty installs and runs flawlessly. So no wins XP or 7 on the P3. Got to say Ubuntu has progressed to where it's worthwhile. But being a newbie, There's much to learn.

  11.10.2009 10:00 #47

• wazzat

  Lissenup, how'd you post a continuing comment in less than 3 minutes? I'll probably be a NEWBIE until I've deserted Afterdawn.

  11.10.2009 10:03 #48