Licensing Question (Or Maybe Virtual Machine Question)

[apostle83]

Hello All. This is my first post. Hopefully this place doesn't hate noobs. :awe: I don't think it does.

I'm purchasing new computers for my office for several users. I want to go with systems that can easily support Windows 7 64 bit for the future. I have a pretty big investment in Nortel Unified Messaging systems though. At this stage, Windows XP is a pretty big requirement, still.

I use all Dell systems, and they're pretty amazing about all using other Dell install disks. For example, if I have a system that came with an XP SP1 disk, and need to reinstall windows, I can stick an XP SP3 install disk in it from another Dell and it works. Pretty nice! I assume HP and other major manufacturers are the same way.

My question to you is whether or not this will be an issue going between Windows 7 Pro 64 Bit and Windows XP 32 bit. I'm looking at Optiplex 980 systems.

Or, am I looking at this entirely wrong? Should I be running a Virtual XP from these machines?

Thanks for your help and input.

 

[Crusty]

Several versions of Win7 come with a virtualized Windows XP built in called 'XP Mode'. Have you investigated whether or not your software will work in an virtualized environment?

 

[apostle83]

Hello Crusty,
I've played around with "Compatability Mode" but not the "XP Mode" - the virtual machine.

I'd love to get your thoughts on my reasoning: The main program I'm having compatibility issues with is a Print Driver that works with our fax suite for Nortel Unified Messaging. It integrates with outlook to receive faxes, but it is supposed to have the capability to fax any printable area in windows, in any program.

How difficult is it to teach people to use XP Mode? I'm going to try it.

 

[JackMDS]

Reinstalling with a none original CD might or might not work it depends on what the cd is (Retail, OEM, Special Edition, etc.).

As far as Networking is concerned it does not matter which Windows OS is installed they all talk one to the other.

You can just upgrade the existing XP SP1 installations.

This is the File for upgrade to SP2. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...BE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en

To upgrade to SP3, http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/bb794714.aspx

 

[apostle83]

Several versions of Win7 come with a virtualized Windows XP built in called 'XP Mode'. Have you investigated whether or not your software will work in an virtualized environment?

I'm playing around with this right now.

One disadvantage I can see is it looks like it will double the number of anti-virus programs I need to run, since I will be running outlook 2003 in the virtual environment. Unless Virtual PC's Take Virus Protection from their parent PC. I don't think this is the case, since Virtual XP is prominently warning me it has no virus protection!

 

[corkyg]

I use the XP VM from Microsoft for a few old programs. Yes, you do need to install your AV program again in the VM, . . . or use a freebie.

I checked with a couple of software companies, and multiple installations of software in such an instance does not violate the EULA - it is still considered as one machine. This also applies to dual boot systems.

The XP VM is available in Win7 Pro and Ultimate.

Anyway, the XP VM works well. When turned off, it becomes a hibernation file. That may occupy a pretty big chunk of your HDD real estate.

 

[Chiefcrowe]

Agreed about the AV. I just use MSE for free with many of my VMs.

 

[apostle83]

I've been playing around with this. It is pretty powerful!

I'm wondering if I should realistically just set everything up in the Virtual PC, instead of having mixed environments.

The reason being we cut and paste between a lot of programs.

I need to further test this, with dual monitors.

Anyone have any luck with virtual pc and dual monitors?

 

[JackMDS]

Microsoft Security Essentials is just as good as any other AV/AntiSpyware application.

It is free, and available for Win 7 and Win XP. You can download it and use it as many time is you need.

When using XP-Mode the host computer AV is not part of the equation and does not slow down anything.

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/support.aspx

 

[stlcardinals]

Microsoft Security Essentials is just as good as any other AV/AntiSpyware application.

It is free, and available for Win 7 and Win XP. You can download it and use it as many time is you need.

When using XP-Mode the host computer AV is not part of the equation and does not slow down anything.

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/support.aspx

Except his business is obviously not a home based business(200+ computers).
Using MSE would violate it's licensing terms.

 

[apostle83]

Except his business is obviously not a home based business(200+ computers).
Using MSE would violate it's licensing terms.

We're not home based, but I only have 15 users. :\

I had luck getting the programs I need fully functional in XP Mode. This is great!

I have two questions now:
1. Is it possible to use dual monitors in XP mode?
2. Is it possible to set Window 7 to boot straight into XP Mode? I'm worried it might be too difficult/confusing for some of my users to deal with, as simple as it is.

 

[corkyg]

I believe 2 monitors is possible.

I don't see booting directly into the VM. When the system shuts down, the XP VM becomes a hibernation file, But - maybe it can be done. Can't hurt to try.