WIN XP (32 bit) VM's convert from VMWare - I'm VMWare free now  

Hi there

For some people there's still a need to run XP systems - even as VM's.

To run XP VM's on the latest hardware and Linux kernels (KVM) - forget about converting from VMWare / VBOX if you have those

Install again from new --- use Windows XP Pro with SP3 or later . For install the initial disk must be defined as IDE , the install cd must be set up as an ide iso cdrom and you need to set the chipset as i440FX not Q35 as XP will bomb out because it won't until after installation support AHCI. You need to set sound driver to AC97, and ensure the virtio iso is also enabled. USB needs to be USB2 as well. You can of course host these VM's on SSD's or Nvme's for speed - the Host I/O will ensure max throughput where possible.

Use Host CPU passthru in the setup.

Install the VM -- after boot just browse the virtio iso and wherever you find a folder xp select the i386 version and then simply right mouse click on the .inf or setup file select install.

Now shut down the VM, change the network adapter(s) to virtio, video qxl to qxl and re-boot

Now in control panel go to hardware and against any devices with a ? just click properties, update driver and unchecl connect to internet.

For a Browser use Firefox-esr version or Basilik / Pale moon. You will need IE8 to download firefox then you are in business.

I'm now 100% independent of VMWare / VBOX now (Thank goodness - and KVM is FREE). Even my Minidisc recorder is working again.




BTW running W2K19 server and WinXP together uses far less CPU resources than just the latest build of W10 alone - so there's definitely either a whole slew of diagnostic stuff that's being captured in W10 and being sent to Ms or there's a massive amount of boat or inefficient coding in it.



Cheers
jimbo