How to Install an Operating System in Microsoft Virtual PC 2007

Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 provides an effective mechanism for running multiple operating systems on a single computer. While the system requirements in terms of memory, hard drive storage, and processor performance can be steep, purchasing a single relatively powerful system can still be far more cost-effective than purchasing two moderately priced computers. Virtual PC 2007 is used for testing purposes, as well as for running legacy applications that are not compatible with operating systems that are more recent.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Begin the installation. Start Virtual PC 2007, select "New" and select "Next." Then select whether to "Create a virtual machine," which starts a wizard to configure a new virtual machine. Selecting "Use the default settings to create a virtual machine" bypasses the wizard and installs a default virtual machine without a virtual hard drive, which is a more advanced process requiring additional expertise. Click "Add an existing virtual machine" to point to a virtual machine created on another machine and add it to the Virtual PC 2007 Console for use on your computer.

2. Create a new virtual machine. Select "Create a virtual machine," then choose "Next." Provide a name and location for the new virtual machine. By default, the virtual machine files will be located in the "My Virtual Machines" folder in the default user file folder. You can also select "Browse" to choose a different location. Virtual machines and their associated virtual hard drives can require large amounts of space, and so be sure to select a location with sufficient storage. Select "Next."

3. Select the type of operating system to install. Virtual PC 2007 is optimized for Microsoft operating system, and every version from Windows NT Workstation through Windows Vista is officially supported, including the various server operating systems. The option "Other" is for non-Microsoft operating systems such as Linux, and may or may not work without issues. Defaults for the selected operating system are displayed. Select an operating system, and then click "Next."

4. Allocate RAM for the virtual machine. Virtual PC 2007 utilizes part of your computer's system RAM for the virtual machine. Use the recommended setting if you will be using the virtual machine in a typical configuration, or select "Adjusting the RAM" to set the amount manually. If you choose to configure the RAM yourself, either type an amount in the field or slide the pointer to the desired amount. Remember that the more RAM allocated to your virtual machine, the less that will be available for your computer's other operations. Click "Next."

5. Create a virtual hard drive. If you have a virtual machine already installed on your system, you can choose to use its existing virtual hard drive. Otherwise, select "A new virtual hard drive" and click "Next." By default, your virtual hard drive will be placed in the same location as your virtual machine. If you would like to save it in a different location, select "Browse" and choose a different file folder. Either accept the default virtual hard disk size, or type in a desired value. Remember that this virtual drive will also take space from the selected physical hard drive. Click "Next," then "Finish."

6. Install the operating system. You can install from either a physical CD or DVD, from a floppy or from an image located on a local or network drive. To install from a physical disk, click "Start" at the Virtual PC 2007 Console and then select "CD," then "Use Physical Disk X" where "X" represents the drive letter of your CD or DVD. Make sure a bootable operating system install disk is in the drive. To install from an image, select "CD," then "Capture ISO Image" and select the image from the file system. To install from a floppy disk, select "Floppy," then "Capture Floppy Disk Image" Install the operating system according to its normal process.

7. Configure the virtual machine. Once the operating system has finished installing and the virtual machine has been created, select "Settings" to access a number of configuration options. You can change the name of the virtual machine, make adjustments to RAM, virtual hard drives and various other system components, and set the default display resolution.

Tips & Warnings

• To optimize a virtual machine, start it by double-clicking its icon in the Console window. When the operating system has started, select "Action" and then "Install or Update Virtual Machine Additions. In supported operating systems, this will install software to allow for easier mouse use, better display support and other efficiencies in operating the virtual machine.
• Virtual PC 2007 does not relieve you of the need to own a legally licensed operating system, and to use it according to the applicable End User License Agreement (EULA).