You can import a Windows XP Mode virtual machine and run it in Workstation Pro. When you import a Windows XP Mode virtual machine, Workstation Pro creates a new virtual machine in VMware runtime (.vmx) format.

You can power on only one Windows XP Mode virtual machine at a time in Workstation Pro. If you move a Windows XP Mode virtual machine to another host system, it becomes a new virtual machine and you must activate it.

Note:

Changes made to the original Windows XP Mode virtual machine through Virtual PC do not affect the virtual machine imported in Workstation Pro.

Prerequisites

  • Verify that the Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate edition operating system is running on the host system. Importing Windows XP Mode virtual machines is not supported on Linux host systems or on host systems that are running other versions of Windows.

  • Download and install the Windows XP Mode virtual machine on the host system.

Procedure

  1. Select File > Open and browse to the virtual machine configuration (.vmc) file.

    If you have never virtualized a physical machine or imported a third-party virtual machine in Workstation Pro, you need to download and install VMware vCenter Converter Standalone. After the VMware vCenter Converter Standalone installation is finished, you must restart the import.

  2. Type a name for the new virtual machine, type or browse to the directory for the virtual machine files, and click Import.

    Workstation Pro begins importing the Windows XP Mode virtual machine.

Results

After Workstation Pro successfully imports the Windows XP Mode virtual machine, a new virtual machine appears in the virtual machine library.