This document describes how to run Windows XP, Windows 7, and Windows 8 simultaneously on one computer by installing them as virtual machines within Windows 7. It recommends installing Windows XP and Windows 8 as virtual machines using VMware Player to avoid the complexity of partitioning the hard drive. Instructions are provided on upgrading Windows 7 Home to Professional, downloading XP Mode from Microsoft, and purchasing and installing Windows 8 before creating virtual machines to install each operating system.

1. Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8.
Don’t Choose! Have them all
March 2013

2. The Result
 Computer runs Windows 7
 Windows XP and Windows 8 installed as
programs within Windows 7
This is what it looks like

3. Windows 7 Desktop

4. Desktop Icons

5. Windows XP

6. Windows 8

7. Why Bother?
 We need to become comfortable with the
new versions of the Operating System
 Programs don’t work on Windows 7, but did
work in Windows XP. We want to continue
to use them.
 Printer or scanner does not work on
Windows 7, but did work in Windows XP.
We want to continue to use them.

8. Options
There are three ways to run all Operating Systems
1. Buy (or own) three separate computers.
Expensive and probably not practical.
2. Divide your hard drive into segments, called
Partitions, and install a different Operating
System in each. A good solution, but difficult to
do.
3. Install the different Operating Systems in Virtual
Machines within Windows 7.

9. What is a Virtual Machine?
A Couple of Definitions
 A virtual machine (VM) is a software
implementation of a computer that executes
instructions (not programs) like a physical
computer.
 A virtual machine is a piece of software which
allows operating systems to be run 'inside' other
operating systems.

10. Requirements for computer RAM
 Check out how much Memory is installed on your
computer.
 Click the Start button, RIGHT click on
Computer and select Properties

11. Check Computer Memory

12. Requirements for computer RAM
 Check out how much Memory is installed on your
computer.
 Click the Start button, RIGHT click on
Computer and select Properties
 You will need a minimum of 2GB to run two
operating systems
 4GB is much better

13. Virtual Machines
Windows 7
Install Windows XP
Install Windows 8

14. Windows XP

15. Requirement to add XP to 7
Windows XP is a free (no cost)
download and install from Microsoft
IF
You have Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate installed
on your computer
If you have Windows 7 Home, it is necessary to
“upgrade” to Windows 7 Professional

16. Upgrading from Windows Home to
Windows 7 Professional

17. Upgrading from Windows Home to
Windows 7 Professional

18. Upgrading from Windows Home to
Windows 7 Professional

19. What is XP Mode?
Windows XP Mode is a benefit of
Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7
Ultimate and provides additional
application compatibility. It allows you
to install and run many of your
productivity applications for Windows
XP directly from your Windows 7-based
PC.

20. Installing Windows XP within
Windows 7

21. Installing XP within Windows 7

22. Installing Windows XP within
Windows 7

23. Windows XP
 Windows XP will now show in your All Programs
list at the Start button
 You can add a short cut to the Desktop or Quick
Launch Bar to open XP

24. Windows XP

25. Windows XP
 You will need to then load the programs that you
wish to use in Windows XP just as if it was a new
computer.
 Examples are:
 Virus Protection software
 Your preferred browser
 Your Word processor
 Etc., etc.

26. Windows 8

27. To install Windows 8, you will
need a legal official copy
 If you bought a new computer with Windows 7
installed recently, you may have the option to add
Windows 8 for minimal cost.
 If not, you will need to buy a copy of Windows 8
Professional ($140 - $200)

28. Two Stage Process
 Install the “Virtual Machine”
 Install Windows 8

29. VMWare

30. VMWare download

31. VMWare Player Download

32. VMWare Install

33. VMWare Install

34. VMWare Install

35. VMWare Install

36. VMWare Install

37. VMWare Install

38. VMWare Install

39. VMWare Install

40. VMWare Install

41. Windows 8 Install

42. Windows 8 Install

43. Windows 8 Install

44. Windows 8 Install

45. Windows 8 Install

46. Windows 8 Install

47. Windows 8 Install

48. Windows 8 Install

49. Windows 8 Install

50. Windows 8 Install

51. Windows 7 Desktop

52. Desktop Icons

53. Windows XP

54. Windows 8