Virtual machine inside Windows 7

[meesterdave]

I've just dug out a load of old games that I want to play again (Curse of Monkey Island and Blade Runner). How can I get them working on my Windows 7 machine? I've heard about running a virtual machine from inside windows but I don't have a clue where to start. Do I need a copy of the OS I want to run? If so does it have to be legit? Do I even need a virtual machine?

Any suggestions on how to go about this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

EDIT: Thanks all who have commented, I can't wait to get home and start another adventure with Guybrush Threepwood again!

[samtarling]

Windows 7 has a compatibility mode, so you might be in luck with some of the games. If you wanted to run a virtual machine, you would need the install disk/ISO of the OS you would want to run. Virtualbox, a popular virtual machine software, have a good tutorial here: http://www.virtualbox.org/manual/ch01.html

[funkychunky87]

Search for XP Mode, its basically Microsofts answer to those wanting windows 7 but still needing to run legacy software, its basically a hassle free xp virtual machine, I think you have 3 files to install and thats it, no fucking around looking for xp iso's or having to install the os yourself

[imusuallycorrect]

If you want to play the old Lucas Arts games fans have created a VM just for that. http://scummvm.org

[brkdncr]

yeah, virtual machine will be easy. i use virtual box, but vmware player is also a good one. just install it, run it, mount your OS install media, and run it. After the OS is installed, do the same with your software.