A:

Unfortunately, you can not simply continue to use the Windows XP mode in Windows 8, this due to fact that Virtual PC has been discontinued and replaced in Windows 8 by Hyper-V ( Remark: This new technology brings to the operation of virtual machines running Windows benefits, but - especially for home users - also disadvantages such as the lack of USB or sound support ).

The free "VMware Player" can import XP Mode, but this is only for Windows 7 and the respective "allowed" editions.

The solution for Windows 8 users is : a free virtualizer, which accepts or post-installed XP Mode. VMLite XP Mode is based on VirtualBox and can import the Microsoft-provided XP Mode in its own environment, and Windows 8!

As the "real" XP Mode VMLite XP Mode also offers the integration of applications in the Start menu of Windows XP and the version of XP applications in windowed mode on the Windows desktop, without the visible VM environment, but with a green border for better differentiation.

As more features VMLite XP Mode provides USB and sound support, snapshots, and more.

B:

Download first . This requires a free registration to the manufacturer is necessary.

Now install VMLite XP Mode. If you have "VirtualBox" installed on your system, you must uninstall this because VMLite XP Mode based on the same technology will conflicht with this.

Important: At the manufacturer's site linked to above, in the Download-section you find "XPM_howto.pdf". This file contains detailed instructions on how to install and use VMLite XP Mode.

Hint: Windows XP should get 512 MB, better 1024 MB of memory.