Protection in virtual machines

[RZPogi]

I recently installed vmware player on my laptop. I need it to run old games that are not compatible with windows 7.
I will rarely connect it to the internet. Do I need to install avast inside the virtual machine or not?

[YoKenny]

I remember going to see a doctor for this.

Me:
Doc it hurts when I do this!
Doc:
Don't do that!
That will be $50.00 please.

Old games will not run on Windows 7 without "XP Mode" only available in Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate.

[Joe S]

You only have to connect once to get hit! If you don't need internet access go into VMware Player settings and change network to Host only. If you need to occasionally connect you should have something. This always causes a fight but there isn't a simple way to shut down Avast 99% of the people here think there is never a reason to shutdown Avast.  With VMware Player restricted to host you should be safe without AV but as soon as you change to access internet you are vulnerable.
Joe