Microsoft removes Hardware restrictions on the use of Windows XP Mode

Recently, Microsoft has made several important announcements related to virtualization technologies. One of those ads certainly will please those who still could not use mode Windows XP (Windows XP Mode) in Windows 7 due to hardware limitations. Now to use this function it's not necessary to have a processor with the virtualization technology.

Implemented in Windows 7 Professional and above Windows XP Mode allows enterprises to run applications written for Windows XP and are incompatible with the new OS in a virtual environment. Until recently, this feature can be used only if the processor supports virtualization at the hardware level. Microsoft acknowledged that many users have encountered difficulties when trying to use their PC with the new technology. It turned out that some computers which are claimed to be compatible, in practice do not work in the Mode of Windows XP. To enable all persons wishing to use the new virtualization, Microsoft found a way to run it without the inclusion of virtualization in the BIOS. An updated version of the utility has already been published for download. Those who have already successfully used XP Mode Mode, download the new version is not necessary.

This is what Microsoft said about it.

Customers who already use Windows XP Mode with support for virtualization at the hardware level, can continue to use it. Those who are only going to use this product, can download the new version and not worry about hardware virtualization. By our calculations, the performance mode in Windows XP will be more than acceptable in the presence of hardware support, and in its absence. Developers who will run in Virtual PC virtual machines Windows Vista or Windows 7, need equipment with hardware support of virtualization, since this restriction has been lifted only for the regime of Windows XP.

In addition, Microsoft plans to introduce new virtualization technology in the service pack Service Pack (SP) 1 for Windows Server 2008 R2.