How to ytransfer an XP machine to run in virtual mode in Win 10

[FFM]

I have a Dell workstation running Windows XP (32 bit, Core Duo) at work. I am planning on buying (custom built) a Haswell-E computer (Asus X99 WS/ USB 3.1, i7 5930K, 32 GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 980 TI etc.) running Windows 10 Pro (64 bit).

I don't want to disrupt my work and I'm not sure that all my software will run OK on Windows 10. So I was thinking about two options
1) Run both machines with a KVM switch and start installing the software I need on Windows 10 (hoping it will work) and once done, ditch out the Dell workstation
2) The tough question. Can I copy and virtualize my entire XP machine to run under Windows 10. If so, how can I do that. I understand that there could be a problem as it is a Dell machine and I may not be able to transfer the XP license.

Thanks

 

[dave_the_nerd]

You can absolutely do that. Licensing may be borked, (in fact, technically, it probably should be) but worst case, you re-license.

You are looking for something called a "P2V" or "physical to virtual" clone tool. The exact one will depend on which type of hypervisor you use.

VMware Converter for ESX/VMware Workstation/VMware Player:

http://www.vmware.com/products/converter/

Disk2VHD or other free utilities for Hyper-V (If you don't have SCVMM)

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/9790.hyper-v-p2v-with-disk2vhd.aspx

If you don't use one of those two (which would be weird, but okay) you're kinda on your own. But VirtualBox should be able to import a VMware image. Not sure about Xen or KVM.

 

[John Connor]

I take it Disk2VHD doesn't allow me to copy my computer to VMware player?

I'm asking because VMware Converter doesn't look free.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I take it Disk2VHD doesn't allow me to copy my computer to VMware player?

I'm asking because VMware Converter doesn't look free.

Disk2VHD is for Hyper-V.

I think there's a free version of VMware Converter somewhere...

Found it. VMware vCenter Converter Standalone. You have to register with their website and give them a bunch of fun personal info, but it's free.

 

[John Connor]

.

Found it. VMware vCenter Converter Standalone. You have to register with their website and give them a bunch of fun personal info, but it's free.

I'll check that out. Thanks!

 

[andyinv]

re Disk2VHD - the VHD can also be used in Virtualbox.