Windows 7 is the latest version of Microsoft Windows series of operating systems. It was launched after Windows XP and Windows Vista. Windows 7 is compatible with almost every application, but there are some which are compatible with Windows XP only. Mainly those applications are business applications, so keeping that problem in mind Microsoft provided an option in Windows 7 as Windows XP mode. Using this application, you can install any software in Windows 7 that is not compatible with Windows 7. Windows XP can work with Windows 7 in mainly two ways, either as a virtual operating system or as a way to open programs within Windows 7. It works with Windows 7 in a separate window like a program runs in Windows 7. The main difference is that it is not a fully functional version of Windows XP. In the Windows XP mode you can get access to the computer’s CD/DVD drive, you can install programs, save files and also perform many other tasks that were used by a computer running Windows XP. But sometimes you may want to stop other users from installing Windows XP mode.
You can use some of the easy steps given below. Read the instructions carefully.
Step1:
The first step to stop a user from installing Windows XP Mode in Windows 7 is not to make them the local administrators. This step should be your goal with Windows 7 deployments. To make users local administrator, there should be some instances because it is not quite often when you make a user a local administrator. It may not always work when you make them a local administrator. You can not restrict them to use Windows XP mode in Windows 7. There are some policies and general rules for local administrators. Users can work around these rules and policies, so, it is tough to block or restrict them.
Step2:
You can use AppLocker or software restriction policies to block them, and you can block Windows Virtual PC executables to stop them using the Windows XP mode. There are some executables but the important one is the vpc.exe. After blocking this executable, majority of users will be unable to use Windows XP mode in Windows 7.
These are the tested and effective steps to restrict users to install Windows XP mode in Windows 7. We recommend you to check hardware and compatibility before trying Windows XP mode.
