Got Parallels and Win XP today / Go ahead install XP first via Boot Camp anyway?

Hi,

I just got Parallels and Windows XP Pro Sp3. After reading the Parallels doc, I see that Parallels will run Win XP somehow off of an install via Boot Camp.

Should I just go ahead and install Win XP first via Boot Camp then? I figure that way, I can have Win XP two ways on my Mac -- either via a reboot or via Parallels. And if I don't like Parallels, I can just go with the rebooting.

Does this makes sense? One potential downside I see is if Parallels really runs Win XP better when installed via Parallels. For me, "works better" means less hassle first, performance second.

Since I'm expecting a lot of time to do the install and tweaks thereafter, any advice from real world user would be appreciated. BTW, I won't be running PC games on Win XP, but instead some business applications -- other than Office.

Thanks,
-- Joe

 

Install the latest Apple updates.
Install Windows XP SP3 , install in Windows Boot Cam 2.1.1 update
Install Parallels Desktop build 5608
and that is all

 

Thanks for the quick reply!

As for the Parallels build version, I'll be working from a DVD just shipped. I'm assuming I'll get the right build by just having Parallels app find the update, or by finding it as an update on the web site.

Cheers,
-- Joe

 

im pretty sure even if its not u can download a free update

 

Please download build 5608 following link bellow:
http://download.parallels.com/v3/en/GA/Parallels-Desktop-5608-Mac-en.dmg

and reinstall Parallels Desktop as described in kb
http://kb.parallels.com/en/4790

Do not forget to eject cd with old build before installing new version

 

I haven't installed Parallels at all yet. Should I just install Parallels from the build 5608 dmg file, and not at all from the DVD? And, if I am just installing from the build 5608 dmg download, do I need to be concerned about the KB #4790 article, which seems to presume Parallels is already installed?

Thanks,
-- Joe

 

Just install Parallels Desktop

 

OK, thanks.