Parallels or Boot Camp - Which to install first?

[nonno]

Hi,

I have recently puchased a MBP 2.33 GHz Duo 2 and intend running Windows XP Pro in addition to OS X. For most of my windows applications Parallels will do the job nicely however, I do require 3D and directX support so I will need Boot Camp as well. As I understand it, I will only need one Windows partition, correct? I assume this means only one instance of XP is required.

My question is, "Which do you install first, Parallels or Boot Camp?"

From browsing through the forum posts, all of this is still appears to be a bit of a black art, so I really appreciate the time and effort taken by everyone in sharing their experiences with us newbies.

Thanks & regards
Nonno

 

[dailo]

I guess if you plan on using BootCamp I'd probably suggest installing BootCamp first so you can make sure that is working first before you run the parallels configuration wizard thing.

 

[James Bond 007]

Hi,

I have recently puchased a MBP 2.33 GHz Duo 2 and intend running Windows XP Pro in addition to OS X. For most of my windows applications Parallels will do the job nicely however, I do require 3D and directX support so I will need Boot Camp as well. As I understand it, I will only need one Windows partition, correct? I assume this means only one instance of XP is required.

My question is, "Which do you install first, Parallels or Boot Camp?"

From browsing through the forum posts, all of this is still appears to be a bit of a black art, so I really appreciate the time and effort taken by everyone in sharing their experiences with us newbies.

Thanks & regards
Nonno

You should definitely install Windows XP via Boot Camp first.

However, it may not be true that "only one instance of XP is required". At that time if you attempt to run the Boot Camp Windows partitions under Parallels build 3036, Windows will demand reactivation. And Microsoft may not be so kind to grant you that reactivation (not to say you will be hit with reactivation again if you try to boot back into Windows), unless you have a Corporate version.

I strongly suggest you do not try to use the Boot Camp partition under Parallels at this time, at least not until the reactivation problem can be avoided.