Irony: M$ adds another feature from the Mac, virualized WinXP.

What kind of graphics drivers does it use? Is it possible to run a 32-bit XP while using 64-bit Win7? Wonder if that could do the trick for my TV tuner that doesn't have a 64-bit driver..

XP mode is a scam.
http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1051975/xp-mode-windows-scam
Why can't Microsoft just improve compatibility directly in W7?

I think it's a bit sad that Microsoft started requiring hardware virtualization for its new Virtual PC release despite not actually adding any substantial features (like, say, 64-bit guests) that required it. VMware Workstation and Player have a very similar feature (called Unity) -- and have had it since the release of Workstation 6.5 and the corresponding Player 2.5 release, and do not require VT.

Your desktop reminds me of a dream I had one time! Goofy and colorful!

All M$$ need to do now is to package a retail WinXP Pro disk and genuine CD-Key with every copy of Windows 7 Pro (and above) and (almost) all of us will be very happy campers. Then we will have the free choice of EITHER dual-booting XP/Win7 OR enabling XPM mode or BOTH. No skin off Microsoft's nose (other than the mfg. cost of the XP disk) , since all retail sales of XP Pro have been discontinued. Lots of customer happiness. And no obligation for Microsoft to extend the XP support dates.

The article did not address at all the real and potential issues of the many XP applications which utilize internal peripheral hardware that does not have Vista/Win7 drivers. Plus the only external peripheral hardware support is via USB... with vague claims of driver compatibility. Whether *your* XP-compatible printer driver really works with XPM will need hands-on testing with Win7 RC.. And there seems to be no obvious support for parallel-printers. Don't expect any better compatibility when Win 7 ships. And all gamers can forget XPM. Same "S3" support as Virtual PC.

The current XP mode is just a template, licenseless Virtual PC profile (you need Virtual PC to run it anyway).

it works well enough for legacy applications. However it does not work with most old games. Because the "video card driver" cannot do full screen mode for DOS applications.

I think the majority of people won't need this, it's such a non issue. I'm sure most programs that didn't work under Vista got upgraded by the time I got it, (June 2007). I'm definitely having some issues with some programs that work on Vista, but not Windows 7, but those should be worked out also. Bottom line, programs get updated. This should benefit businesses with old software.

Oh my sweet e8400 what cant you do.

Using hardware virtualization support probably isn't such a bad idea; that way, they don't have to worry about as many XP security flaws compromising any new security design. This is Intel's fault, not Microsoft's.

Some tidbits about XP Mode:
The option to shut down (as opposed to simply log-off or disconnect) is available under the 'Windows Security' option on the start menu. It looks identical to the Remote Desktop start menu, which might explain why there's no DirectX support. I suspect (though I don't know for sure) that the 'seamless' application ability is something that has been pulled from Terminal Services for Windows Server 2003 and grafted onto this product, since it's possible to run applications in 'seamless' mode from a W2k3 terminal server as well.

If you want the VPC to actually shut down instead of hibernating, you just need to modify the settings to do so (the 'Close' option).

The default memory setting is pretty low - 256MB. The interesting thing is the actual memory footprint of the virtual PC isn't 256MB (or 512MB, or whatever you actually end up setting the available memory to). With the virtual desktop running but with no applications loaded, my VM is actually using about 52MB of RAM (with 512MB allocated). If I recall correctly, Virtual PC 2007 will actually grab the block of RAM that you allocate, so this is a nice change.

It seems like a pretty nice product. Once I get Office installed on it, I can see how some of my VS2008 'solutions' run, and then I can cheer or curse, as appropriate.

So... why would non-enthusiast consumers need this to work, again? That's a little bit missing the point. They won't be needing anything nearly like this, at all.

Your desktop is suffering a bad LSD trip.

Hehe "Charlie" and "Credibility" in the same sentence...A very funny joke indeed.

Does Virtual PC include Directx 9C support like VMWare Workstation does?

Is XP Mode considered a part of Windows 7? Since if it is, will Windows XP extended support be continued past 2014? I believe Microsoft's support policy means that Windows 7 will get at least 10 years of support, which means that presumably XP Mode and Windows XP will have to continue to remain at extended support to receive security updates during that time.

Therefore XP will not be forgotten. Win 7 will carry XP all the way.

Thumbs up to Win XP! I think it is the best OS ever.

meant as a reply.

If you people would upgrade your OS, Cyril wouldn't need virtualization. Shame on you!

There are ugly boxes inside your pretty box.

It seems you've been rather busy today Mr Kowaliski!