The brand new feature Windows 7 will bring about, Windows XP Mode, which works on Windows Virtual PC, now had reached the RC milestone.

New Features in Windows XP Mode RC

Based on feedback from the Windows XP Mode beta, several improvements to the usability of Windows XP Mode for small and medium-sized business users are made.

  • You can now attach USB devices to Windows XP Mode applications directly from the Windows 7 task-bar. This means your USB devices, such as printers and flash drives, are available to applications running in Windows XP Mode, without the need to go into full screen mode.
  • You can now access Windows XP Mode applications with a “jump-list”. Right click on the Windows XP Mode applications from the Windows 7 task bar to select and open most recently used files.
  • You now have the flexibility of customizing where Windows XP Mode differencing disk files are stored.
  • You can now disable drive sharing between Windows XP Mode and Windows 7 if you do not need that feature.
  • The initial setup now includes a new user tutorial about how to use Windows XP Mode

I have tried it today. Everything is working as it should.

Noticeable changes besides what is officially documented are:

  • You can now have much smoother operating experience in the virtualized Windows XP SP3 thanks to better drivers, I figure.
  • You will only need to download and install seven updates in July, including two for Genuine Windows Advantage, which serves as the proof this RC pack is made between late June and early July.
  • The starting and shutting down is a little quicker.

Since there is no big change in appearance or anywhere else, except now you are shown a tutorial while installation, please refer to my former posts for detailed information on Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode Beta.