Microsoft"s Windows XP Mode for Windows 7 Professional or higher has RTM"d (Release to Manufacturing) today and will be available for download from Microsoft Download Center on October 22. OEM manufactures will be able to offer Windows XP Mode on their PCs, based on their shipping schedules to consumers.
The design purpose for Windows XP Mode is to help put business owners" minds at ease when upgrading to Windows 7 to ensure their applications are backwards compatible. Windows XP Mode will allow any program to run smoothly in Windows 7 Professional or higher just as it does in Windows XP. This also includes USB peripherals such as printers and pen drives, when they are run through the Windows XP Mode application.
Windows XP Mode offers users a free virtual-PC based edition of Windows XP SP3 on Windows 7 Professional or higher. Windows XP Mode is now compatible with not only Windows XP software but Windows Vista software too. Windows 7 integrates XP Mode into the desktop so applications run just like any normal application would.