Replacing Windows Vista w/ Windows 7

Hi all
I just got a new MacBookPro and installed Parallels so that I can run the office accounting software.
Previously I had XP installed on my old Mac and had no problems.
I installed Vista and found out that the accounting package doesnt support 64 bit operating system so I had to purchase Windows 7.

This is where the real fun and games has begun

It wont let me install over Vista, so I created a new Windows virtual Machine (Windows other - for some reason there wasnt an option on my Parallels to Windows 7). When i go to install W7(Vista machine is off) , its starts up and then stops and states

"Windows detected that this computer has 256 MB of Ram, but 512 MB of Ram is required for Installation. Installation cannot proceed"

Can anyone suggest what i should do?

I haven't deleted Windows Vista virtual machine yet ....

 

Hi Paul,

most likely, more memory has to be assigned to the virtual machine where you try to install Windows 7. You can do it by navigating to Virtual Machine menu > Configure... > General tab > Main Memory box. Try to adjust the value up to 1024 MB.

Or, you can try to create new virtual machine with predefined settings. Please check documentation, in particular Typical Installation Mode part:
http://download.parallels.com/desktop/v5/docs/en/Parallels_Desktop_Users_Guide/22493.htm

Please note that you cannot install 32-bit Windows 7 over 64-bit Windows Vista.

 

thanks for that - the memory is already set at 1024
Would the fact that the Vista is already installed be affecting this

Or what is the max I memory i can safely allocate?

 

Hi Paul,
maximum amount of memory that can be allocated to your VM depends on your Mac. Please note that maximum RAM that can be allocated to 32-bit Windows installation (any Windows - XP, Vista, 7) is 4 GB.
Please, try creating new VM using Typical Installation Mode.

 

Thanks so much - I got it - now i have a problem loading the desktop
I will create a separate postand see how I go