So, I could either format my hard drive or install a virtual PC. Time was not a critical factor as I found another way (I talked the user through the problem over the phone) and either would be fine. The virtual PC would allow me a dry run at "down-upgrading" my PC anyway and I could delete the thing if it was not successful.
So, virtual PC it was.
I haven't tried vmware yet and virtual PC seemed easy enough. I just downloaded and installed the software from Microsoft and pulled out a couple of CDs for the installation.
I have a couple of versions of Windows XP, both Professional and Home versions that I have purchased over the years and I grabbed one of my XP Professional discs. I also did a quick Internet search for the Windows XP version of the driver controllers for my Hitachi hard drives. I figured that was the minimum I would need and perhaps I could add other drivers later.
The install was almost exactly the same as installing Windows XP on a PC, and boy was it sweet!
After that, I booted up the virtual PC ... all in a window!
Best of all, if I call for support and they want a screen cap, all they're going to see is Windows XP Professional.
Sweet.
