We all know that Microsoft no longer supports the XP OS (except for the IRS). So, patches for vulnerabilities aren’t coming and those with the OS are under rather severe risk of spyware, malware and other OS exploits when running the OS. It’s also true that running virtualizing software is the best protection of a computer on the net, and off it (when checking out new software).
FastStone has created VirtualXP (1.0):
“to convert XP system to a Microsoft virtual disk, which can be run on Windows 7/8 or Windows Server 2008/2012’s virtual machine.
XP virtual machine is safer since it runs above Windows 7/8 or Windows Server 2008/2012 platform with extra security protection from the host environment.
In order to help users being able to keep their Windows XP systems and all its applications on future environments, FarStone presents VirtualXP, VirtualXP will ensure that any XP system and its applications can continue to be used, preserved, and backup on a new Windows system.” – FastStone
System Requirements
- CPU: Pentium or better
- RAM: 512MB
- Free hard disk space: 50MB
- Windows XP (32 & 64-bit), including SP1/SP2
- Windows 2003 (32 & 64-bit)
Key Features:
- Convert Windows XP to virtual machine
- Free for non-commercial use
- Allows you to continue running XP and its applications on Windows 8
- VirtualXP can convert Windows XP and 2003 systems
- It can convert the entire system, or just a selected partition
There is a free and ‘Standard’ (paid) edition of the software. There is a table for comparison of features here: http://www.farstone.com/software/VirtualXP.php
Source:
http://www.farstone.com/software/VirtualXP.php