Thinkpads Forum

I'm new to this:

If I install MS Virtual PC 2007 as a guest on my native Windows Vista OS:

1. After I install Windows XP Pro on MS Virtual PC 2007, do I have to install all the X61s drivers for this virtual settings?

2. After I install Windows XP Pro on MS Virtual PC 2007, do I have to install my virusscan so I have protection?


I'm just planning to load a few applications that is compatible with Windows XP Pro, so not looking to do a lot of work here.

1. No. The virtual machine that you install Windows XP Pro onto is not an X61s. It's really just a like a very basic PC. The drivers that come with Windows XP Pro are enough. However, if you haven't already, you may want to install the Virtual Machine Additions (in the Action menu). This will allow seamless use of mouse between host and guest OS, custom virtual window resolutions, etc. Very useful.

2. Yes, to protect the guest OS. If you connect to the internet from inside your virtual machine, there is a chance of downloading a virus or other malware. This could infect your guest OS, but should not be able to touch the host OS.

I run MS Virtual PC 2007 on my X60. Host OS is Vista Business. Guest OS is Windows XP Pro. Very similar to yourself. I run AVG Free edition on both host and guest OS.

AFAIK, there is malware that is designed to affect the host OS if present in the guest OS or to affect the guest OS if present in the host OS. This danger has been greatly reduced with the newer Intel Virtualization Technology, which your X61 is capable of AFAIK. You can enable IVT from within BIOS -> setup/config -> cpu. I don´t know though whether M$ Virtual PC takes advantage of IVT (but my guess is it does), otherwise enabling IVT wouldn´t bring much.