Will this version of XP Home work for Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac?

Question

joshers2005 Author

Level 1

4 points

Will this version of XP Home work for Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac?

For Christmas, I received Parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac because I need Windows XP for certain reasons. First, I have several neat programs that only run on DOS and second, I miss MS Paint (I hate Seashore or Piantbrush) and Finally, I like MS Movie Maker better then iMovie. When I opened it, I got furious because found out that XP Home doesn't come with it, so I must purchase it online. I really need XP Home with SP2, and not XP Pro. I looked in the manuel and it says I cannot use OEM copies, but I looked at another discussion that said OEM copies were OK. Now I'm very confused, so I decided to make this post hoping that I can get a good final answer. Here is another problem, I only have $100 to spend because I'm saving up for a bigger gift that has nothing to do with computers. I want to know which copy will work.

Copy No.1

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Microsoft-Windows-XP-Home-Full-SP3-FREE-S-HW0QQitemZ330294685997QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Software?hash=item330294685997&_trksi d=p3286.c0.m14&trkparms=72%3A570%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1309%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7 C294%3A50

Copy No.2

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-System-Builders-VERSION/dp/B000JTFVME/re f=pdbxgy_sw_imga

Copy No.3

http://www.softwaremedia.com/product/63.html

If you know a better copy under $100.00 that will be even more compatible with Parallels, tell me.

Thank You and I hope you can answer my questions.

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Dec 27, 2008 4:00 PM

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Answer 1

Dec 27, 2008 4:12 PM in response to joshers2005

Parallels desktop 3.0 works with all Windows XP versions. Just be sure to carefully read the instructions that comes with parallels 3.0. Be patient and take your time while installing and be sure to have a valid windows XP passcode, otherwise it will not install. After install, be sure to put in the parallels tools to have it working properly. It is a real treat once you have it working. Good luck and have a great new year.

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Answer 2

joshers2005 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 27, 2008 4:35 PM in response to allMACedout

All versions? I've carefully looked in my Manual and it says "A Full (Not OEM) version of the operating system you wish to install" is required. In those copies, it says OEM some where in the description, but when I find retail versions, it exceeds my budget.

allMACedout, you partially answered my post, but I still don't have enough information. Can I get a good definition of OEM?

P.S. - Will I find anything good at the Apple Store? (Besides Parallels Desktop)

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Answer 3

Dec 27, 2008 5:46 PM in response to joshers2005

You have an intel based mac. that is one particular Original Equiptment Manufacturer. Now, what parallels does is build a vitual machine inside your mac to make it OEM compatible inside the mac Operating System to make Windows XP Home to work within the mac environment. Once it is fully installed, you can use mac and windows XP home together at the same time. You can also install XP home in mac boot and use it separate from mac as well to do your work separate of being on mac ss well. carefully read the instructions and the key part again is putting in P.T, for it to work properly.

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Answer 4

joshers2005 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 27, 2008 6:45 PM in response to allMACedout

What if I were to buy Windows 98 (Cheaper), put it on Parallels, and then buy that cheap OEM Upgrade to Windows XP Home later. Would that work?

If not, how about purchasing Vista Home and then downgrading to XP?

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Answer 5

Dec 27, 2008 8:39 PM in response to joshers2005

You are better of installing XP home SP2 straight, with no complications. Better off doing it that way than to have problems down the road trying to upgrade from windows 98. Downgrading from vista is not a good option neither. You can try it, but in my opinion of the situation, you are better off doing it full XP home sp2 install with no upgrading or downgrading. It is only a virtual machine and you do not want to take up all of your hard drive space on your mac just for that.

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Answer 6

ericmeyers

Level 4

1,410 points

Dec 27, 2008 8:53 PM in response to joshers2005

Yes it will work. Not a big deal. You don't even have to install 98, just make an image of it. When the XP installer asks for the CD to verify the upgrade you can have parallels point to the image.

Also, save yourself a couple of bucks
http://www.virtualbox.org/

Eric

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Answer 7

joshers2005 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 28, 2008 8:00 AM in response to allMACedout

Never mind,

I have found a better option than purchasing it online. Anyways, I really doesn't trust buying things online due to nags like paypal, shipping costs, no refunds, scams..etc. I can find a good deal in the local ads in my city or through craigslist. Anyways, my mother knows someone from her work who might have it.

Thank You for your answers and idea.

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