rather than VirtIO, as Windows XP does not have native VirtIO drivers and will likely "Blue Screen" (BSOD) during boot without them.

Using Windows XP QCOW2 offers several benefits, including:

The Complete Guide to Windows XP qcow2 Virtualization For retro-computing enthusiasts and legacy software users, images represent the gold standard for running this iconic OS in modern virtual environments. Whether you are using QEMU, KVM, or Proxmox, the qcow2 (QEMU Copy-On-Write version 2) format provides a balance of efficiency and flexibility that older raw formats lack. Why Choose the qcow2 Format?

Unless strictly necessary, keep the VM's network adapter disconnected.

Smaller file sizes for easy backup and distribution. AES Encryption: Secure your legacy data at the disk level. Step-By-Step: Creating Your Windows XP QCOW2 Image