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Upgrading virtual machines from Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 to Windows Virtual PC

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Applies To: Windows 7, Windows Virtualization

Windows ® Virtual PC provides many improved features that make upgrading from Microsoft Virtual PC ® 2007 compelling. This document describes the changes included in Windows Virtual PC and details how to upgrade your existing virtual machines so that they will work with the new version of the software.

Changes in functionality from Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 to Windows Virtual PC

The following new features are included in Windows Virtual PC:

  • Virtual applications. Applications installed on virtual machines can be published directly to the Windows® 7 Start menu, allowing these applications to start directly from the Start menu and run seamlessly on Windows 7 just like native applications. The Windows® XP desktop is not visible, and the applications do not have to run inside a virtual machine window.

  • Drive sharing. You can share individual drives on the Windows 7 host computer with virtual machines using the virtual machine settings.

  • Console integration. The Windows Virtual PC console has been integrated with Windows Explorer. Clicking the Windows Virtual PC start menu shortcut opens the virtual machines folder, where you can create a new virtual machine, start a virtual machine, configure virtual machine settings, or perform other common tasks without starting a separate application.

Note

Drag and drop of data between the host operating system and the guest operating system is not supported by Windows Virtual PC.

  • USB support. Windows Virtual PC supports USB devices on virtual machines. You can attach or detach USB devices using the USB menu in the virtual machines window. While a virtual application is running, you can right-click the taskbar icon for the virtual application, and then click Manage USB devices to make changes without restarting the virtual machine or application.

  • Windows XP Mode. Windows Virtual PC includes built-in support for Windows XP Mode.

Frequently Asked Questions about upgrading to Windows Virtual PC

Q. Can I run Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 and Windows Virtual PC simultaneously?

A. Simultaneous installation of Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 and Windows Virtual PC is not supported. To use Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 virtual machines with Windows Virtual PC, you must upgrade the virtual machines by following the procedure included in this document.

Q. Will VMAdditions installed on Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 work after the virtual machines are upgraded?

A. VMAdditions from Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 are not compatible with Windows Virtual PC. You must uninstall the old VMAdditions using the Control Panel in the guest operating system, and then install new Integration Components.

Note

To install Integration Components, start the virtual machine. From the Tools menu of the virtual machine window, click Install Integration Components.

Q. Are save state files in Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 supported in Windows Virtual PC?

A. Save state files in Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 are not compatible with Windows Virtual PC. You must shut down each Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 virtual machine and accept or discard pending changes before you upgrade the virtual machine to Windows Virtual PC.

Q. Can I use Windows XP Mode with Microsoft Virtual PC 2007?

A. Windows XP Mode is not supported in Microsoft Virtual PC 2007. If you attempt to use Windows XP Mode with Microsoft Virtual PC 2007, you will be prompted to activate Windows XP.

Upgrading virtual machines from Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 to Windows Virtual PC

Use the following procedure to upgrade your existing virtual machines from Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 to Windows Virtual PC.

To upgrade virtual machines from Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 to Windows Virtual PC

  1. If you have not already done so, install Windows Virtual PC on the system that will be your host computer. To download the update, and for installation instructions, see the Windows Virtual PC Web site (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=140344).

Note

Windows Virtual PC requires that you either enable processor virtualization extensions for Intel-VT and AMD-V in the BIOS or install the update available at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=191061.
For details, see Windows Virtual PC Support: Configure BIOS (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=159059).

  1. On the Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 host computer where the virtual machines you want to upgrade are currently located, shut down the virtual machines and commit or discard any pending changes.

  2. Locate the Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) file(s) for the virtual machine(s) you want to upgrade, and copy each of the files to the host computer running Windows Virtual PC.

Note

Do not use VMC files to upgrade. Make sure you copy the file with the VHD extension.

  1. After you have copied the VHD files, on the new host computer, click Start, click Windows Virtual PC, and then in the Virtual Machines folder toolbar, click Create virtual machine.

  2. Complete the Specify a name and location for this virtual machine page in the Wizard, and then click Next.

  3. Complete the Specify memory and networking options page in the Wizard, and then click Next.

  4. On the Add a virtual hard disk page in the Wizard, select Use an existing virtual hard disk, select the VHD file you want to upgrade, and then click Create.

  5. Start the new virtual machine and log on.

  6. Uninstall VMAdditions on the virtual machine using the Control Panel. The steps to complete this procedure vary depending on the guest operating system. When you have finished, restart the virtual machine.

Note

The virtual machine will have control of the mouse. Release it by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Left Arrow.

  1. Install Integration Components. While the virtual machine is running, from the Tools menu of the virtual machine window, click Install Integration Components.

  2. When you have finished installing the Integration Components you need, restart the virtual machine.

  3. If the virtual machine is running Windows XP or Windows Vista, you must install the appropriate RemoteApp™ update.