Can Parallels help problem with XP installation

I have tried to install XP/SP3 on my Intel Core 2 Duo without success. To see a full description of the problem check out this thread. The only advice I got from any of the Mac forums was to use either VMware Fusion or Parallels to load XP. I was under the impression that Parallels only enabled the use of XP that was already installed. Can Parallels actually aid in the installation of XP? I am not sure why XP will not install but I am willing to try out Parallels if anyone thinks it is worth the time. I have an unused version of Parallels 3.0 installed on my son's laptop but I assume I would need to purchase the 4.0 version since 3.0 his vintage mid 2007.

Any useful advice would be greatly appreciated. It is tax time and I need to use some PC only tax software.

 

Hi John Cuddeback,

The below mentioned link is the information about the Operting Systems that are supported in Parallels.

http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/sr

I think that you are not able to install Windows XP SP3 because it an upgrade CD.
In order to install an Operating System on Parallels for the first time you need to have a full version Windows XP CD.
You cannot do the install using the Upgrade CD for example Windows XP SP3

 

I am fairly certain that what I have is a full copy not an upgrade. My COA is the same as the sample shown on the MS certification website and is titled "Windows®XP Home Edition". There is nothing about upgrade on the COA or paperwork that accompanies the disk. To quote what is in the linked thread in my original query "A new XP/SP3 disk, not the retail version but the version for use with new PC (an OEM system build disk with all the holograms, COA etc., not a pirate copy and not specific for one brand of PC)"

I am operating a an 2.16 MHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 3GB RAM and OX 10.5.6.

Again, any useful advice would be apreciated.

 

You are not alone. Check the thread "Help in installing Win XP Pro on MAC using Parallels".

 

Solution

I located an original Parallels disk that came with my iMac which would of course not launch properly since it was the first build of system 3.0. After searching around the non intuitive Parallels website and other locations where Parallels seems to resist customer ease of use I was able to locate a site where I could download a current system build. I was able to load XP from the system build disk and it appears to work. However. I can only use it with Parallels. I cannot locate XP when starting the iMac with the option key depressed. Any thoughts on this?

So my problem is solved since I only need the XP for one tax program for the 2008 year.