Rules

[sshjason]

Rule number 7 says: "7. You cannot use virtualization software such as Xen or VMWare". Does this mean BIOS emulation as well? If so, it's simply not possible to boot XP without BIOS. Any attempt to make XP think that there is a BIOS would be 'emulation'. However, keep in mind that Windows ONLY uses BIOS to boot and to mount drives. This means, even if there is an emulation of BIOS, it would not impact the performence of XP while running applications, only booting and mounting drives. If this is against the rules, then everyone is wasting their time! It's not possible to get XP (legally) to boot without BIOS, therefore there is no way to do it without emulation.

[sud0n1m]

Rule number 7 says: "7. You cannot use virtualization software such as Xen or VMWare". Does this mean BIOS emulation as well? If so, it's simply not possible to boot XP without BIOS. Any attempt to make XP think that there is a BIOS would be 'emulation'. However, keep in mind that Windows ONLY uses BIOS to boot and to mount drives. This means, even if there is an emulation of BIOS, it would not impact the performence of XP while running applications, only booting and mounting drives. If this is against the rules, then everyone is wasting their time! It's not possible to get XP (legally) to boot without BIOS, therefore there is no way to do it without emulation.

BIOS emulation is acceptable. Correct me if I am wrong, but as I understand it, once the BIOS is done with its job, it gives the OS full access to the hardware, so BIOS emulation will not cause a performance hit. The goal of the contest is to run Windows XP at full speed on the underlying hardware. As long as your solution is in the spirit of this rule, it will be acceptable.