Error: windows xp mode could not be restored because of either host processor type mismatch

Question

I am also having difficulty installing updates

**Original Title**

I am getting this on my windows 7 professional 64 bit OS when I want to run virtual XP =-windows xp mode could not be restored because of either host processor type mismatch

Answer 1

Hi Ted,

This issue occurs when the hibernation file for your virtual machine gets corrupted. For Windows Virtual PC (the version that comes with Windows 7), the default action for close is Hibernate.Hiberfil.sys is a snap-shot of the state of your computer that is taken by windows when it becomes inactive. However, virtual machines don't store their hibernation files in hiberfil.sys like a physical Windows system does. The hibernation file for a virtual machine is referred asthe storage of the current state of the virtual machine. So the hibernation file for Windows Virtual Machine is stored in the following location which has a file extension***.vsv**

C:\Users\ (Username)\ AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Virtual PC\Virtual Machines directory

I: To rename the file *.vsv, follow the steps mentioned below.

1. Click on Start and click on computer.

2. Go to the following location:

C:\Users\ (Username)\ AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Virtual PC\Virtual Machines directory

3. You’ll find a .VSV file in the Virtual Machines Directory.

4. Rename the file.

    For example: If the file name is VM.vsv, rename it toVM.old

5. Close all the windows and restart Virtual Machine. You should be able to run it without having any problem.

In order to prevent this problem from happening in the future, you can do a shutdown of the Virtual PC rather than the default hibernation.

II: Steps to change the option from "hibernate" to "shutdown" on your Windows Virtual PC

1. Open Virtual PC.

2. Click on Tools and then click on Settings.

3. Under the Close tab, change the option from Hibernateto shutdown.

4. Restart your computer and start your Virtual PC for the changes to take effect.

By the way, what happens when you try to install Windows Updates for your Windows 7 PC?

Do you receive any error messages while installing updates?

I would suggest you to put the computer into a clean boot and then try installing updates to see if you’re able to install the updates successfully. To put the computer into a clean boot, follow the steps in the link below.

III: Perform a clean boot**http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135**Note: Once the troubleshooting is done, do not forget to reset the computer back to normal startup.

Hope this information is helpful.

Mouneshwar R – Microsoft Support

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Answer 2

Hi

Just a hint for those who couldn't find the folder as specified, I was having the same issue then I figured out that I made my installation on another folder ("D:\WINXP\ ) then I found the .vsv file there and it worked out.

The next step was that I don't know the password of the default user.. this can be resolved by changing Close mode into shutdown from settings and then restart in safe mode when asked for password. 

Restarting in safe mode requires keeping hitting F8 key until boot options menu appears.

You can log in as Administrator without password, then you can create new users once you are logged in or change the password...

Hope this helps out....

Regards,

Answer 3

For Mouneshwar,

My problem seems similar to the above -- after a lockup and power-off, I could not get my MS Virtual Machine to work. I assume the power-off corrupted the Hiberfil.sys file. I tried to use the suggested path: 

C:\Users\ (Username)\ AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Virtual PC\Virtual Machines directory

but in the Windows Virtual PC folder, I do not have the Virtual Machines directory subfolder - instead there are 2 subfolders, VMCXbackup and  Virtual Applications\ Win XP Mode plus an XML file, Options.xml. Don't understand this difference. Perhaps, it's because I upgraded from Win7 Home Edition x64 bit to Win 7 Pro x64 bit. Tried a Windows search for VM.vsv without success. 

Would appreciate your advice.

Answer 4

Hi Eddie,

You’re welcome. If you’ve any issues with Windows in the future, please feel free to post it here.

Regards,

Mouneshwar R – Microsoft Support

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Answer 5

Perfect answer, worked like a charm for this 67 yr old, #'s 1 & 2, didn't need #3