Is there a differnce between XP Mode and Virtual PC Mode

What is the difference between Win Virtual PC mode and XP mode?
I went into the Bios and enabled virtual PC mode, and when I hit the icon on my desktop I got a screen called Win XP Mode - Win Virtual PC. Couldn't see how to do anything w/ it though. Can someone explain? I assume you run the older programs there, but how do you load/access them?
Thx

 

Virtual PC Mode is a generic term for Virtual PC. You can load & run any OS in it.

XP Mode - Virtual PC is when you are running Win XP in Virtual PC.

XP Mode is nothing special except that MS provides it as an integrated component of Windows 7 for running non compatible applications. You may as well use Oracle/Sun VirtualBox [which I use] or VMWare VMPlayer.

You can do whatever you like in this virtual environment - install program, surf net, email but the data & all the programs get installed in separate file which is virtualised by the program to resemble a drive. The programs/data already installed in your computer is separate from this virtual drive.

 

Read mode about it at Microsoft Virtual PC.

 

RS, can you (in very simple terms) explain how to get XP Mode going. I don't even know where to look for it, and I have programs that apparently need it.
Thx

 

RS, Pg three of the link you posted says XP Mode is on the start menu. It's not on mine. Now what?

 

You have to download & install the XP Mode. Use the url I had given above, download the files & install them. You would then have a new item on Start Menu - XP Mode.

Have you tried running your programs in "Compatibility Mode" ? Most of the programs would run under it successfully.

 

Oh, I didn't realise it had to be downloaded. Though it was part of Win 7.
Where do I find Compatibility Mode? It's not on my Start menu.

 

That's apparently some huge download. It says it'll take almost an hr.

 

Which browser are you using ? Try using IE.

 

Switched from FF to IE and it got into an endless loop. It's now downloading in FF. I'll see it in about an hr. zzzzz

 

So where is Compatability Mode?

 

Thx Christer.
I'd forget my pocket if I wasn't wearing my pants!

If I write it down I'd lose the paper - no joke.
I just emailed it to myself. That's the only way I can keep track of anything.

 

So I really don't need Virtual PC, correct?

 

Steve I just tried installing XP mode (from the download) and it said it's already installed, yet it's not on the start menu.

 

Found it w/ a search, but how do I load programs into it?

 

Have you installed the Windows Virtual PC [download #2] ?

 

Ooops, I forgot about the 2nd and 3rd downloads.
I'll be back.

 

Why does MS keep having to validate me prior to download. Isn't once enough?