views:

2137

answers:

12

Hey,

I know this question isn't "directly" programming related, but since I want to be able to be well-prepared on windows-programming when Windows 7 is released, I want to try it out now. But since I don't have two computers, I can't risk to install it as dual-boot in case it screws something up, my experience with dual-booting XP and Vista isn't the best, so dual-boot in a pre-beta-world is even more scary ;)

Anyway, my question is this: Does there exist any Virtualization-programs that handles Windows 7 now? And if there is several, which one is best? I don't really need any detailed descriptions on how to install it and such, that I have google for ;) And the install-DVD is in my hands as we speak, so that isn't a problem either.

Thanks in advance!

+8  A: 

I'd imagine Microsoft VirtualPC would be your best bet.

FlySwat
Worked, but it's slow as h**l =)
Espenhh
as long as you give the os a good enough amount of the host ram to run it should run fine
WestDiscGolf
don't forget to put the VHD on a fast drive too.
Scott Ivey
When you select the OS type, just tell VirtualPC it's Vista.
R. Bemrose
I found that under Virtual PC, with 1024mb of RAM, on a 7200rpm drive shared with the main machine, it ran BETTER than Vista on a comparable configuration.
Eric Haskins
A: 

VMWare is simply amazing....as an option.

websch01ar
+1  A: 

I personally use VMWare and I would imagine that it would support windows 7 without any issue.

Good luck with testing, I wished I could get a copy of it to test myself.

Mitchel Sellers
You can get it here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.aspx no trick to it.
JosephStyons
Yup! I already have it up and running. it wasn't an option when I posted this before.
Mitchel Sellers
+6  A: 

I installed it using VMWare Fusion on MacBook Pro last night without any problems. I just told VMWare that it was Windows Vista 64Bit.

spilth
Me too, except on VmWare server console on WinXP host...no problems.
shsteimer
+6  A: 

I'm using VMware Workstation (6.5.1) with the default "Windows Vista" settings.

Works great. Even the NIC works, despite of a few error reports found in google.

Edit: I installed the current beta of Windows 7 (Build 7000)

ulrichb
I'm using vMware Workstation v6.5 as well with Windows 7 and everything works perfectly using the Windows Vista VM settings.
Jon Tackabury
Worked for me too on VMW 6.5 - including USB 2, sound, and network (haven't been able to get aero working however)
Steve Tranby
Aero works on my vmware too! Which windows build did you install?
ulrichb
Works on my VmWare Player. I made my install using Forever For Now - VMWare Player Image Creation http://www.ffnn.nl/pages/articles/linux/vmware-player-image-creation.php.
Joe
A: 

I have it up and running using the free VMWare Server 1.0.8, using the Vista settings.

Alex Warren
A: 

I installed it this weekend in a Parallels 3.0 machine on my mac. The install went smoothly, and it boots fine, but it acts like there is no network card installed. I guess I need to upgrade to Parallels 4.0, which is supposed to have more complete support.

JosephStyons
+2  A: 

I installed it this week in VirtualBox with no problems.

Michael Itzoe
+2  A: 

As others say, free Microsoft VirtualPC 2007 runs Windows 7 Beta. But you need to be aware of some things.

  1. Virtual PC 2007 SP1 needs to be installed
  2. Virtual PC 2007 only supports 32-bit guest OS, so you need to download Windows 7 Beta 32-bit
  3. Choose Windows Vista when creating new virtual disk

I gave it 512MB RAM, and it is running pretty smooth. I have a Quad-core CPU though.

Brian Kim
The main catch is that you don't get 3D support with VirtualPC.
R. Bemrose
I've got the same config, and it works great.
Eric Haskins
A: 

I installed it on two machines using both VMWare and VirtualBox. On one system, neither install recognizes the NIC while both installs work fine on the second system. Vista works fine on both systems in both virtual machines. It appears that the beta of Windows 7 has driver issues.

psant
A: 

You can use free Xen Server Express from citrix.com. I've installed Windows 7 using Vista template. Didn't have much time to play with it, but seems to work pretty well (well, as for beta).

There is a little tweak you have to in order for it to run. Once you create VM from template:

  • Open console on XenServer
  • execute "xe vm-list" and copy the UUID of the VM you created
  • execute "xe vm-param-set uuid= platform:viridian=false"
  • Reboot the VM and enjoy install process.
ya23
+1  A: 

I've had very good performance in VirtualBox, with a few caveats:

  • Win7 has no driver for the default emulated NIC (PCnet-FAST III). Change it to an Intel PRO/1000 MT Desktop, however, and it's fine.
  • There's no driver in the install image for the default emulated sound card, but Windows Update will pick it up for you when the network's going.
  • The Guest Additions whinge about the OS being unsupported and won't install, unless you run them in Vista Compatibility Mode (from Properties on the .exe). Windows will hang on startup after installing them, then Win7 will offer to 'repair' itself. It will claim to have failed, but afterwards it still all works fine anyway.
  • ...except for the Shared Folders function. Presumably this clashes with the new homegroup stuff in Win7 and is responsible for the hang. You can still use normal Samba sharing or SFTP or whatever so it's not the end of the world.
bobince