Virtual Machine

[Evan]

It will have a different IP on your side of the router but they will see the same IP on their side. If they actually identify the machine (via a MAC) then you might have luck with a virtual machine but the only way to know for sure is to try. At the very least you'll now have a way to try out new software without mucking up your computer and have a safe way for your wife to move to Windows 7. 

Evan

[macnext1]

When I followed the link you gave me I then went to the Virtual PC site. I got bogged down in there. Do I want to get just Virtual PC (and then use my CD) or do I want Virtual PC with XP mode?

Mac

[Evan]

Alright, sorry to take so long to get back to you. First, there are 2 different "Virtual PCs"; Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 and Windows Virtual PC (here is a Comparison). You will want Windows Virtual PC. If you already installed Microsoft Virtual PC 2007, then go ahead and uninstall it.

Be sure to look over the minimum requirements, check the FAQS, and it wouldn't hurt to look over the information about Hardware Assisted Virtualization (though it isn't required).

Now you need to decide if you want to use the pre-activated copy of Windows XP Pro SP3 (Windows XP Mode) or use your own disc. For ease of use I suggest you go ahead and try Windows XP Mode. You can Download Windows XP Mode with Virtual PC by following the link and choosing your correct edition of Windows 7.

Hope those links help you get it worked out and done in the right order. Let me know how it goes. 

Also, here is the "Getting Started with Windows Virtual PC" (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/get-started.aspx)

Evan

[macnext1]

Evan, I followed the link and was going to follow up and get it. The location recommends printing or emailing the instructions. So, thinking that was a durn good idea I selected priint -- nothing printed. So I selected the EMail the instructions -- it opened up Outlook Express but the only thing there was --
Step 1:  Download Windows XP Mode
Step 2:  Download Windows Virtual PC
Step 3:  Update Windows XP Mode
Would you do me a favor and check the site for me? Seems like there ought to be more than that.

Mac

[Shane]

I am letting Evan help you totally on this, while I am work on some other things.
If you both hit any snags just let me know!

Shane

[Evan]

Mac...which site did you follow and try to print?

I included several links but they weren't easy to see. I've changed the formatting so you can tell easier where the links are.

Evan

[macnext1]

This is the link I followed.  Download Windows XP Mode with Virtual PC

I was hoping to get some better instructions -- download - download - update -- kind of left me cold.

Mac

[Evan]

I checked on my end and I get the same screen. It seems that you get a cryptic warning about needing to have the steps handy. It's just downloading a couple programs and running them. Just download step one and run it, then move on to step 2 and repeat. 

Evan