How do I install Windows XP on my Mac with Parallels Desktop?
I read through your splendid tutorial on installing Windows XP with Apple's Boot Camp product (see boot camp help) but that's not for me. I don't want to have to reboot each time I want to try something out with a Windows app on my Mac. I've read about something called the Parallels Desktop and am hoping you can explain how to install it and how to use it so I can run Windows in parallel with Mac OS X? Thanks.
Dave's Answer:
I have to admit, I've been using Macs since the digital stone age and still get frustrated that I have to buy PCs so I can run Windows with any decent results. I've run Microsoft's Virtual PC, for example, but it's a dog and even when you have lots of patience it's pretty difficult to work within that environment even if you have the most powerful computer and least demanding application.
Further, I think that Apple's Boot Camp program is incredibly smart and have been dual booting Macs for quite a while, though usually into different flavors of Linux or related. I even had my tri-booting Mac laptop make it to the cover of a Linux magazine!
Still, though, the idea of running Windows -- or another OS -- within Mac OS X through what's called a "virtual machine" or "virtualization" solution, is too good to miss. That's why I was thrilled when Parallels released its Parallels Desktop, a full Windows-capable virtualization package for less than $80. Nice!
Just like with Apple's Boot Camp, there are some specific requirements that you need to meet before you can use Parallels Desktop, however, chief among them the requirement that you have an Intel-based Macintosh. You'll also want at least a few gig of free disk space and at least 1GB of memory for performance reasons. They also recommend you have the very latest version of Mac OS X, which is easily done with the Software Update capability on the Macs.
Let's Get Started!
Your first step isn't to download the application, believe it or not, but rather to decide whether you want to get a free 15-day product key or go ahead and buy the program and get a full product key. I suggest the latter, honestly, because it's very cool and well worth the money. Now, download Parallels Desktop.
Once you get the 23MB disk image, open it up and you'll see a pretty typical set of icons:
Don't just click on the installer, however. Spend a few minutes reading through the User Guide included to double-check that everything's compatible with your configuration. Then you'll find that the installer is quite typical of Mac installers, with a license to accept, a hard disk to select for the installation target, and a few buttons to click. It's so typical I'm not going to even include a screenshot here!
Once the installation is finished, it's time to start the application, which you'll find in a folder called "Parallels" in your Application directory. Click on the program and you'll see a rather intimidating first screen:
Don't panic. Instead, click on the "New VM..." button on the bottom left to launch the New VM Wizard. (VM = virtual machine, remember).
This will help you through the steps necessary to create a new "virtual" computer that will let you install the operating system of your choice, Microsoft Windows XP.
Your first decision will be to determine if you want to create a typical VM, create a custom VM, or create a blank VM:
As the wizard recommends, I also encourage you to choose the default configuration. It's easy to tweak things afterwards, after all.
Since we're doing a default configuration, we need to specify the OS type and version:
Poke around here a bit, you'll be astonished at the number of different operating systems the Parallels Desktop supports!! Oh, and not to state anything too obvious, but remember that these are just default preferences. You still need the OS itself for installation.
Almost done with the Wizard.
You need to specify the name of your virtual machine, and where it should be stored on your disk:
Since this is your first VM, Parallels will need to create some directories too, as you'll quickly learn:
No worries. Click "OK" and the virtual machine for Windows XP will be created and ready to install.
Ready to Install
Ah, well, we're almost ready to install, as you can now see when you quit the Wizard and get back to the main Parallels Desktop view:
What's wrong? Too little memory (RAM) allocated for my tastes. Easily fixed, by clicking on the word "Memory", which takes you to the darn useful Configuration Editor:
Slide the control along to the recommended amount (or more, your call), and we're finally ready to roll!
Installing Windows XP, Really
The first step to actually installing an OS is to insert the Windows install CD (DVD, actually) into your computer, then push the "play" button (rightward-facing triangle) in Parallels to start up the program with the new VM system. The system will prompt for a Parallels Desktop license code (which you did remember to request, right?). Enter that, and after a minute or two, your screen will look like this as you're welcomed to the Windows XP Setup program:
This should already seem pretty cool if you're a Mac person, because this is running within Mac OS X, yeah!
Now you can step through the standard steps of a Windows XP install in fairly short order:
You can work with the one unpartitioned space as-is, and when you get to the next screen I recommend you choose NTFS rather than FAT so that you have a higher performance Windows virtual machine. Note, however, that FAT is the file system that Mac OS X can more easily navigate if you want to actually access files within the Parallels virtual partition.
Continuing along...
Somehow, "exciting new look" probably isn't intended to refer to the fact that we're installing Windows XP within the Mac OS X environment, but it's amusing nonetheless, isn't it?
At this point you'll go through some rudimentary Windows XP configuration questions, about language, region, and related. Finally, you'll hit the second of the legal interludes in this process:
If you don't have a valid product key for Windows XP (or whatever OS you're installing) you'll be stuck here, though you can try running for the 30 days allowed before you have to register your OS product.
A few more simple configuration options about timezone, current date and time, and you're finally into the installation phase of Windows XP, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. I don't have the patience to time it, so I'm not sure. Instead, it's a great time for a chai break at Starbucks :-)
When I come back, Windows is mostly installed and it's just a matter of specifying a few more configuration changes. One thing that happens is that the virtual machine reboots itself and then automatically adjusts the screen resolution to escape the 640x480 hell that we were confined to for the initial installation process. Now we get a glorious Windows logo and boot screen within Parallels Desktop itself:
Now you need to do just a wee bit more Windows configuration, including what I consider a critical step:
You always want to select "automatic update" unless you're a complete Windows guru and know exactly what you're doing.
Next you'll need to indicate if you want to register your version of Windows XP with Microsoft. If you're going to use this for a long period of time, you might as well do that. Otherwise, select "no" and you'll be reminded later when you're perhaps ready to do so.
That's basically all there is to it. We're done. In just a few seconds Windows XP reboots and you end up with the familiar background screen, task bar, START button, and much more. All within the world of Mac OS X. Sweet indeed:
It's not quite as snappy as Apple's Boot Camp, as I'd expect, but it's certainly a big improvement over the old sluggish world of Virtual PC.
That should get you going with Parallels Desktop. Questions? You might want to check out the Parallels Blog or pop into the Parallels Forum where users and developers compare notes.
Hope you're up and running. I know that I'm delighted to have Parallels Desktop on my computer, finally.
Oh, and once you do have it running, don't forget to also install Parallels Tools, a must-include package of utilities. Learn how here: Install Parallels Tools on Intel Mac.
More Useful Mac OS X Help Articles:
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Categorized:
Mac OS X Help
(Article 6640,
Written by Dave Taylor)
Tagged:
apple boot camp, mac os x, macintel, microsoft windows, parallels desktop, virtual pc, windows on mac
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Reader Comments To Date: 194
Thank you very much for the info about the F8 key. You saved my day!!
This is it I have a MAC mini and I'm trying to load Windows XP Pro SP2 on it with Parallel Desktop. When I have went thru all the steps from placing the cd in the mac to clicking the final step to start the final process and error in a black box white writing wants me to reboot the machine. WHY IN THE HECK DOES IT DO THIS> Please HELP ME. I do not know what else to do. and yes this is my email address. THANk YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP IN ADVANCE.
Can I run dual monitors and have with mac and one running xp
Question ... I have a copy of Parallels 3.0, an old install copy of Windows 98, and an upgrade Version of Windows XP Home Edition. Can install the XP upgrade version successfully, without having to buy the full version?
i installed windowsxp in my macbook2.0 every thing was fine but wgen i tried using windows track pad doesnt work properly as well as my web cam an wifi in windows ...can anyone give me solution for this????????
I have recently upgraded my windows XP by using genuine windowz xp SP2. No problems were encountered whilst upgrading/installation but after that I simply can't go to my desk top. Once I log in the computer shows the background of my desk top and within seconds it says "logging off" saving your settings. I have upgraded the SD ram from 128 to 256 MB assuming that may be the reason but in futile. Will u please help me and tell how to get access to my desk top or how to get the upgraded version un-installed so that I can use the earlier one which worked properly.
Unfortunately I did not make any back up copies of my files. I am also using windows 98 in the same pc which works alright.
Great site for help Dave. I recently sold my PBG4 and acquired MacBook Pro with 2GB so that I could run XP and OS. I have parallels and I tried to install XP. Halfway through but at one point XP says it needs to restart. And when it restarts it goes back to the black screen with boot configuration and restarts again. Can you please help? Thanks in advance! Sherap, Kathmandu
Dave,
where did you get the windows startup disk?
I still have the F8 issue. Am trying to use it with iMac keyboard, and there is no "fn" key! I have tried pressing F8 with command key, with alt key, with shift key, and with the 'control' key, yet nothing works. Any idea? Please email me at phoenix.kiula [*at] gmail [*dot] com. Thanks!
This is probably a stupid question but when you say, "The system will prompt for a Parallels Desktop license code (which you did remember to request, right?)." what do you mean? will the license code automatically come with parallels when i buy it?
Thanks
Alex, sorry, you're right. If you buy the software, you'll have the license code you need in the box. I was working with a downloadable demo version.
Luigi and others, I bought Windows XP to install within Parallels.
Finally, a note to everyone: if you're having problems getting WinXP to install in Parallels, make sure you have the latest version of everything, including the latest version of XP. For sure "SP1" and the original old XP versions will not work within Parallels.
Alright. so I've gotten a few errors so far that have been stated here, so I'm thinking that I just need to update this version as I have version 1848. How exactly do I go about updating? I tried clicking the update button in "help" inside parallels but nothing ever gets updated. Is there a website to download the most recent version?
I get the following msg when i try to open parallels desktop : The hard disk 1 is set to use the Boot Camp while Boot Camp is not installed on this computer. Please help to proceed.
I installed parallels and got stuck mid-installation of Windows XP - wrong disk/product code combination. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling parallels to start over, but it now goes straight to asking for the product code again, and I can't start over with a new windows disk/product code. Any suggestions on how to clean the partially installed windows software so I can start over?
Thanks,
Patrick
I have Paralells installed on my Mac and would like to uninstall it. I have lost the disk. is there a possiblityyou can help me.
Much appreciated
Helga Bayley
I have Parallels installed on my 24" iMac & recently IE 7 (Internet Explorer) has been crashing as soon as I open the application...IE will open the search engine (Google) but as soon as I go to a website it crashes & disappears bringing me back to my desktop screen...I have tried to upgrade to IE 8 & re-download IE 7 again in windows as well as remove the program & reinstalled it but no luck it still crashes...can you proide me with any help?...Thanks
I have the same problem as described by more than a few people. So I just pasted the best explaination:
Now when I try to get into the windows installation, I get the windows XP parrallels desktop. It says windows XP and below it says stopped. Then if I hit the play button on the cd the screen flips over (which is pretty cool) but I get a black DOS screen...
640 KB Base Memory
524288 KB Extended Memory
Boot from hard drive...
then nothing happens... I think it wants a boot disk, but being new to MAC i have no Idea how to do this...
Please Help...
-Paul
Hi,
I have installed XP using Boot Camp. Do I still need to install XP again within Parallels if I want seamless integration?
Dave, when I click on windows xp the error message in the virtual machine screen is non system disc error message File/Users/tanyamorris/Documents/Parallels/Windows/winxp.hdd seems to be not a valid Parallels virtual machine configuration file.
Then when I click play it says boot from hard drive failed
boot from CD Rom failed
non-system disc error. I've tried to reinstall but the disc won't stay mounted. Help.
Hi Dave,
Do I need a special copy of XP Pro to install on my Mac or any copy of XP Pro will do? I will be using Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac for the installation.
Thanks for the help
Hi, Dave.
I installed parallels on my 20'' intel mac. Evertything was fine until the blue screen. At this time, light in my house went out. Started the mac again and tried to open parallels to continue with the installation of windows xp. I receive an error message, asking me to restart the program. I restart parallels but the error message pops again. What should I do to install parallels again without this arror? Do I have to install Mac OS again?
Sorry for the bad english.
Hello,
I have a serious problem. I installed Windows XP on my macbook pro but i think i formatted or deleted the wrong partition. Boot Camp isn't showing up in Windows. I also cannot restart the computer in Mac OS. I do have my Mac OS recovery cds. Do i just put them in and the run from the windows partition?
hey a question, can i install boot camp after i already installed parallel desktops first?
when i start up my computer, i would like it to automatically go into mac mode instead of windows mode without holding down the option button....currently, it goes into windows....how can i fix this (i just use mac more often then windows and often forget to hold down the option button)
i wanted to know if i could instal windows xp on a mac without the windows xp instalation cd
First I want to say that your site is great and filled with easy to understand computer 'lingo'. Not being a computer whiz but knowledgeable enough to navigate my way around, I am now wanting to install Windows on my Mac. I have OS X 10.4.11 Tiger and have deleted some stuff to free up space like Chess, Garage Band and a few other applications I will never ever use. Ever.
I went to Best Buy yesterday to discuss an issue I am having with my new JVC Everio HD camcorder not falling in love with my iMac and although the guy helping me was very nice and knew a great deal about Macs and JVC cameras, I walked away feeling like a moron for buying the HD camcorder in the first place.
However, I am so financially invested in this camcorder that I must move forward and do whatever it takes to get my video downloaded to my Mac. One option I was told is to put Windows on my iMac and this will enable me to download videos from my HD camcorder. I walked over to the software aisle and encountered a nice employee who began talking to me in geek (not Greek) and I had no idea what she was saying. I did however understand the part where she said, "You can buy Windows Parallel but you need to buy Windows XP too".
Like I said, I am no computer whiz but my brain started doing the math and my $500.00 JVC HD camcorder just turned into a whopping $770.00 tax not included.
I didn't purchase Windows instead, I came home and scoured the Internet looking for answers to help me solve my video issues.
Everyone has advise and are more than happy to share it for free. I read about changing the movie file extensions from MOD and MOI to MPG then opening the files in iMovie. Badda Boom Badda Bing. No. Nadda. Every attempt to get these files to open gave me the error message: "this is not a movie file".
Not being a very patient person but determined to keep this very nice and easy to use camcorder, I finally decided that maybe putting Windows on my iMac IS a good idea after all even if I only use it to download videos from my camcorder.
My iMac does not have Boot Camp and I have iMovie 7. Note: A support tech at JVC told me if I bought iMovie 8 that it would open up the video from my camcorder. Wrong. Fire that guy.
Of course I was advised by several nice people on the Mac World forums to upgrade to Leopard, to buy Boot Camp, to go to websites and download video converters and so on. I looked at this stuff but I might as well have been reading Chinese. No offense to the Chinese but I can't read it nor speak it.
So, with all that said, I appeal to you to help me.
Do I purchase Windows Parallel AND Windows XP? Windows XP at Best Buy is $200.00 and Windows Parallel is $69.99.
All this just so I can download and edit videos. Please help me kick myself in the arse for buying this HD camcorder in the first place!!
Dave, thank you for this site:
I have Windows 2000 Professional with a file system of NTFS. In same computer I have a removeable HD with 76GB with Fat32 file system. My problem: I bought a HP printer C5280 that is suppose to be compatable with Win 2k. The software is only installing the printer portion and not the scanning part. No communication from scanner to computer. I've work hours with HP techs but no help. My friend has Win.XP Home Edition and when I installed my all in one software to hers, it worked perfectly. I would like to keep the printer if there is a solution.
Can I install an XP Upgrade to the Fat32 HD (D: drive), or along with my Windows NTFS on C: drive. And if I can, would it have to be XP Professional Edition? I'm not overly knowledgable on computers, but can follow directions pretty well.
I would like to keep Win 2K, but would also like the versitility of have XP so that I can use more up to date peripherals. My main concern is to get my All in One to work. The printer portion works fine, by the way.
Thank you very much,
Rick
Great walkthrough, couldnt have been simpler! Ive just completed the process on my brand new macbook...im really chuffed :)
Hi,
I tried to install windows on my mac using parallels.. The installation was all complete but somehow it could not detect my network card and I had trouble connecting to the wireless through windows though it works on the mac browser ...Does anyone have any idea how to fix it ?
i have 4 GB of RAM on my macbook pro, I`m running windows XP on it through parallel support, All I want to know is does the RAM Splits into 2 equal halfs to support XP and Leapord (2GB goes to XP and 2GB to Lepord) or how does the RAM support both operating systems on the same time.
thanx
Hello, I am trying to install Windows XP using Parallel's and right before installation is complete I get an error message saying failure with I/O Device. Has anyone had this problem and can anyone offer a solution? I was initially having trouble in the beginning of the install, but after trying 3 times got it. I thought just repeating would help with the I/O device error too, but so far nothing. This is stressing me out!
If you're running leopard, you have to go to system preferences and Expose & Spaces and temporarily change the shortcut key from f8 to something else in order to get past the "press f8" part of the XP install.
I had trouble sending the F8 key to install Windows XP as well. But rather than disable the F8 features of my Mac, I just used "Send Keys" from the "Virtual Machine" menu in Parallels. Worked like a champ.
Can you help? I have a macBook have installed parallels on my mac. I have also installed windows xp. I also have Quicken2003 installed on my virtual machine. everything works fine, except I cannot print. I have a lexmark6200 and have used the disk to install in the windows mode, but still it can't see the printer. Can you help?
Thanks
Carol
I had this happen while using 5620, in a multiple user environment. Looking at the permissions of the Parallels files, in this case "winxp.mem" was set to read only. The problem happened right after a permissions change to a home directory. Changing this to "read/write" solved the issue.
I had Parallels installed onto my MACbook. Whenever installing Adobe CS3 I received an error saying that I don't have enough RAM. How can I reallocate up to 1GB of RAM (from the current 512K RAM)?
i just successfully installed a parallel desktop and windows xp3 in my vm. the only problem i have is that i cannot use the movie maker, it is telling, "audio hardware cannot be found in your computer".
In the "configure" of vm the sound is connected, and the enabled is checked but not highlighted
In the control panel, the sound and audio properties, the volume tabs says no audio device
please help. . thanks
I have tried several times to load windows xp home version. I keep getting a message that says windows encountered an error and shut down to avoid damaging my computer.
It says to check with the manufacturer of the software for updates. Also to be sure any recently installed software is installed correctly.
I have re installed Parallels but still get the same error msg.
Any ideas?
Hi,
I'll like to know if it is possible to use XP that comes with my Dell PC or do I need to buy a stand along version? If it's possible, how do I do it?
Thanks.
Well I read the funny joke about the Mac user seeing the blue screen of death and have one comment to make:
Folks, no self respecting mac user would be caught dead running an MS app on his box. I can see the need for Linux, but Windows... on a Mac... brrr
Cheers, Kris
We need help...
We've installed parallels and gotten through all of that - now we are trying to install XP Pro. It keeps getting stuck on service pack 2 and won't load - and then it just gets stuck in a never-ending "re-start" loop. Can't find any contact info for Microsoft to get support - any ideas?
Thanks!
Hi
I'm very glad to have found this site and all the comments. I've read through most - so sorry if I missed the answer to this.
I've read the manuals that come with Parallels Desktop and tried the Parallels knowledgebase. But am still stuck.
I have downloaded the latest version of Parallels (3844). I have a brand new Macbook Pro. I have an authentic copy of Windows XP (reinstallation disk) which came with my DELL PC which I am trying to get away from.
The install of XP works part way through but then seems to get stuck. Eventually the installation hangs and I have to stop the virtual machine. Each time I do it seems to get a bit further. Last time I gave up at 13 minutes left.
My question: is this because I have a DELL OEM version of Windows XP?
Having paid for this when I bought the PC do I now need to buy another copy of XP?
Many thanks
Pete
Yes. The "reinstall" version of Windows XP isn't the same as the SP2 or later version of the OS you would get if you bought it at the store, as far as I understand. The frustrating thing about installing Windows *is* that it's so picky within the virtualization environment.
Hey, i installed XP with Parallels on my macbook, but when i try to start it in the virtual machine it alwys stucks there, where it shows me the windows logo and telling me that it's loading... i tried it abou ten times with restarting Parallels and restarting my mac....
any idea what i did wrong??? any idea how i can fix this???
thanks
I recently upgraded to 10.6 Snow Leopard. My Parallels 3.0 refused to launch do to incompatibility with 10.6. After some research it seemed that Parallels would not provide a patch for 3.0 to enable it to run in 10.6.
I bit the bullet and bought Parallels 4.0.
After about 5 tries, using different CDs winXP finally installed, though there were reported errors during the install process (worked like a charm in Parallels 3.0)
At this point, I started applying service packs / security patches and the wheels came off. Now my XP install blue-screens in startup.
I've had such good luck with Parallels and OS X, I'm pretty surprised and disappointed that this was caused by an OS upgrade. I'm hoping I don't have to resort to restoring my MacBook Pro 10.5.x.
Has else anyone experienced this with the latest version of Parallels 4? I'd greatly appreciate any advice or guidance as to how I should proceed.
Cheers,
David
I am trying to convert from Parallels 3.0 to 4.0. I am running into several issues.
1. I am getting a "Device installer error" - Windows could not load the installer for hdc. Contact your hardware vendor for assistance.
2. I am unable to run Parallels Tools Installer.
3. The hardware was not installed because the wizard cannot find the necessary software.
4. I am unable to use the mouse in Windows.
Has anyone else experienced any of these issues?
Thank you for your help.
John
I've purchased the downloadable version of Windows Vista but my VM doesnt read the downloadable version of Vista when I'm given the ooption to either enter the CD or find the CD image. I was doing other research and found that I may have to change the file into a iso file. Is this true? Please help me. I'm a college student with desperate of Windows OS on my Mac.
Installing Parallels 4.0 after SL upgrade:
Your blog is helpful but I think my problem may be Snowleopard related.
First of all, it is not clear to me whether my Parallels 4.0 is a 15 day or a full version though I do appear to be six-digit registered on the // web site.
All previous Bootcamp information, programs and data files remain on a HD partition named "untitled" that used to be recognized as "C:" I believe.
There appear to be three virtual machine left-over files named "My Boot Camp.pvs", "My Boot Camp.pvm" and"My Boot Camp (backup).pvm", and a "config.pvs" and it's backup. A bit of a mess - I agree.
My problem is that I have no strict procedure to follow and am reduced to prodding around in the dark.
Several error messages have included "Continue in manual mode" and a black boot-up screen that hangs up with a "cannot find a bootable disk" message - in my case the HD partition "untitled" visible on the desktop.
Not being computer-literate anymore when it comes to Windows (or even Mac's - that is the point isn't it?) I have no idea what to do next - other than to avoid the 3-4 hours I've already spent trying to imagine what the machine wants next?
If you could point me in the right direction, link, whatever... I'll burn some new-wave incense in your honor.
Thanks
Hey
okay now i have a couple of questions hopefully u can answer these for me.
what if i installed windows from bootcamp, can i run parallels off of the windows i installed from bootcamp??? or do you have to install windows off of parallels?? and does this parallels include Windows 7??????
AND how do you save all of you windows information??? how do you shut windows down and start it back up with all of your saved information from the previous times u've used parallels???? are u able to do this??
AND are u able to run cd's and usb's off of this parallel? like can u insert a cd into the mac and run it on the parallel or a usb device and run it on the parellel???
it would be greatly appreciated if you answered all of these questions for me thanks.
what i meant was when you use parallels and and you are in windows using it and lets say u download all this stuff onto the windows and than u shutdown windows and close parallels and shut down the computer, when you turn the computer back on and u open parallels back and start up windows again, all the previous stuff that you downloaded before on windows, will that still be there on windows?
also will u be able to use a usb device plugged into the mac on the parallel windows or even a disc in the mac disc drive??
and when downloading windows through parallels do you at any point have to download windows through bootcamp?
I have been running Parallels Desktop 3.0 for about two years on my Macbook. Now I can't get my Parallel program to open. I get the following error message:
File /Users/user/Documents/Parallels/Microsoft Windows Vista/Microsoft Windows Vista.pvs seems to be not a valid Parallels virtual machine configuration file!
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Aaron, yes, it's a full standard Windows environment that's running in its own little universe within Mac OS X, so if you install applications, change your configuration, alter your desktop image, etc., it'll all be persistent until you change it yet again.
Mike, yeah, well, "not a valid Parallels virtual machine" is a bit of a nightmare. What you should do is see if you can find a ".hdd" file that's the image of the hard drive. Move it to your desktop or similar, then create a new virtual machine and when it's configured and running, replace its new .hdd file with the old one. According to the Parallels folk, that's the workaround. And, yes, it's ugly. Good luck.
Hi,
Using Intel Mac with Parallels desktop.
my windows xp is corrupted. It says
system 321 into skrnl.exe
Do I need to replace Windows xp entirely?
If so, do need to uninstall it first? or can I just install in on top of the corrupted one?
Thanks
Steve
Steve, you can try reinstalling WinXP over a previous installation to see if it'll fix things, but it might make more sense to just start over with a fresh install. Good luck either way!
Hi my name is naseem rashid.I saw VMware Fusion.Iliked the software,but i have some question
before buying the sofware.I`m using window xp service pack 2.My question is that can i install WMware Fusion in windows xp so that it will convert into Mac os x system and can i run all mac application in windows xp with the help of WMware Fusion.Is there any other software which can convert windows xp windows 7 or window vista into mac and i can run all windows (PC) application on mac.Please tell me all this things if yes so i will buy it and please tell the price also.Thank you.
Naseem, nope, you can't do that. VMWare Fusion lets you run Windows and Linux operating systems within the Mac OS X world, but there's nothing I'm aware of that lets you run Mac applications on a PC / within Windows.
Hi Dave and friends,
I'm facing a problem with the update of windwows XP, sp2 using parallels 5 wih error code 0x8007000D. Any suggestions??
kind regards lido
My copy of XP Home was prior to SP1,2,& 3. Can I use my XP disk and then download the updates? Do I need those updates on the Mac? Or, is there a way to put XP SP3 on flash drive and use that? Thanks!
I have a question. i was installing office home and student 2007 on my acer travel mate 4200. and it shut down randomly half way through installation. Will this use up 1 of my licences?
I have been trying to get someone to tell me what version of Windows XP to install on my Mac. I recently purchased the OS from Amazon and thought I was getting the one I needed but when it arrived, the package had a red warning sticker on it saying, " WARNING: By opening this package you agree that you have read and understood the Microsoft OEM System Builders License affixed to this package and agree to its terms and conditions."
What is a OEM System Builders Pack which it says is "Intended for system builders ONLY" and can I use it or do I need to return to Amazon? IF so, then what one should I buy? Thanks ... I tried for 2 hours to find a phone number on MicroSoft's website to no avail! Now I know why I like Macs better.
huntermf, my experience was that you can't even get a pre-SP2 version of XP to install, so there's no way to "install it then run an update".
Caleb, if it hasn't yet registered with Microsoft, then theoretically you haven't used up your license yet, but once your system checks in with the corporate servers, I believe it associates your license with a specific CPU ID and that license is used up.
Sandy, I am guessing that the OS you bought was through Amazon but from a third-party fulfillment service, not Amazon itself. What you got is not intended as a standalone OS and if I were you, I'd send it back and ask them to send you a standard end-customer version of Windows.
I had a problem when installaing parallels on my new Mac Pro with setting up internet access.
On installing parallels I got totally confused and ended up stopping file sharing which enabled the Mac to be set up for airport. But I forgot the password I used in parallels and now cannot access the .psf files because I have forgotten the password I used. How do I reset this or do I have to totally uninstall parallels (and XP) before I can use again? It keeps asking for the p/w for the .psf files now.
Dave.....Thanks for your blog. Lots of good info here. Would love to purchase parallels and run windows, but your blog indicates xp mce 2005 will not work with parallels.
I read online that xp mce(single disc) could be slipstreamed to sp3. I have this version of xp, have not yet attempted the slipstream. My xp came with my Gateway PC. I have product key that came with it. I also am using osx on new 27" i5 imac 4gb ram. If successful in slipstreaming, would I be able to use this disc in parallels or any other program.
Paint Shop Pro 7 is the only reason I am going to run Windows, I have tested pse 8,acorn,photoline, etc to no avail, all found lacking.
Alternate suggestions appreciated.
I purchased parallel's and have a copy of windows xp that I want to install on my macbook. I was told that I must have a copy of xp that already has service pack 2 is this true?
Kim, I just purchased an iMac and have researched the same thing that you're asking. The bottom line Is Parallel 5 will not use the OEM version of Windows XP. You need to be using the full version of Windows XP Professional SP1,SP2 or SP3 the full version. I could not find the SP three versions so I went with the SP to version. I found mine on buy.com and used Robobargins as the supplier. The cost was around $232. I haven't loaded it yet so I can't tell you if there's any problems with it. I'm having some people come out to set my computer up as I'm physically disabled and can't do it myself. But everything I've read from many of the software companies say that you cannot use the OEM version it must be the full version and hence the higher cost. Good luck to you let me know how you do it's going to be about two weeks before I'm able to set up my computer but I'll try to remember to address my experience on this site.
Of all the reports on Parallels 5 on the web, some are blithering gibberish, but you are concise, clear, informative and to the point. Thankyou.
bhm
I am upgrading from Parallels 3 to 5 (WinXP), on a MBPro running Leopard. During the upgrade, the Parallels Desktop window is hanging at the "Step 2 of 4 - Searching for New Devices" window. The progress bar is still rotating, but not progressing, and the flash animations within the window are cycling repeatedly. When I try to close the program either by closing the window or forcing quit from the Dock, I get an error message that I cannot close the window until the upgrade is complete. The program has been hanging for about 30 minutes now. What am I doing wrong? Thanks, Linda
Hi Dave, the document about installing windows xp etc via parallels is fab, but how do you uninstall both windows xp and parallels should you need to to re-install for example
Thanks
Dave -
First, thank you very much for what you are doing here!
I need to run a financial software package on my new 21" iMac.
So far, I have succeeded in migrating virtually everything I had on my AOpen Windows XP machine to the new Mac: my MS Office documents, contacts, emails, internet favorites, etc, thanks in large part to Apple's great i-2-1 support.
I am now trying to complete the last piece: my Quicken Home & Business 2009 functions, which I wish I could replace with a comparable Mac-based financial package. I have yet to find one.
This is forcing me to consider Parallels 5.0 with Windows XP, much as I would love to leave Windows far behind.
I have a Licensed copy of XP SP2. Though not OEM, the disk clearly states: "For distribution with a new PC only. For product support contact the manufacturer of your PC." It was installed locally by the AOpen vendor on a machine built to my specs. I have used it in the past to reinstall Windows on that machine.
I read your 1/21/10 response to Caleb. Since I registered my software with Microsoft, you seem to be saying that I will not be able to use it on my iMac, even though I am decommissioning my PC.
If so, where can I get a free standing copy of XP, preferably w/ SP3? And how much should I expect to pay?
I also need to be confident that a USB connected HP Deskjet will work in both the Mac and Windows environments.
I would welcome you suggestions, including Mac compatible financial software.
Tad
dave
i am having trouble installing a video game on my computer what do i do to install it?
Hi,
I want to install Windows 7 OS for the first time in my iMac. Please note that I run Snow Leopard OS and now I have to get Windows Interface and I am thinking to get Win7 and use the parallel desktop 5 for MAC. My question, is installing Win 7 (64-Bit) a good idea instead of WinXP ?
Hi,
Does Microsoft Windows already come with Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac? ... or do I need to buy Windows 7 and Parallels Desktop 5 for Mac?
Please let me know~~!
Thanks
Hello Dave!
At this point, 13th of May 2010, I wish to run my own copy of Windows XP, parallel to the Mac OS, without having to reboot. I have a copy of XP which came with my Dell computer nine years ago. I upgraded with SP2 at some point, possibly even to SP3...
Do I install using my own copy of XP, use Parallel 5 and see how I do? Or do I need to buy a new copy of XP off amazon or something?
The guy at the Mac store said it would be a "walk in the park" to use my own XP OS alongside the Mac OS, but then I think he really wanted to sell me a Mac.
The only reason I want to use XP is that I have a few familiar, favourite music and midi making programmes which do things that I don't want to use garageband for...and my daughter uses MSN. Seems a complex solution to a very simple problem. Furthermore, to re-download these free, simple programmes, I would need to go online through XP, would I not? This practice has been strongly discouraged. Seemingly I will get a nasty virus the second I go online through XP.
Anyway, Dave, thanks for any up-to-the-minute advice you may have for me! You are a legend.
Cheers
Catherine
P.S. Hi Dave, Catherine again, from the previous post. I have XP Home, Version 2002, Service Pack 3. If it matters... Oh, and a valid product code too! Thanks, C
I got it all set up and working. Then I tried to connect my Macbook Pro to my HDTV using mini display to vga and vga to hdmi cables and every time I would try to move my windows screen over it would not move. Then after a few tries my macbook froze and when I restarted I had to re-set up the whole parallels software. Can I not convert to a larger screen or was it a fluke?
sir
i have an apple mac book i G4
i had lost my password & airport conction
pls halp me
I want to install Parallels and XP on my Mac. I was told I need to call Microsoft and delicense an XP disc that I still have from an older Laptop. I actually have the XP disc still in the plastic wrapping that it was packaged in but I am wondering where I find the Product Key code? Do I need to get one from Microsoft?
Hi Dave
I need to run some windows applications on my Mac, hence Im thinking in the parallel system instalation. I dont like windows due to all those nasty viruses. What would happen if I instal it. Would i have virus problems on my mac. Or it would be as usual-NO VIRUS
Thanks
Dave,
I have been using Boot Camp and windows on my Imac. I tire of rebooting to the windows partition. I would like to use Parallels. Do I need to reinstall Windows outside the partition or will parallels be able to use windows from within the Mac OS?
Thanks.
-Greg
I had an error in parallels using Windows XP. I would like to remove XP and reinstall it again. First how do I remove it safely from parallels without hurting my Mac? Then do I just install it like I did the first time? Will I lose any of my personal files doing any of this?
Well this is a rookie question.....How do i switch the platforms?....i mean:if i want to use the windows and i'm running the machintosh...how i do this?
Sorry for my english..
Thanks
can i install windows 7 on my mac using parallels ?
I have messed up my install using bootcamp
I cant re pull my mac os up.
Then It doesnt recognize any HD to reinstall my mac os x diskon a hd Absolutley nothing in the coninue field- How do i get it to recognixe a hd?
Awesome tutorial... Thanks so much for doing this and showing me step by step how to setup Windows XP in Parallels. I have XP on dual boot, but I would like to be able to not have to dual boot so this is great. Hopefully I can install XP using the same disk I used on the BootCamp side... I would prefer to not have to either get a new disk or erase the Bootcamp version. Thanks again.
Hello I bought a Mac Mini 2010-11 version and would like to install Parallels and XP, so that I can run my external blu ray player. Would that be possible to run the two at the same time? OSX and XP? Will it recognize my extrenal blu ray player on Win XP?
Running OSX Snow latest.
External Blu ray RW LGbp06lu10
Hi Dave!
Your write up on installing Parallels and windows on a Mac is fantastic, I have a question, I have a 2002 XP Pro. DVD with Service Pack 1 embedded, I also have a seperate installation Cd with Service Pack 2 on. From what I have read I cannot succesfully install XP with service pack 1, it has to include service Pack 3, is this so? If this is the case, can you suggest the best method to use.
Also is it possible to go from service Pack 1 straight to service pack 3? or do you have to install two then three?
Thanks
Stuart Barker.
Thank you so much! Ive been spending the last two days trying to get my comp to read the dam windows files, bootcamp was requiring a dvd with the disk image which for some reason my computer was unable to make right, I only had single disks not double which is what i think the problem was.
Paralles made it possible to istall with only the .iso file
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I do not have a dvd rom. can i copy XP into a usb
thumbdrive and do installation?
I have installed the Parallel Program onto my Mac version 10.6.8. The people at the Mac store helped me to download Windows 7 at the same time. I have been trying to navigate back and forth as I haven't used Windows in years. I am at a point now that the Windows screen is locked . . it's like it's trying to shut down but never leaves the screen. Geez . . any suggestions? I can't access Windows at all now
Appreciate all your hard work, Dave. I have a 24" iMac running 10.6.8 and Parallels 4.0. I have XP Pro with SP1. Everything runs as it should. I have been trying to upgrade to SP2 without any success. I get to the Windows XP SP2 Setup Wizard and cannot get past the "Inspecting your current configuration" window.
My virtual hard drives are as follows:
Local Disk (C:) 7.79GB 850MB
Local Disk (E:) 31.2GB 30.7GB
I do not even know why or how I got an E drive and would like to get rid of it and add the memory to the C drive. When I try to increase the size of the C drive using the Parallels instructions, it appears to be doing what is suppose to be doing, but nothing changes.
I would be grateful for any help you could give me.
Marc
hi dave my friend just bought a new mac and is opening a new salon the os format is on a windows so he purchased the parallel 7 and is going to instal it but has no cd for windows7, is it safe to download the software from downloads.com and burn it from my mac onto a dvd will he still run into the licensing issue is there any way to get around this?
Hi Dave,
You answer was great.
I have a Mac book Air with 10.8.1 OS and installed with Parallel have windows 7 running.
Now i want to install windows XP also with parallel (as some of my old software work only on xp).
I tried to install this with parrllel with Windows xp CD but it gives error while installing :-
"There is no operating system installed in this virtual machine. Please insert an operating system installation CD into the optical drive of your Mac and restart the virtual machine.
"
As i have mac book air i have the usb cd drive connected, with windows xp instalation CD and it starts installation and asks for the serial key and gives above error.
Can you help me.
Appreciate your help.
i have a problem regarding may macbook i try to install windows xp on my laptop but can't run this ..huhuhu how to resolve my problem please guide me via email if how to install windows xp to mac please reply asap to my email joey_manuel19@yahoo.com..thanks
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I do have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but first I'd like to say thank you, Dave, for all your helpful information by
buying you a cup of coffee! |
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Thank you very much for the info about the F8 key. You saved my day!!