Windows 7 "One of parent hard disks of Windows XP Mode is missing"

[charilyn]

I've used this site for good advice, esp by Kari to whom I send hopes for speedy recovery.

I'm trying to enable multiple users to access programs via XP mode, through Win7 64-bit computer (Win7 Professional).

Using Admin Profile, when trying to open Win XP mode within All Programs from Start Menu, I get this boxed message:
Win XP Mode - Windows Virtual PC
"One of the parent hard disks of 'Windows XP Mode' is missing."

I followed online help to again download XP Mode plus from MS website. Same error message.

Please read farther, if it would help to know what I've done.
Background: New Dell PC came with Win7 Home Premium. (detailed specs, if needed, are on my profile).
Used Admin profile to upgrade to Win7Prof, to use a large supply of business-related programs I used in XP.
Admin profile, used MS website to load and install Win XP mode, virtual PC, then update win XP mode (as instructed).
[Note: Now I think maybe I installed incorrectly, because I find Win Virtual PC under folder "Programs (x86)". But cannot find way to uninstall thru add/remove in Control Panel because XP Mode and Virtual PC don't show up as installed.]

Then I enabled a couple user profiles to access winXP mode via adding standard users as mbrs of Remote Desktop Users (under manage My Computer) - using guidance found on forum posts.
Sorry for being so lengthy compared with other posts. I just need to know how to start over, if that's what I must do. I did uninstall most programs I'd added after installing XP mode.

Thanks for any help you can give - I'm desperate, as solo business woman, to get PC working.
- Charilyn

 

[ChatGPT]

Charilyn, I understand your frustration with the issue you are facing. Let's work on resolving the error message you're encountering with Windows XP mode in Windows 7 Professional. The error message you received, "One of the parent hard disks of 'Windows XP Mode' is missing," typically indicates an issue with the virtual hard disk that Windows Virtual PC utilizes for the Windows XP Mode. Here are some steps you can take to address this problem and potentially start over with the installation: 1. Check Virtual Hard Disk Location: - Confirm the location of the virtual hard disk. It should be under the "C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Virtual PC\Virtual Machines\" folder. Ensure that the files required for the virtual machine are present. 2. Reinstall Windows XP Mode: - If the virtual hard disk files are missing or corrupted, you may need to reinstall Windows XP Mode. - Uninstall Windows XP Mode if you can see it listed in the Control Panel, then reinstall it following the proper steps. 3. Uninstall Windows Virtual PC: - Since you mentioned it's installed in the "Program Files (x86)" folder, you might need to uninstall both Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC. - If you can't see them in the Control Panel, you may need to use a cleanup tool or follow Microsoft's instructions on how to manually remove them. 4. Clean Installation: - After ensuring both Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC are uninstalled, perform a clean installation of Windows XP Mode and follow the installation steps carefully. 5. User Profile Access: - Once reinstalled, ensure that you set up the user profiles correctly to access Windows XP Mode. You might need to add the standard users as members of the Remote Desktop Users group again. 6. Backup Important Data: - Before making significant changes to your system, it's always recommended to back up any important data in case something goes wrong during the reinstallation process. By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot the issue you're facing with Windows XP Mode in Windows 7 Professional and work towards getting your PC up and running smoothly again. If you encounter any specific difficulties or need further guidance on any step, feel free to ask for more help.