vista install question

i have a mackbook pro and would like to run windows. can i download vista and install or do i need the install cd?

many thanks

 

If you mean to install it in Parallels Desktop, you need either CD or ISO image, not wim image as from Microsoft.com

 

thanks for the reply. yes i did mean install using parallels. what is, and how does one get, an iso file? by the way, i can download parallels, and am looking for a way to get vista installed now without having to wait for a cd to come in the mail.

thanks again

 

Actually you can convert wim image (downloaded from Microsoft ) to ISO, but you need Windows PC
See details
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/05/10/how-to-make-vista-bootable-dvd-with-wim-downloaded-files/

 

I have an additional vistal install question

I've recently downloaded a temp parallels system to try it out prior to purchase. I have a MAC laptop and have bootcamp installed with a new VISTA install on the "separate" hard drive. I'm trying to install the same Vista install CD onto parallels, but the CD will not boot up -- it makes some noise for a while and then the computer spits it out and doesn't recognize it. Any ideas? Can I use the install that's already on "bootcamp?" or should I use the DVD and what is up with the computer not recognizing it? Do I need to talk to "Windows" personnel?

Thanks for the feedback in advance?

Steve Tremain

 

Try to create ISO image as described bellow, if it fails to boot, and settings in Configure - Boot Order are set to CD-ROM, and CD-DOM is enabled and Connected , then contact

1. Insert CD/DVD source

2. Start Terminal from Applicatins/Utilities, you can then determine the device that is you CD/DVD drive using the following command:

$ drutil status
Vendor Product Rev
MATSHITA DVD-R UJ-835E GAND

Type: DVD-ROM Name: /dev/disk1
Cur Write: 8x DVD Sessions: 1
Max Write: 8x DVD Tracks: 1
Overwritable: 00:00:00 blocks: 0 / 0.00MB / 0.00MiB
Space Free: 00:00:00 blocks: 0 / 0.00MB / 0.00MiB
Space Used: 364:08:27 blocks: 1638627 / 3.36GB / 3.13GiB
Writability:
Book Type: DVD-ROM

3. Umount the disk with the following command:

$ diskutil unmountDisk /dev/disk1
Disk /dev/disk1 unmounted

4. Create the ISO file with the dd utility (may take some time):

$ dd if=/dev/disk1 of=file.iso bs=2048

5. Test the ISO image by mounting the new file (or open with Finder):

$ hdid file.iso