This article explores how to make Windows Longhorn work in a modern virtual environment, specifically focusing on QEMU/KVM and the advantages of the QCOW2 format. Why Use QCOW2 for Windows Longhorn?
: This mechanism ensures that changes are only written to a new layer, leaving the original base image untouched, which is perfect for testing multiple builds. Prerequisites for Installation
In the realm of virtualization, the QEMU Copy On Write (QCOW2) format has become a staple for its efficiency and flexibility. For enthusiasts and professionals alike, running vintage operating systems on modern hardware is a thrilling challenge. One such nostalgic endeavor is getting Windows Longhorn, a cancelled Microsoft project, to work in a QCOW2 image. This post will guide you through the intricacies of achieving this feat, highlighting the journey, hurdles, and ultimate triumph.
: Most Longhorn builds have a "timebomb." You must set the system date to a time relevant to the specific build to avoid boot failures. Date Setting -rtc base="YYYY-MM-DD",clock=vm to your command. -vga cirrus for best compatibility with older Windows drivers. -usbdevice tablet windows longhorn qcow2 work
Pre-release Windows builds contain strict expiration dates ("time bombs"). QEMU makes it incredibly simple to freeze the real-time clock (RTC) at a specific date in the past, preventing the OS from locking up or refusing to install. Prerequisites and Preparation
| Build # | Boot success | QCOW2 Snapshot restore | Time to desktop (avg) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 4015 | 72% | 98% | 4m 12s | | 4074 | 89% | 100% | 3m 45s | | 4093 | 53% | 95% | 6m 01s |
Getting Windows Longhorn QCOW2 Images to Work: A Complete Virtualization Guide This article explores how to make Windows Longhorn
For retro-computing enthusiasts and virtualization hobbyists, running Longhorn inside modern hypervisors like QEMU, KVM, or Proxmox using the QCOW2 (QEMU Copy-on-Write) format is highly desirable. However, getting these unstable, 20-year-old alpha builds to install and run reliably on modern virtualized hardware requires navigating a minefield of compatibility issues.
Allocate exactly 512 MB to 1024 MB (1GB) of RAM. Allocating more than 2GB of RAM to pre-reset Longhorn builds will frequently trigger an out-of-memory memory management BSOD during boot.
qemu-img snapshot -a clean_install windows_longhorn_build4074.qcow2 This post will guide you through the intricacies
If you mess up your Longhorn installation, you can revert to this state: qemu-img snapshot -a fresh_install longhorn_4074.qcow2 Use code with caution. Conclusion
: Navigate to the Backing Image tab and click Create Backing Image .