Do I need an AV for XP mode?

Orcvader · 7 Mar 2012 at 00:29

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.

linktoinsanity · 7 Mar 2012 at 18:42

Yes you do. It runs as it's own seperate system, as essentially a Virtual Machine. Your main installation won't cover it.

Uhtred · 7 Mar 2012 at 22:16

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.

Orcvader · 7 Mar 2012 at 22:22

Ok thanks. It's only for this silly program but I'll install an antivirus for it. Thanks all

.

Philtor · 8 Mar 2012 at 00:10

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.

d_brennen · 8 Mar 2012 at 00:18

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.

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

HangTime · 8 Mar 2012 at 01:32

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.

paradigm · 8 Mar 2012 at 08:24

linktoinsanity said:
Yes you do. It runs as it's own seperate system, as essentially a Virtual Machine. Your main installation won't cover it.

There's no essentially about it, it IS a virtual machine, without question.

KIA · 8 Mar 2012 at 10:32

If you need to ask, yes.

mrk · 8 Mar 2012 at 11:44

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!

linktoinsanity · 8 Mar 2012 at 12:56

paradigm said:
There's no essentially about it, it IS a virtual machine, without question.

Well, yes. That was the point I was getting at, no need to nitpick at the wording!

paradigm · 8 Mar 2012 at 16:57

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!

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

Why make life harder than it has to be?

mrk · 8 Mar 2012 at 16:59

It's not exactly hard or time consuming. I don't use XP Mode, VMWare Player doesn't support snapshots anyway.

paradigm · 8 Mar 2012 at 17:43

So use something better than VMware player?

mrk · 8 Mar 2012 at 18:14

My VM usage is not a problem here.

PistolPete · 8 Mar 2012 at 18:24

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.

KIA · 8 Mar 2012 at 21:29

lol @ vmware player. Switch to vbox already.

Orcvader · 8 Mar 2012 at 21:54

I didn't know this thread will explode like this

...

d_brennen · 8 Mar 2012 at 21:58

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