Keep in mind that the whole 40GB allocated will not be used – Windows XP only uses up about 1.5GB of space – still Windows needs room to run – and every time you use Windows XP you’ll be adding files to it. VMware Player will ask you how large you want your virtual hard drive to be (default is 40GB) you can choose a different size if you choose. If you’re using the full retail version of XP you won’t have to worry about digging out a copy of Windows 98 or Windows 2000. If you’re using a Windows XP upgrade disk, make sure you have a Windows 98 or Windows 2000 disk handy – you’ll have to “prove” that you are eligible to use the Windows XP upgrade disk. At one point you’ll need to enter your Windows XP key. Easy means easy, you can install Windows XP in 5 or 6 clicks. VMware automatically detects your Windows XP CD, and says it will install it with “Easy install”.

Now click “Create a new virtual machine” (the very top selection). When you’ve finished installing VMware Player, you will need to restart your computer.Īfter you’ve installed VMware Player, and you’re computer is rebooted, open VMware and insert your XP disk in your CD/DVD drive. Note: If you see any prompts asking you about installing drivers just go ahead and approve them. If you’re a dial-up user, keep in mind the download is 90MB – you should know that it will take you quite a long time to download a file that size. After you fill out the form, the download link and registration will be sent to you via email – so make sure you use a real email address :-). Registration is a bit of overkill it will take you some time to fill out.

It is a free download, but requires you to register (free). A Windows XP Disk (If you use an XP upgrade disk you’ll also need a Windows 2000 or Windows 98 CD too)įirst, download and install VMware Player from this page.

Free copy of VMware Player (requires free registration)Ģ. And another good thing, you can even run Windows XP on Windows 7 if your processor doesn’t support virtualization – and many lower-end computers do not.ġ. We’re going to show you how you can create a virtual Windows XP mode on your Windows 7 Home Premium computer.

Vmplayer for windows 7