Install XP on a virtual machine

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Based on an article in “Windows 7 Help & Advice” magazine, I installed VirtualBox and then downloads a “free” copy of Windows XP from http://www.modern.ie. I was able to run everything and get XP up and running fine. However, right away Windows started asking for an authentication code before I can use the setup. Nothing in the article said anything about needing a code. I can buy a code if I need to, but want to be sure I need it. With XP running out, I am not sure I want to spend money on a copy now.

SOB

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Hi SOB. If we’re going by the book, then AFAIK you would need a valid code.

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The only way you’re going to get a free copy of XP with your virtual machine is if you download XP Mode from Microsoft:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/install-and-use-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7

You’ll need to be running Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate. Windows 7 Home Premium, Basic, or Starter won’t make you eligible for the free copy of XP.

If you have an old computer with XP, you may be able to use the authentication code from it for the copy of XP that you installed in VirtualBox. If that works, then your legal copy will be the one in VirtualBox, not the one on the old PC.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 10 running in a remote session on my file server

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This is what I extracted from the TOS for those VMs:

3. TIME-SENSITIVE SOFTWARE. You may use the software for 90 days after it is downloaded to the
licensed computer. The software will stop running after 90 days and you may not receive any other
notice. You may not be able to access data used with the software when it stops running.

Windows 8.1 Preview expires on 1/15/2014. After that point in time, Windows will restart after one hour
and continue to restart every two hours after that.
3. NO ACTIVATION. To prevent its unlicensed use, the software contains activation enforcement
technology. Because the software is licensed for testing use only, you are not licensed to activate the
software for any purpose even if it prompts you to do so.
4. BACKUP COPY. You may make one backup copy of the software. You may use it only to reinstall the
software.
5. SCOPE OF LICENSE. The software is licensed, not sold. This agreement only gives you some rights to
use the software. Microsoft reserves all other rights.[/COLOR]

So it seems even though you get activation enforcement, you can’t activate it and it expires 90 days from install.

A better solution might be to get XP Mode and use that, it’s also free and does not expire. Download is only for W7 Pro but there are ways to get it for an HP system as well, it just needs to originate from a Pro and above system.

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User apparently has Windows 7, not Windows 8.1 Preview.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 10 running in a remote session on my file server

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Ya that sentence was only a special note for 8.1 preview. The TOS applies to all of the VM’s.

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There must be millions of ‘retired’ copies of Windows XP around that are no longer being used. I have had no problem, or indeed any question, getting validation using the codes from old copies of XP in my library. If you do not have such a copy, perhaps some of your friends may be able to help…

Chris

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