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Level 1

2 points

Parallels - Windows8.exe

I recently purchased Parallels via their online site and have installed the program. I have also purchased Windoes 8 via the Microsoft site online. I selected the 'download' function and have a Windows8-setup.exe file. I did this because I have a MBA, with no CD/DVD drive.

With Parallels, the only options it is giving me is to load Windows via an image file or via CD/DVD. How do I get Windows with what I have?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

MacBook Air

Posted on Mar 3, 2013 4:18 PM

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9 replies

Level 6

11,807 points

Mar 3, 2013 4:34 PM in response to Phalx

If looks like you downloaded the exe file when you should have downloaded the iso image, then burn the image to a cd/dvd. Would it be possible for you to go back and download the iso image file?

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Level 1

2 points

Mar 3, 2013 5:18 PM in response to Eric Ross

I don't think so.. when I purchased Windows 8, they gave me 3 options:

- download

- download + back-up

- physical version via delivery

I still have the page that I used to purchase the software open. When I click 'back', I am unable to do anything other than rebuy the product.

Is there anything I can do?

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Mar 3, 2013 6:48 PM in response to Phalx

What do the Parallels help files say about installing Windows? I believe you can put the iso on your hard drive and point to it from within Parallels. Parallels will then install Windows.

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Level 1

2 points

Mar 3, 2013 7:01 PM in response to BobTheFisherman

Sorry. Clicked solve by accident.

The issue is that when I just bought the 'download' option, only the .exe file was received.

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Mar 4, 2013 5:38 AM in response to Phalx

Phalx wrote:

Sorry. Clicked solve by accident.

The issue is that when I just bought the 'download' option, only the .exe file was received.

Then get an external optical drive or go back to a Windows product site and download site and select the iso for download.

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May 19, 2013 3:33 AM in response to BobTheFisherman

Whayt was the outcome of this? Did you find a way? I have the exact same problem.

Any help would be much appreciated. Have wasted huge amount of time so far.😕

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May 19, 2013 3:57 AM in response to urbanfeeder

Do you have a valid previous version of Windows installed

in a virtual machine? The version of Windows 8 for download

from Microsoft and available in boxed version from retailers

is an upgrade only.

In order to do a new install without having a previous version

you need to purchase an OEM version of Windows 8 and decide

whether you want a 32 or 64 bit. Newegg is one source to get these.

Microsoft does not sell these versions directly. Also note that with

the OEM licenses that there is no support availble from Microsoft.

There has been a lot of debate on the internet over Microsofts desicion

on this type of distribution and seems silly that they are only selling

updates and not full installers.

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Level 1

2 points

Sep 3, 2013 1:37 PM in response to urbanfeeder

Sorry for not replying earlier. I agree! It's been an annoying problem to have to solve.

This was awhile ago but I ended up using my old Windows netbook to get the .iso.

Hope that helps 🙂

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Jun 14, 2014 11:40 AM in response to Phalx

So is there any way to get the iso if you don't have access to a windows machine?

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Parallels - Windows8.exe

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