Installing Windows 7 on a virtualbox virtual machine. The best virtual machines for Windows: install if you really want to look at other operating systems
Today, more than ever, they are in great demand different groups users of computer systems. Actually, the Windows operating system does not lose popularity, which many users want to use on their terminals in parallel with the main OS. Let's see how to install Windows 7 on a virtual machine in the simplest way. Let's take as a basis software package WM VirtualBox, which is not only one of the most powerful, but also one of the easiest to understand general principles work.
What is a virtual machine?
If anyone doesn’t know, software in the form of a virtual machine is nothing more than an emulator computer system with hardware, operating system and user programs installed in it.
Essentially, a virtual machine with installed Windows 7 is like a copy really (physically) existing computer with the "seven" on board, but only on program level, and is no different in its capabilities from a real terminal. In such a virtual system, you can install programs and applications, test equipment, emulate the operation of web servers, etc.
As a rule, all processes associated with installing the software itself, and then operating system, do not cause any difficulties, however, taking into account the requirements of the “seven”, it is still worth giving some recommendations on how to complete all steps of this process.
Virtual machine for Windows 7: WM VirtualBox
So let's get started. As is already clear, first we will need an existing operating system. We proceed from using the WM VirtualBox package.
Please note that in in this case The question will be considered not about how to install a virtual machine on Windows 7, but how to install “seven” on the machine. Indeed, why should we emulate its operation if it is already installed as the main system?
First we need to download latest version programs. You can do this either on the official website or find it on the Internet. In any case, the application is free, so there will be no problems with any “cracked” versions.
Let's launch installation file and follow the instructions. Here everything is as usual: we agree with licensed use and constantly press the “Next” button until we reach confirmation of the installation. There is one nuance here. The fact is that after clicking the Install button, the connection will be disconnected for a while, access will be lost in Internet. There is no need to panic, this is normal.
Next, windows will appear with offers for some devices. We agree everywhere. The last window will display a field with a checkbox next to the line to create a virtual machine immediately. If you need to proceed with these actions, leave everything unchanged. If the virtual machine will be created later, uncheck the box and click the button to complete the installation process (Finish).
How to install Windows 7 on a virtual machine: pre-selecting parameters
All. The main program is installed. The next step will be to create new car, on which the “seven” will subsequently be placed.
To do this in running program We use the appropriate button, after which in the “Wizards” start window we press the continue button. Now you need to select a few basic parameters. Specify the type of operating system Microsoft Windows and select the Windows 7 version.
Now one of the most crucial moments is the choice of volume random access memory. Please note that it will be allocated from the total volume installed on the computer, so that when the child OS is running, it will be reduced in the main one. It is not recommended to set the size to less than 512 MB (preferably 1 GB and above) and more than half of the total available size, otherwise the main system will not only slow down, but may even refuse to work.
The next step is creation. In a similar “Wizard”, it is recommended to select a dynamically expanded disk (Dynamically Allocated) and give it a name. The save location and size will be indicated by default, but these parameters can be changed, say, to use not the system partition with the OS installed, but another logical partition. The program suggests using a size of 20 GB. This parameter can be left unchanged, but if you decide to change it, it is not recommended to use a size less than 15 GB (this is due to the requirements of the “seven” itself).
Creating a boot disk (or system image)
If you consider the question of how to install Windows 7 on a virtual machine, you should remember that it must be installed from a disk. There are two options: either the original installation disk (or a copy thereof) will be used, or the installation will be made from an image.
In principle, if you create a dynamically expanding disk at an early stage, it is better to choose boot image systems. You can create it from the original DVD quite simply in programs like UltraISO, Daemon Tools, Nero, etc. and save directly to your hard drive. There is no point in dwelling on this in detail.
Pre-configuring the virtual machine
Now, before proceeding directly to the installation of the child OS (in our Windows case 7), the virtual machine needs to be configured.
To do this, use the properties button. In the menu, first set the video memory size for the display (at least 26 MB) and enable 2D and 3D acceleration.
Then, in the media section, depending on how the OS being installed is written, select the DVD icon for optical media with the original (after which we insert the disc into the drive) or a folder icon to indicate the location of the .iso image (after which a line with a link to the image will appear). Settings for audio, network, COM ports and shared folders can be set without changes.
Now the main application window appears again, where you should click the “Start” button. If an information message appears, agree, and then click on the virtual machine screen and select the “capture” command in the pop-up window.
Installation of the "seven"
Only now we install Windows 7 on the VirtualBox virtual machine. In principle, the process of installing the “seven” is absolutely no different from how if this procedure was carried out on a real computer. You just need to follow the installer's instructions. Depending on the configuration created, the process may take up to 20-30 minutes. At the end of the process, we get a “seven”, no different from a regular terminal.
Working with add-ons
Separately, it should be noted that the question of how to install Windows 7 on a virtual machine cannot be done without understanding some of the nuances that many users often do not pay attention to. The problem is that the enabled virtual machine blocks the use of the keyboard and mouse on the main system. In addition, it will not be possible to use it for the hosting and child OS at the same time. That is, it will be impossible to copy data in the main application running on the main system and paste it into a program on a virtual machine.
To prevent this from happening, you just need to go to the add-ons installation section, after which in the autorun window you need to click on the VBoxWIndowsAdditions.exe line and install the program.
Conclusion
So we figured out how to install and work with the WM VirtualBox virtual machine. As you can see, there is nothing particularly complicated here. In addition, in most cases, the average user will not have to select parameters manually, since the “Wizard” initially monitors the configuration of the main system and offers optimal options settings.
Well, how expedient and justified the use of a child OS in the form of a “seven” depends only on what specific tasks the user assigns to it. By the way, if you noticed, in this case you don’t even have to enable support virtual technology V BIOS settings. They are used mainly only when using the “native” Hyper-V hypervisor (for its operation or for selecting the boot OS). But in our case this is not required.
Since we all love to experiment, tinker with the system settings, and launch something of our own making, we need to think about safe place for experiments. Such a place for us will be a VirtualBox virtual machine with Windows 7 installed.
When starting the VirtualBox virtual machine (hereinafter referred to as VB), the user sees a window with a completely Russian-language interface.
Let us remind you that when you install the application, the shortcut is automatically placed on the desktop. If this is your first time creating a virtual machine, in this article you will find detailed instructions, which may be useful at this stage.
So, in the new window, click "Create", after which you can select the OS name and other attributes. You can choose from all available operating systems.
Let's move on to next step by pressing "Next". Now you need to specify how much RAM should be allocated for the VM. For its normal functioning, 512 MB is enough, but you can choose more.
After this we create virtual hard disk. If you have previously created disks, you can use them. However, in this article we will focus on how they are created.
Mark the item "Create new hard disk" and move on to further stages.
In a new window you need to indicate where it should be located new image disk and what size it is. If you are creating a boot disk containing Windows 7, then 25 GB will be enough (this figure is set by default).
As for placement, then the best solution will place the disk outside system partition. Failure to do so may result in overload boot disk.
If everything suits you, click "Create".
When the disk is created, the parameters of the created VM will be displayed in a new window.
Now you need to configure the virtual machine hardware.
In the General section, the 1st tab displays key information about the created machine.
Let's open the tab "Additionally". Here we will see the option "Folder for pictures". It is recommended to place the specified folder outside the system partition, since the pictures are large.
"Shared clipboard" involves the operation of the clipboard when your host OS and VM interact. The buffer can operate in 4 modes. In the first mode, exchange is carried out only from the guest operating system to the main one, in the second - to reverse order; the third option allows both directions, and the fourth disables communication. We choose the bidirectional option as the most convenient.
"Mini toolbar" is a small panel that allows you to manage the VM. We recommend activating this console in full screen mode, since it is completely repeated by the main menu of the VM working window. The best place for her is top part window, since this way there is no risk of accidentally pressing one of its buttons.
Let's move on to the section "System". The first tab offers to produce certain settings, which we will look at below.
1. If necessary, you should adjust the amount of RAM in the VM. At the same time, only after its launch will it become completely clear whether the volume has been selected correctly.
When choosing, you should start from what size physical memory installed on the computer. If it is 4 GB, then it is recommended to allocate 1 GB for the VM - it will function without any “brakes”.
2. Let's determine the loading order. The floppy disk (floppy) player is not needed, disable it. The CD/DVD drive should be assigned first in the list in order to be able to install the OS from the disk. Note that this can be either a physical disk or a virtual image.
Other settings are given in the help section. They are closely related to the hardware configuration of your computer. If you set settings that do not comply with it, the VM will not be able to start.
On the bookmark "CPU" the user specifies how many cores are on the virtual motherboard. This option will be available if hardware virtualization is supported AMD-V or VT-x.
Regarding hardware virtualization options AMD-V or VT-x, then before activating them you need to find out whether these functions are supported by the processor and whether they are included initially BIOS– it often happens that they are disabled.
Now let's look at the section "Display". On the bookmark "Video" The amount of memory of the virtual video card is indicated. Activation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional acceleration is also available here. It is advisable to enable the first of them, but the second parameter is optional.
In chapter "Carriers" all disks of the new virtual machine are displayed. You can also see here virtual drive with an inscription "Empty". We will mount the image into it installation disk Windows 7.
The virtual drive is configured as follows: click on the icon located on the right. A menu opens in which we click "Select an image optical disk» . Next, you should add an image of the operating system boot disk.
We will not cover issues related to the network here. Note that network adapter initially active, which is a prerequisite for the VM to access the Internet.
On the section COM There is no point in going into detail, since nothing is connected to such ports today.
In chapter USB check both available options.
Let's go to « Shared folders» and select those directories to which the VM plans to provide access.
The entire setup process is now complete. Now you can start installing the OS.
Select the created machine in the list and click "Run". The installation of Windows 7 on VirtualBox is very similar to normal installation Windows.
After downloading the installation files, a window will open asking you to select a language.
We accept the license terms.
Then select "Full installation".
In the next window you need to select a disk partition to install the operating system. We have the only section, so we select it.
During installation, the machine will automatically reboot several times. After all reboots, enter the desired user and computer name.
Here we enter the product key, if available. If not, then just click "Further".
Set the time zone and date.
Then we choose which network to assign our new virtual machine to. Click "Home".
After these steps, the virtual machine will automatically reboot and we will be taken to the desktop of a freshly installed Windows 7.
Thus, we installed Windows 7 on the VirtualBox virtual machine. Next, you will need to activate it, but this is a topic for another article...
A virtual machine is special program capable of acting as an emulator real computer with all its existing components (BIOS, complete system hardware, including motherboard, graphic, network, HDD And so on).
Naturally, on such a “computer” you can easily install a variety of operating systems, and for them - any programs designed to work on installed system. Thus, you can install several operating systems (even very different ones) on one computer, with which you can easily work, and between which you can exchange data over the “network” (if it is configured correctly).
Not every user needs a virtual machine. Most often, it is used by advanced users to be able to work with other operating systems (say, Ubuntu), or gradually master them without stopping efficient work, say, on Windows. This is also necessary for testing various software, safe start programs downloaded from suspicious sites that may be particularly infected dangerous viruses. You can also emulate an entire computer network this way.
Why do you need a virtual machine under Windows 7?
1. You have this particular OS installed, but you want to use programs for Windows XP, more modern Windows 8, or even for Linux, which works on a completely different principle and the usual “compatibility” will no longer be able to help here.
2. To pick up suitable program, for example, video processing. They are quite large and, if you immediately install them on a work computer, you can easily litter the registry. This is especially true if you remove programs incorrectly - you can carelessly leave “tails” of files that can turn into a real problem in the future.
3. For a simple test of the program. For example, to explain to readers how to use it or to see how it behaves on different systems what errors may appear and how to deal with them.
4. For experimental installation of programs. Let's say, see how data is encrypted, how the program behaves under critical loads, and, ultimately, what will happen if it is infected with a virus.
The most popular virtual machines for Windows 7
WindowsVirtualPC– is already fundamentally built into the OS and is a completely free module for working with applications that are incompatible with the “seven”. Applications running in Windows XP mode can easily run directly on the computer desktop, which is extremely convenient. Programs can also be installed by anyone in a convenient way– download via the Internet, from a flash drive, using DVDs. In general, in any convenient way.
Minimum requirements for installation - Windows 7 operating system not lower than “maximum” or “professional”, 1 Ghz processor, 1 GB of RAM, 15 GB free space on your hard drive.
You can start this virtual machine in a simple way everyone who has an official Windows version 7. To do this, you need to open “All Programs” in the “Start” menu and click on “ Windows Virtual PC". If this item is missing, then you just need to install the update called “Windows6.1-KB958559-x86” (designed for 32-bit systems) or Windows6.1-KB958559-x64 (for 64-bit). After this, you can safely get to work.
VMWare Workstation from VMWare, Microsoft's main competitor in the virtual machine market. Mostly useful for developers who often need to test and verify their own applications for different operating systems.
This virtual machine for Windows 7 has already won about 50 different awards from IT specialists thanks to a thoroughly thought-out environment for use, a built-in set of functionality and, last but not least, high performance and optimization. Perfect for those who need to do everything quickly. It also has the ability to “release” system resources a simple stop already running processes, which relieves the processor and significantly speeds up data processing. Necessary for working with demanding applications.
VirtualBox. A computer virtualization system similar to those described above. Can work in dynamic translation mode (processing of the main part of the data is transferred to real, not emulated, equipment). It is universal because it can be installed on any of the listed Mac systems OS, Windows, Solaris, Linux. You can install on it: GNU/Linux, Windows, Solaris, BSD.
Advantages - completely free distribution, fairly high performance, small size, ability to work with virtual VMware images. The most significant disadvantage is that it is impossible to drag files into the application window using the mouse.
Windows 7 virtual machine installation
Since Windows Virtual PC is already included, we will install VirtualBox - it is free, unlike more serious products. After installation, of course, we’ll start setting it up.
So, go to the official VirtualBox website and download the latest version of the program from the site. We launch the installer and see this welcome window
We confirm that we wish to continue with the installation and move on to the next step.
Here we are shown which program components are present and where they will be installed. Of course, you can freely change the directory and install the machine on any disk, but it’s better to leave all the components, especially if you are new to using virtual machines. I agree that you may not need all the components in the near future, but if you need them, you will have to reinstall this program again. And also everything that you install on your virtual computer.
Next stage of installation
Here you just need to indicate where the program shortcuts will be located.
The next stage may frighten inexperienced users, although the program warns that the computer will now be disconnected from the network for a short time. So if you haven't followed wise advice carry out installation with closed programs and are now actively downloading something from file hosting services, you must either wait for the download to finish or interrupt the download yourself.
After that, we agree with everything – “Yes”, and move on. The program will inform you that everything is ready for installation, which means click “Install”.
Now you will have to wait a while until the virtual machine is installed on your computer. At this time, pop-up windows may appear on the screen offering to install different software for our device. We agree with all of them and establish absolutely everything.
After installation is complete, click “Finish”. If everything was done as it should, and you did not uncheck the corresponding box (as shown in the image), then the virtual machine will start automatically immediately after installation is complete.
Machine creation and customization
To do this, you need to create a new machine in the “VirtualBox” working window. To do this, you just need to click the appropriate button (“Create”, upper left corner).
Afterwards the program will ask you to choose what type of machine will be created. Here you just need to enter its name and select the type of operating system. Please remember that some care must be taken to be accurate.
I need a virtual machine to test the most different programs before installing them in the main directory of the computer. This means that I will create a computer running Windows 7.
Now we’ll tell the program how much RAM will be allocated for our new virtual computer.
Everything must be done carefully, since this option depends on the OS you are going to use and will consume the RAM that is available on the computer. Virtual car windows 7 requires no less than a normal operating system, which means we need at least 1 GB. But I set it to 1.5 because I can afford it and am going to test programs that will also consume RAM.
Windows XP will therefore require less RAM. But all the same, it is advisable to always give it “with reserve”. And here lies another danger - you cannot give the virtual machine more than half of the computer’s “live” memory, otherwise the computer will start to glitch and may even freeze altogether. However, if you have powerful computer, which has more than 8 GB of memory, then the virtual machine can easily be allocated about 5-6 GB.
The next stage is the hard drive.
Every computer must have a hard drive. Virtual ones are no exception, and therefore it must be created. Therefore, we create a new virtual hard disk.
Then we indicate its type.
And if the names of all these formats mean absolutely nothing to you, then we simply leave everything “by default” and move on. Click “Next”.
Next window
It invites us to indicate to the machine the format for storing data on the virtual machine. What is important is that the dynamic hard drive is “rubber,” so to speak, and can be more or less easily expanded. Fixed has a hard specified size and will never take more. It all depends on your needs and preferences. But I will need a hard drive that can be enlarged if necessary, which is why I choose “dynamics”.
Now all that remains is to name it and indicate the original size.
Let's create it and move on to the next stage.
Setting up a virtual machine
On the right top corner There is a “Customize” button. Click it and get here - “Settings”
Here you can change the most different parameters. Adjust the amount of RAM, if you made a mistake before, the boot order of various devices, the use of acceleration, etc.
There are several sections in total. The version I use has 9 sections, but it would take too long to go into detail about each one. And it’s better to do this yourself, consciously, watching how the behavior of the virtual computer changes. In addition, there is convenient system help - just hover your mouse over the item you are interested in and a tooltip will appear.
But here short description settings by section:
1) General. Here is the name of the virtual machine, the OS it uses, removable media and clipboard;
2) System. Everything related to the hardware of our virtual machine (RAM, processor, chipset, device boot order, acceleration);
3) Display. Video memory and its settings, the number of monitors used, the ability to connect to remote monitor, acceleration, video capture.
4) Media. Setting up existing virtual hard disks;
5) Audio. Everything is clear here - the sound and everything connected with it;
6) Network. Ability to configure virtual network adapters;
7) Com ports. Their inclusion and configuration;
8) USB. This controller and filter settings;
9) Shared folders. Their configuration and management.
If a serious error was made during the settings, then smart program will report this immediately. And at the bottom of the settings window a warning message “Detected incorrect settings" If you hover your mouse over " Exclamation point", then they will tell you what exactly was done wrong.
However, most likely you will only need the first 3 types of settings: “General”, “System”, “Display”. If the virtual machine starts to work slowly and slows down, you can try increasing the amount of RAM it uses or increasing the processor power.
After completing the settings, confirm everything (“OK”). To start the selected virtual machine, just select it and click the “Launch” button. Now all that remains is to install the previously selected OS on our virtual computer, configure it and we are ready to work.
Appearance new version operating system is stressful for most users. Therefore, one of the main tasks of developers is to make the transition as smooth as possible. It doesn't always work out, but creators of windows 7 turned out to be understanding people, and therefore introduced a virtualization package into the system that was new at that time, allowing one to run XP inside the “seven”.
General information
The virtual machine emulates Hardware, creating within the system isolated environment, in which you can install any OS. This allows you to solve many problems with software compatibility, and also makes it possible to “try” another system without deleting the current one. You will be able to work with physical drives, install games and programs for Windows XP without giving up the “seven”, save files and perform other tasks. Let's see how to install a virtual machine on Windows 7 to take advantage of all its useful features.
Checking for Virtual PC
If you installed Windows 7 Ultimate version, Enterprise or Professional, then you have the Virtual PC function by default. You just need to make sure that the processor supports hardware virtualization. This can be done using the utility from Microsoft Hardware-Assisted Virtualization Detection Tool.
Download the utility and run it. Depending on the results of the processor test, the following messages may appear on the screen.
Enabling/disabling virtualization is done in the BIOS settings, so before installing Virtual PC manually, make sure that the option is activated.
The option may be called Intel_Virtualization Technology, AMD-V, Virtualization Extensions, etc. Find this feature in the BIOS and change the value from “Disabled” to “Enabled”. 
If after this you cannot start the virtual machine, Windows offers to install a special patch. At this stage, it is important to choose the correct system bit size – x32 or x64.
Manual installation
Installing a virtual machine on Windows 7 includes two steps:
- Installing Windows Virtual PC;
- Installing a virtual Windows disk XP Mode.
First, let's deal with Virtual PC:
Then you can proceed to installing the Windows XP Mode virtual disk:
First start
After installing XP Mode, the "seven" must further configure it to create a virtual disk. Therefore, after clicking the “Finish” button, the following window will appear on the screen, in which there will be another license agreement, the terms of which you must accept. 
Specify the folder where the virtual disk will be located and create the first user. 
Enable security features of the system you are creating. This is not necessary. Click "Start Installation". 
The installation process will start; you just have to wait for it to end.
New virtual machine
The system is prepared, the virtual disk is installed. All that remains is to create a new environment and run Windows XP in it.
The newly created sandbox will appear in the XP Mode main window. Click on it right click and select "Open". Select the "DVD Drive" option and specify the path to the physical drive (if you have a disc with Windows distribution XP) or a pre-downloaded ISO image. The system installation wizard will launch.
All you have to do is install Windows XP in normal mode to start using this system in an isolated environment created using the hardware virtualization feature.
After the installation is complete, you can use all the features of the Microsoft OS: install gadgets for Windows XP, install games that do not run on the “seven”, launch outdated programs etc. – to do this, just run XP mode through the emulator. 
Alternative virtual machines
In addition to the built-in hardware virtualization feature, Windows 7 supports programs third party developers, which help to create an isolated environment and install any operating system into it.
First of all, it is necessary to note such virtualization systems as VMWare Workstation and Oracle VM VirtualBox. Let's look at the example of Virtualbox to see how such programs work.
Oracle VM Virtualbox
Download and install Virtualbox. It is installed in the same way as any other program, so you should not have any problems.
- Launch Oracle VM VirtualBox and click Create. The Create Sandboxed Environment Wizard opens.
- Specify the name of the new machine, system type and bitness, and then click Next.
- Set the amount of RAM that will be automatically allocated when the virtual machine starts for its operation.
- Create a new hard drive and click Next.
- Specify the disk type. If you don't know which is better, leave the first item on the list checked.
- Select the storage format - it is recommended to select “Dynamic image”.
- Specify the name and volume of the new virtual hard drive, and then complete the wizard by clicking the "Create" button.
The isolated environment is ready. To start working with it, mark it with the left mouse button and click the “Run” button in top menu. 
A new window will appear on the screen through which you will first install and then interact with Windows 7 or another installed operating system. Specify the path to physical disk or an ISO image with a Windows distribution and click “Continue”. 
We will not consider the Windows 7 installation process in detail here, since it is no different from a regular installation on physical hard disk. You just need to wait until the system installation is completed.
The virtual machine starts via Oracle program VM VirtualBox. You will need to open this utility and select the desired virtual system image from the main menu on the left.
As for other utilities, in VMWare Workstation the process of creating a virtual machine almost completely repeats the procedure described above. 
In some other programs you may need additional customization, so for beginners they may seem a little complicated.
Conclusion
Creating a virtual machine and installing a system on it is quite simple, but you need to be careful - since April 2014, Windows XP is not supported by Microsoft, therefore, even by emulating the mode of this OS, you make your system vulnerable.
In addition, XP mode is not supported on machines with Windows 8 installed, and there is no way to fix this. The Virtual PC feature was originally created for smooth transition between systems, so you won’t be able to skip a version.
But you can try installing a system other than Microsoft Windows - for example, Linux. 
It’s quite difficult to switch to it right away; besides, you have to give up most of your usual habits. Windows programs. In emulation mode, you will gradually get used to the features of interacting with new system and decide whether you need to switch to it completely.
operating room Windows system allows you to create a virtual machine (VM), which is another computer with a separate virtual disk, OS, system data and software. Simply put, you connect another system that can be opened in a separate window. We will tell you how to install a virtual machine in this article. Follow the instructions carefully, and after 20-30 minutes the VM will appear on your computer
Creating a virtual machine on Windows 10
The Top Ten has a standard service for creating virtual machines – Hyper-V. By default, the components of this service are disabled - we need to start them. To do this you need to go to Control Panel, then go to section Programs – Enable or disable features. In the menu that appears, activate the item Hyper-V and confirm your action with the key OK.After installation, the computer must be restarted. Now let's go to search service Windows and drive it there Hyper-V Manager. It is located in Administration tools. Now let's move on to creating the VM:
Ready. Opening Hyper-V, you will see the VM.
The launch occurs by double clicking on the name of the VM in Hyper-V. In the connection window you need to click on the button Turn on. You only have to go standard procedure system installation.
Important! It may happen that you have configured and installed everything correctly, but the operating system on the virtual machine does not start. This can be explained by the fact that specifications not suitable for playback virtual system. Please read carefully system requirements to install one or another version of the OS. For example, you cannot install Windows 10 on a weak PC with a dual-core processor and 1 GB of RAM.
Creating a virtual machine on Windows 7
The "seven" has a built-in service for creating VMs, but it allows you to create a virtual machine only for Windows XP. We believe that the lack of choice is bad, so we have made instructions on using third-party software to create a VM. The program is called Virtual Box, and you can also use it to install VMs on Windows 10, 8, and even XP. You need to download Virtual Box from this link.
Install the program by standard scheme and run it:
- In the main menu, click on the button Create.
- After this, the New VM Creation Wizard will open.
- Select the type of operating system and its version: if you want to install Windows 8, then select it from the list.
- In the next window we set required quantity The RAM of the new OS - 512 MB is enough for Windows XP, and the tenth version will not work correctly if you do not provide at least 4 GB for it.
Helpful advice! When specifying memory, set it to at least 515 MB and no more than 50% of the total RAM that is in your computer.
We create a new hard drive for the VM by clicking on the appropriate item and move on. We recommend choosing the fixed option so that the hard drive for the VM does not take up all the space from the main Windows. Setting the size virtual HDD, you must specify the path where it will be located.
Now we return to the VM creation menu and press the button Ready. Now we need to configure the virtual machine and install the system itself on it - go to the section Properties. In chapter Display must be enabled 2D accelerator And 3D accelerator.
The next step is to select the media from which the new OS will be installed on the virtual machine:
- If you want to use the installation image, then go to the section Attributes and click on the folder icon - the media manager will open - you need to add your image here.
- If the installation will be performed from a DVD or USB drive, you should insert it into the computer and go to the section Attributes. After downloading, the disk or flash drive you need will appear in the list of media.
Now press the button Install and go to the standard operating system installation wizard. We recommend studying Virtual program Box to customize the virtual machine completely for yourself.
Helpful advice! To create a VM with Linux is better use the Virtual Box program. You can also use standard Windows wizard 10, but user reviews indicate that Linux will be unstable.
Installing a virtual machine with Windows XP
We have already looked at an example using Virtual Box, now we will study the VMaware Workstation program, with which we will install Windows XP on a virtual machine. You can download the VMaware Workstation application from here.After downloading, launch installation file and install the program according to the standard scheme. Now go to VMaware Workstation and proceed according to the following scheme:
- In the application dialog menu, select the partition to install the VM. IN English version it is called New Virtual Machine.
- First of all, the program will ask us to specify a DVD disc, Flash drive or ISO image. For example, we took regular DVD with XP. Click on the button Further and go to system activation mode - specify the path to the XP activation file.
- Now you need to set up a separate hard drive on which files with Windows XP will be located, and software will also be installed there. We indicate the size: usually 40 GB is enough, but for trial use of the VM, 8 GB will be enough for you.
- After this, VMaware Workstation will run the check and final configuration. Here we can change the amount of RAM for the WindowsF version, login methods and other parameters. The Russian version is now available on the VMaware Workstation website; we recommend reading the description of each setting in the help. If you skip this section, the program will automatically set the RAM.
- Once setup is complete, VMaware Workstation will proceed to install the XP system on the virtual machine.
Video installation of VM
The video is dedicated to Windows installation XP on a VM and its subsequent configuration. Even a novice user can install a VM using these instructions. The video also explains in detail how to use an already installed XP as a virtual operating system.Now you have a virtual machine to experiment with. If you have long wanted to use “unwanted” software, then it is best to install it on a VM. Use standard services it's easier to install a VM, but third party software gives more opportunities. It all depends on your requirements - the instructions for Windows 7 are also suitable for other operating systems, and there is also a link to download a convenient program.
