What is a .VMC file?
A .VMC file is a special type of file that helps run virtual computers within Windows 7. Think of it as a set of instructions that tells the Windows Virtual PC program how to start and run a virtual computer, which is like a computer within your computer. These instructions are written in a code language called XML and include important details like the virtual computer's name, how much memory it should use, and where to find its virtual hard drive.
You can open .VMC files with certain programs designed for working with virtual machines. These include Microsoft Windows Virtual PC (though it's not available for newer versions of Windows), Microsoft Virtual Server, VMWare Workstation, and VMware vCenter Converter.
Inside a .VMC file, you'll find settings for things like the name of the virtual machine, how much memory it's allowed to use, and where its virtual hard drive files are stored. However, it's important to know that .VMC files don't hold any of your actual files or the operating system of the virtual machine. Those are kept in different types of files, like .VHD files for the virtual hard drive and .VSV files for snapshots of the virtual machine's state.
Windows Virtual PC, the program that uses .VMC files, was made mainly for Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate editions. It's often used to run an older version of Windows, like Windows XP, inside Windows 7. This is handy if you have older programs that only work on Windows XP.
Also, Windows Virtual PC can create shortcut files that end in .VMCX. These shortcuts are another way to start your virtual machine using the settings in a .VMC file.
Remember, .VMC files are part of a system that lets you run one version of Windows inside another, which can be really useful for using old programs or testing software in a safe environment.
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