run win7 32bit like XPmode?

[Dubb]

I have one piece of software that doesn't, and likely won't ever, run properly in a 64bit OS.

Until now I've been using the free XP mode from Win7 Pro to run this, but I'm concerned that with XP support going away, I may be opening myself up to problems if I continue to use XP mode.

Can I just take the disc of win7 32bit and upgrade from within XP mode? will I need a second windows 7 license to do it?

 

[Dahak]

Can I just take the disc of win7 32bit and upgrade from within XP mode?

Most likely No, but I have tried

will I need a second windows 7 license to do it?

Yes

Unfortunately with the client version of windows it does not have a virtual license as well where as the servers do

It it a program that needs network access? if not you can disable the networking options and you would be safe that way too.
as its unlikely (unless specifically programed for, even then I have not heard of any) that a virus/malware will cross the vm to the live machine.

 

[Dubb]

Unfortunately it does need network access. bummer.

 

[accguy9009]

Unfortunately it does need network access. bummer.

Why not run XP as a virtual machine?

https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/fr...mware_player/6_0|PLAYER-601|product_downloads

 

[colorblind]

I have a similar situation. I run a DOS program which of course will not run on 64 bit. My easy fix was to install windows 7 32 bit using 4 GB of ram. works perfect in an ofice environment.

 

[postmortemIA]

why not configure xp's firewall to only allow that application to access network. you should be able to mitigate the risks. it is not like you plan to run XP mode's internet explorer.

 

[JackMDS]

I would run the XP SP3 mode using Kerio 2.1.5 firewall (last freeware version of Kerio) and Avira Antivirus. (I consider Norton Junk source as is so I do not use it).

As long as No one is using the Virtual computer to visit questionable download sites it will be safe.

Kerio here in the middle of the page - http://www.321download.com/LastFreeware/page7.html

Avira free version - http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus

 

[Dahak]

Why not run XP as a virtual machine?

https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/fr...mware_player/6_0|PLAYER-601|product_downloads

That is what XP Mode is, a virtual machine.

But I would second the other suggestions as well, lock it down with either the windows firewall or a 3rd party firewall to only allow what network access is required.

Generally, I have not heard of may cross-vm viruses, or exploits, you could once the XP mode is setup the way you want it, copy virtual hdd. And if there is any viruses or something is up with the vm you can always just copy the vhdd back and your good (provided the program does not store any data locally)

The other thing too is, the XP Mode vm is only running while that application is running as well. If the app is closed the VM is in hibernation/off.