MyPocketXP is based on virtualization technology from Microsoft or VMware: A software program that runs on your computer emulates a virtual machine which you can imagine as a 'computer in a computer'. You can run a second Operating System (OS) in this virtual machine. For MyPocketXP the virtual machine runs Windows XP from a USB flash drive. The virtualization software is installed on the system MyPocketXP is plugged into. Hitting the key combination Right ALT-Enter (Virtual PC) or clicking on the maximize symbol of the virtual machine window (VMWare) switches to full screen mode, meaning that MyPocket XP takes over the entire screen. The two screenshots below show MyPocketXP running on a Windows Vista PC. The second screenshots shows MyPocketXP in full screen mode.

After connecting MyPocketXP to a system, open Windows Explorer, double-click on the drive letter with the MyPocketXP icon then double-click on mypocketxp.exe. This brings up the launch menu from which you can boot.

MyPocketXP uses virtualization software from Microsoft called Microsoft Virtual PC®. It is automatically downloaded onto the memory stick when MyPocketXP is connected for the first time. When MyPocketXP is plugged-into a system it detects if Microsoft Virtual PC is already installed. If this is not the case the software can easily be installed through MyPocketXP's launch menu. The installation takes about a minute and does not require a system reboot.

Yes. Hitting the key combination Right ALT-Enter (Virtual PC) or clicking on the maximize symbol of the virtual machine window (VMWare) switches to full screen mode.

Through the specific virtual machine configuration MyPocketXP performance is very close to the performance of the system MyPocketXP is connected to. The Windows XP installation has been optimized for minimal system overhead. MyPocketXP can also always discard changes to its Windows XP installation after shutdown. This means that MyPocketXP's is not vulnerable to secretly installed ad-ware or viruses and does not slow down over time.

No. All data is removed after disconnecting.

Yes. In fact, it is more secure than a regular system. Changes to the Windows XP installation can always be deleted after shutdown, protecting the system from viruses or other unknowingly installed ad-ware. User and system data are separated and in a typical use case a user can configure MyPocketXP to always discard changes to the system while keeping user data.

You should backup MyPocketXP regularly. MyPocketXP makes this task easy. As you can see in the screenshot, just hit 'Backup MyPocketXP' in the main menu and select the backup directory. It is highly recommended that you backup MyPocketXP after you have installed your applications. The restore process can also be started with a single click from the MyPocketXP backup. It restores the installation onto a new memory stick of sufficient capacity. The current version of MyPocketXP requires 8GB of available capacity. The backup and restore process takes about ten minutes. MyPocketXP can also be ordered with pre-installed encryption software that protects your data from unauthorized access in case of an accidental loss. In case you don't want to rely on MyPocketXP for storing your data, you can also use online storage services such as DriveHQ (http://www.drivehq.com) with MyPocketXP

Yes. Just in case you want more specific information ... MyPocketXP offers two networking options: bridged networking and networking through Network Address Translation (NAT). With bridged networking MyPocketXP behaves like another computer that is connected to the network the host computer is connected to. In this case MyPocketXP is assigned a dedicated network address in the network the host is connected to. With NAT MyPocketXP accesses the network through a virtual gateway on the host system. With this configuration MyPocketXP is not visible in the network the host is connected to.

MyPocketXP runs on all editions of Windows XP and Windows Vista. Support for MacOS is currently under development. For any questions regarding platform support please e-mail info@mypocketxp.com

There are two ways for exchanging files between a host system and MyPocketXP. So called 'shared folders' that are accessible by MyPocketXP and the host system at run time. Configuration of shared folders is quick and easy and is explained on page 19 of the User's Guide. MyPocketXP also includes a special file copy utility that enables data exchange when MyPocketXP is not running. This utility can be started from the launch menu.

Yes. However, MyPocketXP is only supported on the SANDisk Cruzer Micro or the SANDisk Cruzer Contour. MyPocketXP license terms do not allow the deployment of more than one portable instance of Windows XP at a time.

Mouse pointers, keyboards and wireless network cards that are connected to the host system through a USB port are usable by MyPocketXP. However, Microsoft Virtual PC does not provide direct access to USB ports for MyPocketXP. USB connected printers or external storage devices for example are not recognized by MyPocketXP if it is running in Microsoft Virtual PC. VMware Player provides access to USB ports.

MyPocketXP is sold through this site. If you are interested in a volume purchase, please e-mail Windows XP Home Edition. If you are interested in running Windows XP Professional, please send e-mail to info@mypocketxp.com

Windows XP Home Edition SP3. If you are interested in running Windows XP Professional, please send e-mail to Windows XP Home Edition. If you are interested in running Windows XP Professional, please send e-mail to info@mypocketxp.com

The SANDisk Cruzer Micro is smaller while the SANDisk Cruzer Contour features a more elegant and robust case and offers better performance. Some people find the bright light on the SANDisk Cruzer Micro irritating.

All applications tested so far have worked without any problems. This includes applications such as Microsoft Office, Cisco VPN client, Apple iTunes, OpenOffice.

Yes. We offer pre-installation of OpenOffice and TrueCrypt. OpenOffice is a suite of Office applications that are compatible with Microsoft Office. TrueCrypt prevents unauthorized data access in case you loose MyPocketXP. For pre-installation of other applications please contact info@mypocketxp.com

You need to check the licensing terms of your applications. The license agreement for the retail version of Microsoft Office for example allows the installation of an additional instance of Microsoft Office on a portable device: b. Portable Device. You may install another copy on a portable device for use by the single primary user of the licensed device. (03/27/09)