The final version of a Windows 7 feature that allows users of select editions to run a free copy of Windows XP inside a virtual machine has been leaked and made available for download from various illegal third-party sources, including BitTorrent trackers and warez websites. Microsoft released Windows XP Mode to manufacturing on October 1st, 2009, and indicated that end users would be able to get their hands on a copy of the feature concomitantly with the general availability deadline of Windows 7, namely October 22nd, 2009.
However, one week after the RTM of Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC, the Redmond company started offering the two Windows 7 features as standalone downloads to its developer and IT professional communities. It was just a matter of time before the bits found their way into the wild, even though the official launch is now no less than ten days away.
Almost immediately after
Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC were delivered to MSDN and TechNet subscribers, the Russian localization of the two releases was leaked to torrent websites. Windows XP Mode RTM and Windows Virtual PC RTM were bundles into a single package with the following build string: 7600.16393.20090922-1800. The illegal downloads are accompanied by this information: SHA1: 88604DA8745A3EC2A5F5266CE5E27E36A9823E4D and MD5: CD2B3EB05E4FFF35C128BE64572A07DB.
Just three days after the Russian localization of Windows XP Mode RTM and Windows Virtual PC RTM was leaked, the English version also made it into the wild. Microsoft is offering Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC for free to customers running Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate. Used in combination the two features are designed to enable users to run Windows XP-compatible applications directly from the Windows 7 desktop. The official GA deadline for Windows XP Mode RTM and Windows Virtual PC RTM remains October 22nd.
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