Installing Windows XP Using Upgrade CD

[jrussell17]

I'm attempting to install Windows XP in Parallels. I have an XP upgrade CD, and a Windows 98 full install CD. I can't install using the Windows 98 CD, and at a certain point in the Windows XP installation, I'm asked for a "previous version of Windows", because the XP CD is only the upgrade. I should be able to remove the XP upgrade CD, and put in my Windows 98 full install CD, but there is no option on Finder to eject the Windows XP CD. It's not showing up on the desktop, or anywhere that I can find on the OS. I can't start the install with Windows 98 CD, as when I've tried that, the boot options fail every time.

I should say at this point that I'm new to Macs (as should be obvious :) ), and I don't know if there is a way to "force eject" the CD if it's not showing up somewhere. Is that possible?

Can I install Windows XP in Parallels using the XP upgrade and Windows 98 install CD?

Thanks for any help.

[dragonkat]

If you are using a Mac Bookpro the arrow with the line under it will eject your CDs (its located in the upper right hand corner.) As for the Windows 98 it is listed as a Guest Operating System for parallels in their getting started Guide. You may find helpful information under the Support link Documentation.

I hope this helps :)

kat

[mmaxton]

I just got XP installed, and it was an upgrade copy. I couldn't find my ancient Windows 98 disk, but I did have an even more ancient copy of Windows 95. I installed Parallels and XP onto my iMac rather than my MacBook Pro, but the eject key, which works fine in OS X, does not work within the WP install window. When I hit the Control-Alt key combo to get back into the Mac world, I still couldn't eject the XP disk because the Mac didn't recognize that the CD was in the slot (not mounted).
My solution was to make a disk image of the Win95 cd so that I wouldn't have the issue of physically swapping disks. Once that was done, when the Windows install asked for a previous version of Windows, I right-clicked on the picture of the CD at the lower right of the Windows/Parallel Desktop and Clicked on "Connect Image". I then directed it to look for the disk image of Win95, rather than the physical Win95 disk. Once Windows was satisfied that I qualified for the Upgrade, when asked to insert the XP disk, right clicked on the CD and selected CD/DVD.

I do have Windows installed and running. Now if I could just figure out how to get control of my mouse and keyboard again outside of Windows. The Ctl-alt combo doesn't seem to be working like it did when Windows was still in the process of installation.
Hope this helps,
Molly

[joem]

If you install Parallels tools, your mouse and keyboard should switch automatically.

[Hugh Watkins]

snip
Now if I could just figure out how to get control of my mouse and keyboard again outside of Windows. The Ctl-alt combo doesn't seem to be working like it did when Windows was still in the process of installation.

I got that problem because I installed the Microsoft Mouse utility
get rid of that and use Parallels tools

any "found new hardware" dialogs from windows should be ignored and cancelled

Hugh W

[jrussell17]

Your instructions were perfect! I made an image of my Windows 98 CD, and was able to install correctly! I'm up and working now, and I appreciate you taking the time to write your post.

Thanks again!!! Move up to "Senior Member! :) :) :) :)

[kfedouloff]

I am very familiar with Macs, and have used VPC without too many problems. I now have a MacBook, and have just acquired Parallels. I have a full Windows 98 CD and an XP Home Edition Upgrade CD (i.e. the original version, not Service Pack 2).

I have tried all the approaches mentioned in this thread, to no avail. Parallels seems unable to recognise either CD at all, and connecting to disk images consistently fails.

What am I doing wrong? Can anyone point me to a step by step guide (without too many three letter acronyms) to lead me through this process? I am getting very frustrated!

Your help would be very much appreciated.