No I mostly understand what you're saying and most of my apps need access to
serial ports and
sound card input (mic and Aux) so not really a viable option.
I was wondering if I could plug in a usb hdd install XP on it and boot from it if plugged in but man what a job!!

I have a few communication receivers that are getting old (one made in the 80's) and the control programs were all made for XP, 2 of the manufactures don't exist any more JRC and Racal but the radio's are still worth over $1,500 each.