The Windows XP Mode available to those running Professional, Ultimate or Enterprise versions of Windows 7 was aimed to encourage users (largely small and medium sized businesses) to make the switch to the new operating system while still allowing them to run potentially mission critical applications that were only compatible with XP. One caveat of this was that in order to run XP Mode the computer in question needed to support Hardware Virtualization Technology (and that feature also had to be turned on in the BIOS if it wasn't by default). As part of a number of announcements related to virtualization, Microsoft today revealed that Windows XP Mode will no longer require hardware virtualization support to run. That is good news for businesses that had previously wanted to make use of XP mode but couldn't, as wel as good news for any general users out there who have programs that just won't run properly unless they are done so under XP.
The changes to XP Mode come in the form of an update to the software. If you are already running XP Mode with hardware virtualization then you won't need it. However, if you are one of those who are now able to try it out you should be able to get everything you need from here.