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How to Virtualize Windows XP with VirtualBox, the Free Virtualization Solution

By Hindol Adhya

Things You'll Need

A fully working operating system that supports VirtualBox (Windows, OS X, Linux or Solaris)
VirtualBox 4.0+

Tips

VirtualBox for Windows / OS X / Solaris can be downloaded here.
All Linux users hold your breath. There is a better way to install VirtualBox than by downloading the .deb or .rpm package manually. See the bottom of this page.
You may also download The VirtualBox Extension Pack while you are at it. It provides USB 2.0 support. It's under the same page from where you downloaded VirtualBox.

Setting Up the Virtual Machine for Windows XP Installation

Very straightforward. But I have prepared a quick screenshot tour, in case you need help.

Welcome to VirtualBox interface with options to create and manage virtual machines.

Configure VirtualBox - Part 1

Welcome to the New Virtual Machine Wizard interface.

Virtual machine setup screen for naming and selecting OS type.

Memory settings interface for virtual machine in Ubuntu, showing base memory size slider.

Virtual Hard Disk selection screen for creating or using an existing virtual machine disk.

Welcome to the Create New Virtual Disk Wizard interface.

VirtualBox Setup - Part 1

Configure VirtualBox - Part 1

VirtualBox Setup - Part 1

Hard Disk Storage Type Selection Interface

Configure VirtualBox - Part 2

Virtual disk configuration window showing location and size options.

Summary of new virtual hard disk creation with parameters.

Summary of virtual machine creation settings for Windows XP.

Quick Screenshot Tour - Part 2

Configure VirtualBox - Part 2

Quick Screenshot Tour - Part 2

Tips

It is possible to permanently assign your CD/DVD drive with your virtual machine. But this is optional. Just go through the following steps.

Network settings interface with options for audio, system, and other configurations.

Attaching CD/DVD Drive

How to Virtualize Windows XP with VirtualBox, the Free Virtualization Solution

Storage settings interface displaying hard drive information and attributes.

Attach CD/DVD Drive

Attaching CD/DVD Drive

Attach CD/DVD Drive

Install Windows XP

Put your bootable Windows XP CD in the drive and start the virtual machine. (Select your virtual machine, hit the start button in the toolbar. Or right click and select start.)

At this point grab a cup of coffee. XP takes some time to install.

Windows XP Professional Setup screen displaying installation options.

Windows XP Getting Installed

Windows XP Professional Setup Progress Screen

Windows operating system loading screen with software update options.

Install Windows XP

Windows XP desktop interface with a blue sky and green hillside background.

Install Windows XP

Windows XP Getting Installed

Install Windows XP

Tips

If you face a problem here, don't panic! See the troubleshoot section at the bottom of this page.
Remember this is just a virtual machine. Anything happening here does not affect your PC. So relax.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Enable Mouse Pointer Integration?

See below.

How Do I Install The Guest Additions?

The Guest Additions offers several benefits.

Mouse pointer integration
Shared folders
Better video support
Seamless windows
Generic host/guest communication channels
Time synchronization
Shared clipboard
Automated logons (credentials passing)

More detailed information about the Guest Additions can be found here. Installation is easy (shown below).

Computer screen displaying Windows XP interface with green hills and blue sky background.

Installing Guest Additions

VirtualBox Guest Additions installation setup window on a Windows XP desktop.

Installation window for a software application on Windows XP.

Window installation interface showing component selection options.

Installing software on a Windows XP interface with progress bar.

VirtualBox Guest Additions setup screen on Windows XP

Installing Guest Additions

After installation you'll see a tiny Guest Additions icon in the notification area of your taskbar.

How Do I Share Folders Between My Host and Guest OS?

You must have the Guest Additions installed before you can share folders. Next, go through the screenshots.

File manager window displaying various folders and applications.

Folder Sharing - Part 1

Windows XP desktop with a start menu open and a warning message about computer risk.

Folder selection interface with options for Machine and Transient Folders.

Folder selection dialog with options for read-only, auto-mount, and make permanent.

VirtualBox shared folder settings dialog.

Screenshot of a Windows XP interface displaying the "My Network Places" window with network locations listed.

Sharing Folders - Part 1

Folder Sharing - Part 1

Sharing Folders - Part 1

Add Network Place Wizard welcome screen on Windows interface.

Folder Sharing - Part 2

Network setup wizard window on a computer screen.

Network settings configuration window on a Windows XP interface.

Network location selection window on a Windows operating system.

Network setup interface on a Windows XP operating system.

Completing the Add Network Place Wizard on a Windows interface.

Sharing Folders - Part 2

Folder Sharing - Part 2

Sharing Folders - Part 2

Folder Sharing - Part 3

Sharing Folders - Part 3

Folder Sharing - Part 3

Sharing Folders - Part 3

Troubleshoot

XP Installation Halts Midway Showing Missing File

This problem occurred to me while using 64bit Linux host. Try using the Passthrough mode for your CD/DVD drive.

Screenshot of a computer storage settings interface, displaying attributes for a hard drive.

Final Words

So that's about it. You've made it through this tutorial! Congratulations!

Tips

Don't forget to bookmark this page in case you need it later.

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