Hello, I'm currantly using boot camp and would like to switch to parallels. I'm having some problems with my xp install so I'm going to delete my bootcamp partition and start from scratch with parallels. My main concern is having to reregister my copy of xp. What is the best way to go about making sure that I can get a new key for my legit copy of xp once I delete bootcamp. Thanks
The main thing is not to talk about needing a "new key". The "product key" is that long number on your hologram-bedecked certificate of authenticity. Asking for a new one amounts to asking "please can I have a second licensed copy of Windows for free". What you want is to re-activate your existing windows license (OK, in crypographic terms this probably involves exchanging a key of some sort, but not The Product Key). When you re-install Windows you'll be prompted to "activate" it within 30 days. If you're lucky, it will do this painlessly over the internet. If you're not lucky you will be directed to phone Microsoft to re-activate. Tell them the truth - you have re-partitioned your hard drive and re-installed windows on the same machine. Don't confuse the underpaid-and-overworked call-centre bod by mentioning Macs or Parallels - this is irrelevant (unless you've been silly enough to buy Vista which has ridiculous license terms).
