VirtualBox doesn't support Windows 7 compatible mode

[hovh03]

Windows 7 guest under VirtualBox

Windows 7 has a feature called compatible mode, so that Windows XP software would work. I need to get a piece of Windows XP software to run under Windows 7, but the utility to find out if it can be run under the machine (VirtualBox) says it cannot. The information about Windows XP mode under Windows 7 can be found here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtua ... nload.aspx

This may mean I have to run Windows7 natively, not through VirtualBox

[Perryg]

You can run XP under VirtualBox, but you can not run the XP mode in Win 7 inside VirtualBox. That would be 2 Hardware-v hypervisors and that is not allowed because it would corrupt the host and the guest.

[stefan.becker]

Where is the problem? Install an additional XP Guest.

Windows 7 XP Mode is the same.

[hovh03]

Here's the reason why I wanted to do that. I was tasked to try out a stack of Oracle software (Fusion 11g) on a 64 bit machine (Windows 7). This includes SSO.
I set out to run Windows 7 in a virtual machine using VirtualBox.
However, SSO is only available as 10g, which is 32 bit. Install this in Vista would crash the installer. Oracle said that SSO would install under Windows 7 using comparability mode. I went to Microsoft web site and download and run a utility to see if the machine (VirtualBox/Windows 7) can install/run the Windows XP compatibility mode. It didn't work.

So, this is not my decision or choice. I need to run the whole thing under 1 machine, not two machines (Windows 7 and Windows XP). Obviously, if anyone works with virtual machine before, this is the 1st thing to come in mind to try it out in that environment. Unfortunately, if it doesn't work, then I have to install Windows 7 natively on the machine.

[stefan.becker]

Then install Windows 7 native, there is no other way.

[Perryg]

Excuse me but running Xp mode under Windows 7 is the exact same thing as running XP in VirtualBox. They are both hypervisors.
XP mode is nothing more than VirtualPC from what I have been told.
So if this is true you should be able to install XP in VirtualBox running in Windows 7.
Of course this is your decision, but I would at least give it a try. Just make sure that the XP mode is switched off.
That is why you are having problems installing and using VirtualBox.

[Martin]

Oracle said that SSO would install under Windows 7 using comparability mode.

Did they mean the "XP compatibility mode" (setting in the application preferences) or the "XP mode" (virtual machine running a full XP) ?

[hovh03]

"Excuse me but running Xp mode under Windows 7 is the exact same thing as running XP in VirtualBox."

Theoretically, it's the same. However, to some people, installing it under Microsoft's compatibility mode doesn't mean they're running 2 machines. It's a perception, and I have to support that.

"So if this is true you should be able to install XP in VirtualBox running in Windows 7."

Yes, but I am running Linux, and I don't like to switch to Windows 7. Additionally, the above make VirtualBox not a solution. There is probably minor difference such as the users don't have different IP addresses, file system, etc. It's all integrated. At least, that how I am guessing how it works.

"Just make sure that the XP mode is switched off.
That is why you are having problems installing and using VirtualBox."

Would you please clarify this? I am a bit confused.

"Did they mean the "XP compatibility mode" (setting in the application preferences) or the "XP mode" (virtual machine running a full XP) ?"

I am not sure what they meant. I didn't talk to them directly. I already tried to install it under XP compatibility mode, and it failed. So, I will try with the the virtual machine approach. If both fails, I would then file a support request then. However, reading your message, I realize it's better ask them now, just to save time.

[stefan.becker]

You must ask what exact is needed.

The compatibility mode is only a setting in Windows 7, so that old applications think they are running under an older win version. But not all old Software works with this (in vm and on iron).

The XP mode is a full virtual machine in Windows 7 based on MS Virtual PC as one package and a XP-vhd-image as second package. And this cant work in VM with Windows 7, because of VT in VT doesnt work, but xp mode needs VT to run.

Forget it this way. Use WIndows 7 Hosts and XP mode or Windows 7 with VBOX and XP. There will be no other solution.