How to Create a Virtual XP Pro PC
If you have ever caused damage to your computer by installing a free software program then you know how valuable it is to be able to try a new software product in an environment where it cannot do damage. Computer virtualization software such as VMware facilitates this by creating a "virtual machine" on your computer. If you would like to experiment without doing damage to your real computer, simply boot the virtual machine instead. This article describes how to create a virtual Windows XP Pro machine on your computer using VMware Player, a free program for personal use.
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Instructions
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Download and install VMware Player. Insert the Windows XP Pro CD into your computer and launch the VMware Player.
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Click "Create a New Virtual Machine." A new window will open.
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Click the radio button labeled "Installer disc." The Windows XP CD will spin up, and VMware will detect the operating system. Click "Next."
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Enter your Windows XP product key, the name that you would like to use to log into Windows XP, and optionally, a password. Click "Next."
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Type a name for the virtual machine, or use the default name, which is simply "Windows XP Professional." Click the "Browse" button and browse to the folder that you would like the virtual machine to be stored in if you wish and click "Next." VMware Player will use your "Documents" folder if you do not choose one yourself.
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Type the amount of space (in gigabytes) that will be used as the capacity of the virtual machine's hard drive. This space will be taken from your computer's hard drive only as the virtual machine needs it.
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Click "Next" then click "Finish." Windows XP will begin installing on the virtual machine. After about 30 minutes, you will be brought to the Windows XP desktop.
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