[High Max]

*_*

[MP-Ryan]

I'm guessing you mean Virtual PC, which has the same core as the XP mode and does what I want, but it's a little clumsy to use and the XP mode is supposed to integrate nicely into the main OS shell. Although I will still need a separate XP install to play certain games with the driver unless it actually works on 7 natively.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx

For the "XP Mode" that is advertised as part of Pro, you need to run the XP Mode software through Virtual PC.  Windows 7 has a raft of compatibility optimizations for XP programs, but the actual mode they're advertising is something entirely different.

And for High Max:  It's not generally worth mentioning software because people use so many different programs.  No, I haven't tried FSO yet.

[Flaser]

My main problem with Windows 7 is the lack any whatsoever native 16-bit support. Windows 7 doesn't have VDMS so I couldn't run DOS programs. Well I could still stomach that (what with Dosbox now pretty mature), but it turns out I still need 16-bit support.

-16-bit? That's DOS! You don't need that.
-Umm... I actually do. Ever tried to install and older program that was released when Win98 was still supported? (1995-2002) Those programs still use a 16-bit installer. If you install a 64-bit OS then it won't be able to run them.

I know that I could install Windows 7 x86 (32-bit edition), but then it wouldn't add anything that I could actually need. In Windows 7 64 I could use the XP Mode to still run such stuff but it sound pretty awkward and I would need to pay a 100$ more for a software to do what I can already do on XP.
As is, Windows 7 doesn't have any features that I *need*. (I could use a newer GUI and fuctions would be handy - I'm among the few who would really use the virtual folders - but I don't *need* that). So no, for the time being I'm still fine with XP.

[The E]

DOSBox FTW, I say.

And seriously? It was about damn time that MS cut 16 bit support from the OS. Removes more unnecessary compatibility crud.

Also, if I really want to use a program that old (and right now, the only one that comes to mind that fits the bill would be the FS2 retail installer), I can always use a VM (There are free solutions out there). A bit of a hassle, but one I can deal with.

[CP5670]

For the "XP Mode" that is advertised as part of Pro, you need to run the XP Mode software through Virtual PC.  Windows 7 has a raft of compatibility optimizations for XP programs, but the actual mode they're advertising is something entirely different.

As I understand it, it runs on the Virtual PC engine but you can use it directly on an application, instead of using an entirely separate desktop and hard drive volume as Virtual PC does. Running those 16-bit installers are exactly the sort of thing it would be good for.

For actual 16-bit games I can just use Windows 3.1, which runs in Dosbox nicely. I'm not sure if the installers would work in that though, as they might complain about the game requiring Windows 98.

[Ghostavo]

And seriously? It was about damn time that MS cut 16 bit support from the OS. Removes more unnecessary compatibility crud.

Windows 64 bit OS's never had 16 bit support. EVER.

And Windows 7 32 bit still has.

[Bob-san]

Yesterday, I bought a copy of Windows 7 Professional (a full copy; standalone and upgrade) for about $32. I saved like $220 off retail.

[Solatar]

Where'd you get a full version for that price? I got an upgrade for $30 with a student discount. Not too much of a big deal, since I have an ancient copy of Windows XP I'm going to "upgrade from".

[Bob-san]

Direct from Microsoft, as part of a student promotion. All you really need is a valid .edu email and a valid credit/debit card. $32 for a product key or $37 for a retail package. http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=237601

[BloodEagle]

A pox on all forums that require you to log-in/sign-up to actually view the damned topic.

[Bob-san]

A pox on all forums that require you to log-in/sign-up to actually view the damned topic.

It's their "On-line Deals & Sales" forum... the rest of the forum (sans the For Sale/Trade) sections are basically public. I'll be nicer...
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/26351-full-retail-version-pro-students-only-29-99-a.html