XP Mode or Virtual PC

XP Mode is Virtual PC.

then why is the installation process so different for each?

Explain installation process... what installation?

One is part of the operating system, the other is a complete stand-alone system. (comparing Win 7 XP Mode to installing XP itself).

Because XP Mode is designed to be simple to install and contains a pre-configured XP image to save you the trouble of installing the OS. But it's still just Virtual PC. Once you have installed it you should find a Virtual PC item in your Start Menu and you can use it to create other virtual machines.

Why would Microsoft go to the trouble of re-inventing the wheel when they already have a virtualization solution for workstations?

please re read my question , in my first post, i asked is it advantageous in any way...... XP Mode over standard virtual PC installation or vice versa?

Please re-read my answer. XP Mode is Virtual PC. The only difference is that you don't have to install the OS in XP Mode (but I'm guessing that you already knew that).

No - there would be no advatantage in installing Virtual PC as you would have to buy, or already have, a copy of XP.

This is like watching a dog chase it's tail. He doesn't get it.

Best answer selected by capital_one.