I use the Window XP mode in Windows 7 Ultimate but you probably won't have that...
Do you have Windows 7 Ultimate and a Windows XP key?
Try dosbox
Annoying. I can get DOSbox running but can't load the src files.
what error are you getting?
Windows XP Mode is free if you have Windows 7 Pro, Enterprise or Ultimate. You do not need an XP CD Key. If you have a Windows XP CD key then you don't need Windows 7--all you need is a virtual machine with Windows XP installed on it.
You can try running it in 7 in compatibility mode. It has worked for some people. Otherwise, you're just going to have to get your hands on an XP virtual machine some way or another.
If you've ever had an XP installation CD, you can re-use the key (the original computer you installed it on will be deactivated though).