Virtualization software lets you run multiple operating systems on a single computer at the same time. Instead of using a dedicated computer for every operating system, you can run them all from your Windows desktop. This provides a cost efficient way of testing and supporting application compatibility.

Virtual PC 2007 is Microsoft’s latest release of its virtualization software. In a previous article, I outlined some of the new features and enhancements of Virtual PC 2007 as well as how to install the software.

In this series of articles, I will describe how to create a new virtual machine in Virtual PC 2007. I will also describe how to install two guest operating systems: Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Creating a New Virtual Machine
Guest operating systems run inside of virtual machines (VM). Therefore, before you can install a guest operating system, you have to create a virtual machine. Assuming you have already installed Virtual PC 2007 on your computer, you can use the steps that I describe below to create a new virtual machine.

1. Start Microsoft Virtual PC. The New Virtual Machine Wizard appears. If it does not, click the New button from the console window.
2. Click Next.
3. Select Create a virtual machine and click Next.
4. Type a name for the virtual machine. The virtual machine file is automatically stored in the My Virtual Machines folder. Click Browse to choose a new location. Click Next.
5. Use the drop down arrow to select the operating system you plan to install in the virtual machine. Click Next.
6. You can accept the default Random Access memory (RAM) setting and click Next.
7. Select A new virtual hard disk and click Next.
8. Click Next to accept the default location for the virtual hard disk. Click Next.
9. Click Finish.

With your virtual machine now created, you can move on to installing the guest operating system. The next installment of this series will show you how to install Windows XP inside a VM.

Tags: virtual pc, virtual machine