> It would be quicker to create a VM out of the XP install, so you can utilise it from > within 8.1 Virtual Box or VMware Player are good choices. As long as the XP install > isn't huge..
7 Pro included a free Windows XP Pro license and install to be used on VirtualPC (included in the download). There's tutorials that let you use that XP install on VMWare.
Unfortunately, Microsoft removed the feature from Windows 8. :\