I just installed Parallels on my iMac. Did one installation (as a new virtual machine) of Windows XP Home edition from my disk. Seemed to be fine, but it is asking me to "activate" Windows with Microsoft. Apparently Microsoft wants me to pay to use my copy of Windows again, but even if I try to do that I never reach a place (following links, answering questions, etc.) where I can do that. Did a second installation, which was where I used Transporter and brought over (via an ethernet cable) the C drive of a PC (different copy of Window, this time XP Professional). It all appears to have come over OK, but again it takes me into the activation loop that goes nowhere. How is this supposed to work? When Parallels states that one can run Windows in a Mac, are they expecting that we will go out and buy a brand new copy? I haven't seen that stated anywhere. Or is the expectation that we will pay Microsoft for another license? I haven't seen that anywhere either. The Parallels Transporter User Guide simply states that there may be activation problems, but incredibly says nothing whatsoever about how to address them. I'm confused. Parallels looked like a great product, but now I don't see how I can even use it. Any guidance out there? Thanks in advance.
You may need to buy a new copy. The answer depends on which kind of Windows license you have. More info available at microsoft.com. In general, if you have an OEM copy of windows, (like most computers that come preinstalled), then the license is only good for the original machine. If you have a full retail copy of Windows, you can move it to another machine, but you cannot run the same license on 2 machines at once. There are also corporate licences and academic licenses that are special cases. Rules for VISTA are different. Check the Microsoft Website.
Thank you, I guess that's what I needed to know. Funny that this information isn't right up front, since I would think many people would run into the same problem. Thanks very much for your quick response.
When you install Windows XP and try to ACTIVATE it, use the TELEPHONE method! You will be issued an activation KEY. Call the phone number listed for your country. Enter the activation key listed. Answer a few questions. Reason for re-activating Windows = Hardware configuration change. Do not mention Parallels!!! They will then give you a new key to input AS THEY SAY IT! Your Windows XP will now operate correctly! DO NOT purchase a new Windows XP program!!! You can activate XP as many times as necessary AS LONG AS IT IS ONLY on ONE machine. ajm
I did exactly that after I trashed a VM (my error) and reinstalled from a one time only OEM cd I go fromt a local "build your own computer " shop just say "reinstalling on the same hardware" Hugh W
