-drive file=winxp.qcow2,if=virtio,cache=none for direct I/O performance. ⚠️ Critical Stability Note

Install XP using standard IDE settings first. You can find detailed steps for installing Windows 98 and XP in QEMU on /dev/nonsense . Add VirtIO Drivers: Attach the VirtIO Windows Driver ISO .

To achieve the "Top" experience: