im trying to run programs on a virtual pc (xp pro) that wont work with vista 64 with no success.?

Question

i have a windows vista x64 os hosting a fully licensed version of xp professional on the microsoft virtual pc 2007.

i seem to be unable to run xp based programs that aren't compatible with vista. shouldn't i be able to run the programs as if the vista doesn't even exist on my computer? i have a separate hard drive dedicated to the xp on the virtual pc

im running a toshiba Satellite with 4 gig ddr2 and 2, 200gig hard drives with vista 64 as the primary (host) OS, i have installed the windows virtual pc 2007 service pack 1, and i have windows xp pro as the virtual OS.

am i mistaken that the virtual pc should act as a complete separate OS as if it was installed in a separate partition (or computer)?

id simply like to keep the vista and be able to run "non vista compatible" programs on the xp in my virtual machine.

if i could at least get musicmatch v10 to work, id be forever grateful

Answer 1

The guest OS has absolutely no notion that it's running inside Virtual PC. So you are correct in thinking the virtual PC would act the same as a separate computer.

Answer 2

I'm not sure why music match 10 is giving you such a hard time, but the virtual machine you are running (xp) is not exactly the same as a completely seperate instal, it is limited and can not access all of the resources on your computer, so what this means for you is that some programs that require a deeper connection to the OS are unable to run properly, may not run, or may not even install at all. Sorry for the bad news. I'm suprised Music match wouldn't install, but it must be written in such a way that it requires more than just base windows functionality.

Answer 3

Well although I am a bit of a computer nerd I don't know much about virtual PC.

However I am using Vista and I do know how to run programs by changing their compatibility settings.

Because I suck at describing things here's this link to better explain it, plus it has pictures xD

http://www.watchingthenet.com/use-vistas-program-compatibility-wizard-to-run-older-software-applications.html



But sorry that I can't help you with the virtual PC stuff, but I hope you find your answer.

Changing the program's compatibility settings is what I usually do, but I find that some hardware like my printer/scanner won't work even with an updated driver :S

Answer 4

what do you need musicmatch for that windows media player won't already do?