XPmode setup crashes Windows 7

Question

I've installed the XP mode and Virtual PC files (including the latest upgrade) onto my PC running Windows 7 Ultimate (32-bit). PC doesn't have hardware virtualization (it's an 'old' Athlon 64 dual core, on an A8N-VM motherboard).

Software installs OK then, following the required reboot, whenever I start XP mode, it goes through the first few setup dialog boxes and,as soon as I ge passed the 'shared data' page to start the setup the PC crashes.

Any suggestions, or should I go back to VMWare?

Answer 1

djohnd,

    You may want to check for any possible BIOS updates that might be available for your system.  Also verify that all your hardware drivers are up to date as well.

Answer 2

Thanks for the reply Marilyn, but I've already installed (and uninstalled and re-installed) that update with no effect. I suspect it's a problem with that update (and my BIOS/motherboard/drivers?) that's causing the crash.

John

Answer 3

Hello djohnd,

There is a new update from Microsoft to do away with the hardware virtualization requirement.

Link to the KB: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;977206

Link to download the x86 update: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=837f12aa-1d37-464e-ae59-20c9ecbebaf6

Link to download the x64 update: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e70dd043-e262-43c0-a002-446567f1e2b4

Notes:

·         Windows Virtual PC must be installed before you install this update.

·         You should only install this update if your computer doesn’t support hardware assisted virtualization (HAV). If you apply this update and your system supports HAV, Windows Virtual PC will continue to use HAV.

·         If your computer supports HAV but it is disabled in the BIOS, it is recommended that you enable the BIOS setting rather than installing this update.

·         This update only applies to Windows XP virtual machines (including XP Mode). Windows Vista and Windows 7 virtual machines are only supported on systems that support HAV.

Hope this will help to get XP Mode up and running successfully.

Thanks,

---

Marilyn

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

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Answer 4

Thanks Azam, but I've already tried that, uninstalling XPmode and the update (along with virtual PC), then re-installing it.

I don't get any error messages displayed, the screen goes blank and the PC reboots as soon as I progress from the 'shared folders' page of the setup.

Currently I've uninstalled XPmode, and am installing VMWare, but if there's anything else you can suggest just let me know.

John

Answer 5

Hi,

Do you get any error message?

Your computer should be capable of hardware-assisted virtualization to install XP mode in Windows7.

Since your computer does not have hardware virtualization, I would suggest you to download and install the update online from the Microsoft Download Center.

First uninstall XP mode from the computer, install the update and then try installing XP mode and check if it helps.

Here is the link:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/why-am-i-receiving-errors-about-hav

For more information on how to install and use WindowsXP mode, I would suggest you to refer this link:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/install-and-use-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7

 Please respond and let us know the status of the issue.

Azam – Microsoft Support.