Windows XP Mode RC for Windows 7 Arrives

Microsoft has announced that the Windows XP Mode for Windows 7 has entered into Release Candidate phase and is available for download now. New Windows XP Mode release candidate comes with bunch of features and promises better compatibility with Windows 7 operating system.
Intended for virtual-PC based environment in Windows 7, the Windows XP Mode will allow running productivity suites and other legacy applications in virtualized mode. Microsoft had showcased Mode (dubbed as XPM) in April.

Windows 7 RC users can download Windows XP Mode RC (file size: 460.5MB) and Windows Virtual PC (file size: 6MB) from here. Note that Windows XP Mode will be usable only on systems with Intel and AMD processors that support Virtualization technology.

Brandon LeBlanc, Windows Communications Manager at Microsoft, blogged about the availability of Windows XP Mode Release Candidate and called it the 'last mile' compatibility technology when Windows XP productivity application is not compatible with Windows 7. Installing anti-virus program in Windows XP Mode is recommended to secure the environment.

The new features included in the Windows XP Mode RC are:
- Windows XP Mode apps can attach with USB devices directly from Windows 7 taskbar.
- Drive sharing between Windows XP Mode and Windows 7 can be disabled when not needed.
- Initial setup now includes user tutorials for using Windows XP Mode better
- Location of Windows XP Mode differencing disk files stored can now be customized
- Most recently used files in Windows XP Mode applications can be accessed with a jump-list from Windows 7.

Microsoft has built the Windows XP Mode for Windows 7 for the productivity applications that won't be upgraded to run on Windows 7 environment. This feature is primarily meant for small and medium businesses.

Folks interested in trying out Windows 7 RC can download it from here but make sure the system requirements are met. The Windows 7 RC will expire on June 2010.