I am wondering if someone know how safe VirtualPC is.
The things I am interesting in is if it is safe to run unknown programs in it.
For thoose that don't know what VirtualPC is it is a program that creates a virtual PC, making it possible to run for an example both Win XP and Vista at the same time, or Windows 3.11 (I have done that).
My main concern is that if I run a software or visit a site inside VirtualPC, could that infect my PC (the real one).

If it's not I might consider doing a series of videos showing how to do stuff and not having to worrie that my PC gets infested with malware.

To summurize my question, is it possible to run software inside VirtualPC without risking infecting the real PC with malware?
I havent been able to find any answers to this on the webb, have searched alot with google without any success

This post has been edited by Acuena: Apr 23 2009, 03:39 PM

Hi Acuena

I think you can safely assume that nothing will happen to your real system.
If it is set up properly. I don't know the software you mention. But I do use a
virtual system from time to time, named Returnil.

Easiest way to determine if something would happen, is to install a program.
Search for the programs name in registry. Once determined that the reg.keys
are in place, reboot / remove virtualization or whatever you have to do to remove
the virtual enviroment. Reboot and search once again for those reg.keys.


Cheers

OK, thanks for the info, I got a BSOD when trying VirtualPC so I uninstalled it. Shall investigate Returnil

If you need any pointers or need to have something explained regarding
Returnil, you just ask away, and I'll try to answer to the best of my
knowledge


Cheers

Seems like Returnil somehow makes a "copy" of my PC and evrything I do with it dosent get saved when I reboot. That was not quite what I was after. I want to be able to emulate another OS at the same time I have my original running. It's like having two OS running at the same time on the same PC. That makes me able to record the reboot process on the PC that I am emulating. Anyone know any other program that can do that?

VirtualBox is another virtualization tool. There is a free version for non-commercial and strictly personal use.

There is also VMWare that offers some free versions.


I never used VirtualBox. However, some co-worker of mine did warmly suggest this tool because it should have same functionalities than VM Ware, but with a lighter footprint. And, well, every tool he did suggest me in the past was highly valuable.

Cheers

VirtualBox worked like a charm

As I am writting this I am instaling Win XP on it. It looks pretty strange when instaling to have my "real" pc XP in the background at the same time.

Thx for the help

Happy to read this, and you're welcome