How to Use Microsoft Virtual Machine

A virtual machine is a software-only version of a computer that operates in the same way as a physical computer. The difference is that each physical computer requires its own hardware, such as a processor and physical memory, while virtual machines are designed to share access to hardware. Because they share resources, multiple virtual machines can run simultaneously on a single physical computer. You can install a virtual machine on your physical computer using Microsoft Virtual PC 2007, and then install an operating system, such as Windows XP, on the virtual machine.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Windows operating system installation CD with valid product key

1. Create the virtual machine and virtual hard drive on your physical computer.
   Click Start > All Programs > Microsoft Virtual PC. This will start the New Virtual Machine wizard.

2. Follow the prompts in the wizard. You will be asked to choose the particular operating system you plan to install on your virtual machine. When the wizard is finished, your new virtual machine will be displayed in the Virtual PC console.

3. Install an operating system on the virtual machine you created. Click the new virtual machine in the Virtual PC console, and then click "Start." When prompted, place the product installation CD for the operating system you selected into the CD drive of the physical computer. You will also be prompted to create a user name and password to use with the new operating system.

4. Follow the prompts in the Virtual PC console to install the operating system. When the installation is complete, log in to the operating system on the virtual machine. Click "Action" on the Virtual PC console menu bar, and then click "Ctrl + Alt + Del" on the drop-down menu. Log in to the operating system with the user name and password you selected during the set-up process.

5. Use the operating system on the virtual machine just as you would a physical computer. For example, you can install and run software, connect to the Internet or adjust personal settings to your preferences.

References

• Information from Microsoft on Virtual PC 2007