Installing Parallels when Boot Camp already running Windows

I'm considering installing Parallels on my MacBook Pro, which I already have partitioned with a drive running Windows using Boot Camp. What I need to know is, do I need to eliminate the partition with Boot Camp and if so, will I have to completely reinstall Windows and all my Windows software? I don't want to waste the partition that's dedicated to the virtual drive, rather I'd prefer to have the entire hard drive available to MAC. I really want to have parallels, as it's easier for me to be able to work on Windows and MAC applications at the same time, without having to stop-shut down-restart each time.

Parallels can use your existing Boot Camp partition for the VM, if that's what you're asking. However, if you want to have all one partition (without the Boot Camp one), then yes, you'll have to reinstall Windows when you install Parallels, unless there's some way to "import" your Boot Camp" setup that I don't know about.
Message was edited by: Firesign3000

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Keyboard and Mouse no longer recognized when Boot Camp'ing into Windows XP

Mac Pro early 2008, Mac OS X 10.6.2, all updates applied. WinXP SP3. Standard wired Apple smooth mouse.
I normally use Parallels 4.0 to access my Windows XP on this Mac. That's been working fine and continues to do so. I upgraded to Snow Leopard not long after it was released. My Parallels is set to use the Boot Camp partition as the basis for its virtual machine.
I haven't started Windows directly from Boot Camp in some time. It used to work fine also. I am not sure I have accessed it directly from Boot Camp since I upgraded to Snow Leopard.
In any event, when I try to boot into Window, my slim wired Apple USB keyboard and mouse are not recognized. I get to the opening Windows Log-In screen and at that point, I can't move the mouse cursor and I can't type anything into the Windows password input box. The red mouse laser light flashes once every 7 or 8 seconds but also doesn't stay on.
Starting Windows under Parallels still works fine. I downloaded the BootCamp 3.1 Windows 32-bit upgrade from Apple. I tried running it in Windows under Parallels. Something ran for a while when I did that but there was no installation screens or dialogs after I clicked the "run" button.
Not sure what to do next.
Thanks.

Adding to the above: I also tried plugging in an Microsoft USB keyboard at the point when Windows freezes at the Windows log-in screen. The keyboard is not recognized and the only way I can leave this screen is to power-off the computer.

Use parallels or boot amp to run Windows XP?

Should I use boot amp or parallels to run Windows XP??

What computer do you have? What OS? If you have a newer computer or Lion OS you can't use XP in a Boot Camp partition.
No they don't adversely affect "theMac".

Windows XP and Parallels or Boot Camp

I'd like to run Windows on my Mac. I have a Windows XP Home Edition disc in my restoration discs from Gateway. Can I use this disc when I install Parallels or Boot Camp when it asks to insert my Windows disk? Thanks.

Where is the Gateway? You can't re-use a license for Windows on more than one machine. Since your Gateway license is OEM, you can't legally use it on anything but that Gateway. The disk may or may not work. There is no way to tell. You definitely won't be able to activate unless the Gateway is definitively dead.
My advice is to get yourself a new, legal license for XP from NewEgg for $137 (XP Pro) or $100 (XP Home). Newegg sells legal OEM versions that are usable. Don't buy anything from Craigslist or eBay.

VMware Fusion vs. Parallels (with Boot Camp) -- help please!

Hello. I have just reinstalled Mac OS X (Leopard) on my MacBook and am looking to install Windows XP SP2. I will be installing a Boot Camp partition -- I know that much -- but I also want to use Parallels or Fusions so that I have the option of running the Boot Camp partition within OS X. Somehow, over my years as a Mac user, I have acquired both of these applications (Fusion and Parallels), and I was wondering if anyone has any information on the differences between the two. Two questions:
1.) As I just mentioned, I'm just looking for any information on the differences between the two apps -- what features one offers that the the other doesn't -- why I might want to choose one over the other -- and so forth.
2.) Since I have both apps, would it be possible to have both installed at the same time? In other words, could I have both Fusion and Parallels installed on my computer, and then, when it comes time to open Windows, choose which app I want to open and use? (not sure there'd be any point to this, but just in theory, could it be done?)
Thanks in advance -- any info in regard to either question is much appreciated.

Thanks for the replies. Although I've never used Fusion before, I've installed Parallels with Boot Camp partition three or four times before on this computer, and it has always worked great for me, so I know I want to use Boot Camp. And as far as the application goes, sounds like I'll be using Parallels, mainly because it's what I'm used to. That Wikipedia link was exactly what I was looking for -- I had checked Wikipedia before I posted the topic here, but I didn't find that comparison page. Anyways, they look about the same (Parallels and Fusion, that is) for anything I'd be concerned with, but where there were any differences, they seemed to work in favor of Parallels (except for Linux-related features, in which Fusion seemed to have the upper hand, but I don't use Linux). So, again, thanks for taking the time to respond -- much appreciated. Have a good one.

Would i be better off using parallels than boot camp

IS it easier to install parallels than boot camp?, Inonly want to be able to use the windows based version of Quicken

For $79 retail (or less) Parallels will give you the convenience of running your PC programs concurrently with your Mac programs. Bootcamp will require a reboot each time you want to switch environments.
You are aware that Intuit sells Quicken 2007 for Lion, Mt.Lion, Mavericks for $15?
http://quicken.intuit.com/personal-finance-software/quicken-2007-osx-lion.jsp

Running Windows, Parallels? Boot Camp?

I've used boot camp very successfully with my mac desktop, but I'm hoping to receive a macbook (the black one) for christmas, and I'm hoping for a better option when using windows. I tried parallels with one of my older, clunkier macs (the one that's full of my movies, music, etc.) and it ran very slow, and it was nearly impossible to run other programs alongside it. Has anyone else had this problem, or is it fairly easy for you to run Parallels with other programs? I really love the malleability of parallels compared to boot camp. The idea of partitioning a large portion of my hard drive in a fairly permanent way is not very appealing to me. Any suggestions?

Windows on Intel Macs
There are presently several alternatives for running Windows on Intel Macs.
1. Install the Apple Boot Camp software. Purchase Windows XP w/Service Pak 2 or Vista. Follow instructions in the Boot Camp documentation on installation of Boot Camp, creating Driver CD, and installing Windows. Boot Camp enables you to boot the computer into OS X or Windows.
2. Parallels Desktop for Mac and Windows XP, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate. Parallels is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
3. VM Fusionand Windows XP, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate. VM Fusion is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
4. CrossOver which enables running many Windows applications without having to install Windows. The Windows applications can run concurrently with OS X.
5. VirtualBox is a new Open Source freeware virtual machine such as VM Fusion and Parallels that was developed by Solaris. It is not yet fully developed for the Mac - some features are not yet implemented - but it does work otherwise.
6. Last is Q. Q is a freeware emulator that is compatible with Intel Macs. It is much slower than the virtualization software, Parallels and VM Fusion.
Note that Parallels and VM Fusion can also run other operating systems such as Linux, Unix, OS/2, Solaris, etc. There are performance differences between dual-boot systems and virtualization. The latter tend to be a little slower (not much) and do not provide the video performance of the dual-boot system.
See MacTech.com's Virtualization Benchmarking for comparisons of Boot Camp, Parallels, and VM Fusion.
Boot Camp is only available with Leopard. The Boot Camp Beta that was used with Tiger has expired and is no longer available for use. So contrary to the other poster's comment, Boot Camp isn't truly "free." You must purchase Leopard to get it.

When there will be a new boot camp version with Windows 8.1 support? I a floor of year can't already update Windows 8 on the iMac! ! !

When there will be a new boot camp version with Windows 8.1 support? I a floor of year can't already update Windows 8 on the iMac! ! !

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
Boot Camp Support Software 5.0.5033 supports Windows 8.1 and can be used with that version. The Mid 2011 iMac is compatible with Windows 8, so you should not have any problem by installing Windows 8.
Follow Apple's steps > http://manuals.info.apple.com/MANUALS/1000/MA1636/en_US/boot_camp_install-setup_ 10.8.pdf

Installer disk not found message during boot camp 5 and windows 8 install on late 2001 MBP running Mavericks?

I'm getting "Installer disk not found" message during boot camp 5 and windows 8 install on late 2001 MBP running Mavericks. Any ideas?
I've downloaded the Window support option software and the WindowSetupBox.exe and copied it to the USB drive.
Thanks Tim

You might have better luck in the Boot Camp community. I'll ask the hosts to relocate your post.
Boot Camp Community

I'm using a 2014 iMac and a Win 8.1 64bit install disc with bootcamp. I created the ISO according to the instructions but when I selected it in bootcamp I got the following error "Boot Camp only supports Windows 7 or later..."

Bootcamp rejects the ISO file made from a windows 8.1 disc with the error message "Boot Camp only supports Windows 7 or later installation on this platform. Please use an ISO file for Windows 7 or later installation."
How do I get past this?

Hi Loner T
No the ISO is just 64bit. I bought a shrink wrapped copy of 8.1 full version. It has two discs, one for 32bit and one for 64bit. I used the 64bit disc.
I inserted it in an older iMac that has a dvd drive, and shared that across to my new iMac. I used disc utility to create a disc image following instructions I found here...
Boot Camp: Creating an ISO image from a Windows installation DVD - Apple Support
This created an ISO file. I then went into bootcamp but when I tried to use the ISO file to create a boot USB it failed with the error above.
Regards
Ian

If i buy parallels can i install it with boot camp?

So yeah If i buy parallels can i install it with boot camp?

bootcamp is a bootloader
a setup tool for osx
and a zip file with tested windows drivers and programs for the apple hardware
one use the setup tool to make some of the apple hd windows filesystem
one install windows on the space and the bootloader let you hold down option key to boot into what you want to use today
parallels is a virtual machine as in running windows under osx in a window if one wish
parallels can as the only virtual machine that I know of access a bootcamp patition directly where other virtual machines just keep the other hd as a file
when parallels use the windows partition it will like other virtual machines not be able to access the video card for 3d games though that is only for real bootcamp
users who don't need to play fancy 3d games on windows will have an easier time using a virtual machine like parallels or virtualbox(free) or wmware
they require much much much less tech knowlege to install and dont have driver issues like bootcamp can
both a virtual machine and bootcamp require you to bring your own windows and valid windows key

TS4536 Window 7 sp1 not gettin installed after using boot camp 5.0 on mountain lion on macbook pro 2009 mid

Hi there everyone !
I am facing a strange problem. I downloaded a Mountain lion Iso from internet ( ver 10.8.3) , which i made a USB disk bootable from Lion Disk Maker software. I did a clean installation. I want to install Window 7 Sp2 Ultimate 64 bit. I have already installed easily through boot camp but this time when i insert the window 7 disk and it makes partition and after restart its all black screen for which i waited may be the installer starts but it did not.
I tried to try the option key trick but there i couldnt see the Boot Camp drive which partition makes and also the when Window 7 disk appear and i click it , It restarts and again the same black screen . Please help me out , I have to use windows as I have migrated from windows.

please anyone help me

Unable to install Boot Camp Drivers for Windows

Mac Pro (2) 3.2 Xeon quads
Mac OS 10.5.2
Boot Camp side - Windows XP pro x64 w/SP2
Step 3 listed in the instructions for setting up Boot Camp is to Install the Boot Camp drivers for Windows. At this point Windows recognizes my Mac Install disk 1. I get the following message: "the installer encountered errors before Boot Camp could be configured. To retry these operations at a later time, please run the installer again." I am not sure if I needed to do something to install the Service Pack 2? My firmware is at MP31.006C.B02 and 1.25f4. When I checked for the latest firmware, it returned a message that it was not necessary.
Maybe the XP pro x64 is not compatible?
Barry in St. Louis

I did install windows xp sp2 32 bit on my macbook pro 2.2 GB and I'm getting the same ...
When trying to install boot camp drivers, a message came up saying:
Boot Camp requires that your computer is running Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows Vista.
The only option it gave me was to click the "OK" button. When I clicked OK , another message came up saying:
Boot Camp Installer completed. The install encountered errors before Boot Camp could be configured. To retry these operations at a later time, please run the installer again. Click "finish" to exit installer. I am running a brand new full retail version of windows xp service pack 2. Applecare will not help blaming Microsoft and of course Microsoft is blaming Apple. What a bunch of useless crap!! Can anyone help??

HT1846 can i install boot camp and run explorer 9 on my mack

I need to be able to use Internet explorer (7 or higher) on my Mac. If I install boot camp and windows will I be able to?

Yes.
Windows on Intel Macs
There are presently several alternatives for running Windows on Intel Macs.
Install the Apple Boot Camp software. Purchase Windows XP w/Service Pak2, Vista, or Windows 7. Follow instructions in the Boot Camp documentation on installation of Boot Camp, creating Driver CD, and installing Windows. Boot Camp enables you to boot the computer into OS X or Windows.
Parallels Desktop for Mac and Windows XP, Vista Business, Vista Ultimate, or Windows 7. Parallels is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
VM Fusionand Windows XP, Vista Business, Vista Ultimate, or Windows 7. VM Fusion is software virtualization that enables running Windows concurrently with OS X.
CrossOver which enables running many Windows applications without having to install Windows. The Windows applications can run concurrently with OS X.
VirtualBox is a new Open Source freeware virtual machine such as VM Fusion and Parallels that was developed by Solaris. It is not as fully developed for the Mac as Parallels and VM Fusion.
Note that Parallels and VM Fusion can also run other operating systems such as Linux, Unix, OS/2, Solaris, etc. There are performance differences between dual-boot systems and virtualization. The latter tend to be a little slower (not much) and do not provide the video performance of the dual-boot system. See MacTech.com's Virtualization Benchmarking for comparisons of Boot Camp, Parallels, and VM Fusion. Boot Camp is only available with Leopard or Snow Leopard. Except for Crossover and a couple of similar alternatives like DarWine you must have a valid installer disc for Windows.
You must also have an internal optical drive for installing Windows. Windows cannot be installed from an external optical drive.

HT3777 How to install Boot Camp on 32bit Windows 8 on a 2011 MacBook Pro?

I used Boot Camp to install Windows 8 Consumer Preview as the 2nd OS on my 2011 MacBook Pro. However after the installation I cannot install the additional Boot Camp just the drivers for webcam/wifi/ethernet/cardreader/display/chipset etc.
But I would like to be able to use the function keys to adjust the brightness and volume like on a normal laptop without having to go through settings.
Anyone know how?

You need to install the Boot Camp Windows Support Software, but I have no idea which version of OSX you have so, if 10.6.x the software is on the OSX install disk, likewise for 10.5.x, if you are running 10.7.x (lion) it is a download from the Boot Camp Assistant.

Installing Parallels when Boot Camp already running Windows

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