Do I need an AV for XP mode?

Orcvader

Orcvader

Orcvader

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Just tried XP mode... And it's really weird!

Didn't want to install it but this silly program my university uses refuses to run on Win 7 64-bit.

Just curious, do I need to install an anti-virus on it? The notification keeps popping up telling me to install one. I have Avast installed on the main Win 7 installation.
 
Depends what you're doing with it. If you're Web browsing and installing loads of programmes then maybe, if you're just using it for that one application then there's no need really.
 
If I understand correctly then OP is running XP as a virtual OS. Why does he need AV? Im not trying to be a smart ass here, but it's a virtual machine.
 
philtor said:
If I understand correctly then OP is running XP as a virtual OS. Why does he need AV? Im not trying to be a smart ass here, but it's a virtual machine.
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It's also virtually a separate computer ;)

Unless you are browsing the internet and installing stuff in the VM then I'd not bother, just use your head and don't go looking for midget porn :D
 
The problem is that virii (plus malware etc) can do more than just screw up your OS installation. e.g:

-Assuming there is full network connectivity etc a keylogger isn't going to care whether the OS is virtual or not, it will still upload your banking passwords
-Depending on how the virtual machine is configured it may have access to files you have stored on local drives (e.g. could wipe them out)
-No idea if it would actually be possible via a VM and with modern motherboards, but back in the day some particularly nasty virus' used to attack the BIOS e.g. CIH Virus.
 
With XP mode, you still have access to your host computer as a LAN so depending on what kind of infection you get (if you do) you might be at risk. So if it's just for software testing then you will have already disabled network sharing access on it anyway so would have no problem.

Otherwise, yeah install a VM (MSE) really.

I have a core base XP VM in VMWare player, if I am testing out potentially dodgy software I just copy the VM directory, create a new VM out of it and then delete it once testing is done. Easy peasy!
 
mrk said:
With XP mode, you still have access to your host computer as a LAN so depending on what kind of infection you get (if you do) you might be at risk. So if it's just for software testing then you will have already disabled network sharing access on it anyway so would have no problem.

Otherwise, yeah install a VM (MSE) really.

I have a core base XP VM in VMWare player, if I am testing out potentially dodgy software I just copy the VM directory, create a new VM out of it and then delete it once testing is done. Easy peasy!
Click to expand...

Isn't that what snapshotting is for? :confused:

Why make life harder than it has to be?
 
It's not exactly hard or time consuming. I don't use XP Mode, VMWare Player doesn't support snapshots anyway.
 
If it's connected to any kind of network then yes.

If it's 100% isolated then I'd be inclined to say it's not needed but I'd do it to be on the safe side.
 
Anything AV and VM related will bring out discussion. Lots of us have our favourites and know one system better than others so bias arises. I'm just glad no one suggested Norton 360 :p
 
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