Microsoft Virtual PC allows you to use multiple operating systems at the same time using only one computer. This is a great way to keep your computer's main operating system safe while you fearlessly fiddle with the virtualized one. Read on to find out how to use Virtual PC.
Steps
Step 1. Download the Microsoft Virtual PC installation file directly from the Microsoft website at this Instructions address
Step 2. Install the program
Note: You will need to use a Windows XP or later operating system. However, Virtual PC may also run on operating systems earlier than Windows XP.
Step 3. When you start the program you will be asked to create a virtual machine
If not, simply press the 'New' button.
Step 4. Select the item 'Create new virtual machine' and then press the 'Next' button
Step 5. Type the name you want to assign to your virtual machine (for example it could be the name of the operating system you are going to use)
When finished, hit the 'Next' button.
Step 6. Select the operating system you want to install (this will set the optimal virtual machine specifications suitable for the chosen operating system)
If the operating system you want to install is not listed, select 'Other'.
Step 7. Depending on the operating system you are using you may need to change the amount of RAM you are going to use
Remember: do not select a quantity of Ram higher than that 'really' installed on your computer. The main operating system will also need to continue to function properly. For example, if your computer has 1 GB of RAM (1024 MB), you can reserve 256 MB of RAM for your virtual machine. Some operating systems particularly dated, in fact, do not support a quantity of RAM greater than 512 MB. It would just be a waste to reserve more RAM memory than the maximum value that the operating system you want to virtualize can handle.
Step 8. Select the 'Create a new virtual disk' item and press the 'Next' button
Now you will have to choose the folder in which to create the virtual disk. Normally the default destination is perfect. You will also need to set the disk size in megabytes (MB). Remember that 1024 MB equals 1 GB.
Step 9. Finish the creation wizard
Within the 'Virtual PC Console' panel, a new icon should have appeared, corresponding to your new virtual machine.
Step 10. Select and press the 'Start' button
You should see a few lines of text scroll through the Virtual PC panel just like when you start your computer.
Step 11. Insert the operating system installation disc into your CD / DVD drive
Step 12. Follow the on-screen instructions for installing the operating system
(If you are getting bored while waiting for the installation, but the mouse pointer gets 'trapped' in your virtual machine window, try holding down the 'Alt Gr' key while moving the mouse. Alternatively, use the key combination 'Alt Gr + Enter'. The installation will proceed normally, while you are free to do as you wish)
Step 13. If you have followed all the instructions, the installation should go smoothly
If you are asked to restart your computer, hold down the 'Alt Gr' key and press the letter 'R'. When prompted to restart the virtual operating system, remember that you will only need to restart the virtual machine, not your real computer. The virtual machine will restart exactly like your real computer would.
Step 14. Congratulations
You have successfully completed the setup of your first virtual machine. Now you can use it as you wish.
Advice
- Virtual PC is a great tool for verifying that a program is running correctly, even on an older version of Windows. Another great way to take advantage of Virtual PC is to continue using that old version of Windows that you love so much and which is no longer compatible with modern computers.
- The emulation used by Virtual PC does not support all technologies used by microprocessors, so some operating systems such as Linux cannot be virtualized.
- Experience anything you want! Whatever you do you will never be able to damage the main operating system. The operating system running Virtual PC and the virtualized operating system are two totally separate environments.
- If the virtualized environment seems slow to you and you are using a laptop, try plugging it into the mains. Many laptops reduce the speed of their processors to save battery.
- If you are installing Windows 95, be aware that the system will not always boot properly. If this is the case, keep restarting Virtual PC until the virtual machine running Windows 95 starts up correctly (If you don't use your computer while the virtual machine is starting up, the success rate increases dramatically!).
