XP mode in Windows 7 for VS11

[sgraham]

I am currently using VS11Pro and want to continue for near future. I am ordering a new system from Dell and they have an XP Pro 'downgrade' but, in effect, it is Windows 7 running in 'XP mode' according to Dell support. I am not sure if emulating XP Pro rather than running native will adversely affect my ability to continue to use VS11Pro error free. Does anyone have any insight into this? Thanks.

[Ron P.]

With the major changes in operating systems from WinXP to Vista and now to Win7, and that drivers had to be created for each, I would say that you should not expect it to run error free. It may work, but do not be surprised if suddenly it starts throwing errors. I would say give it try, what do you have to loose from the start. If it fails, then you'll know you need to entertain upgrading..

[sgraham]

Right I understand that virtually nothing is error free with all the drivers and different op systems and service packs but Dell is charging $169.00 for a 'downgrade' to XP Pro when suddenly they tell me well it isn't really XP Pro we install but Windows 7 in XP mode. I'm thinking, like you, that is going to run but would appreciate if anyone is actually in a production mode on that config getting some input.

[aljimenez]

Right I understand that virtually nothing is error free with all the drivers and different op systems and service packs but Dell is charging $169.00 for a 'downgrade' to XP Pro when suddenly they tell me well it isn't really XP Pro we install but Windows 7 in XP mode. I'm thinking, like you, that is going to run but would appreciate if anyone is actually in a production mode on that config getting some input.

I have Windows 7 Professional, and then I installed Windows Virtual PC with XP mode running (free from Microsoft). My old versions of Corel Draw Graphics 12 run very well in this mode. I would recommend you upgrade to Windows 7 Professional instead of asking Dell to "downgrade" you to XP. If what I have done does not work for you, you could partition your hardrive so that you can have a dual boot system: one with Windows 7 and one with pure XP. I am betting that what I have done will work, however... Al

[sjj1805]

Seems you have a couple of choices:
Dell is charging $169.00 for a 'downgrade' to XP Pro
Corel is charging $59.99 for an UPGRADE to VSX3.