How do you install windows on parallels?

I have a macbook air and so I had to download windows 8.1 on Microsoft's website. I need to install windows in order for parallels to work. Once I open parallels, I go to file, then new, and then install windows. But how can I install the downloaded windows app on a mac?

 

Hello lawrencemiller2011,

The file that was downloaded from the Microsoft website will be an .EXE file.

It is not possible to install windows operating system on your Parallels Desktop using the .EXE file as the Mac cannot recognize the executable file.

If you have a windows disk, please create an .ISO image file (http://kb.parallels.com/4917) and then try to install windows operating system on your Parallels Desktop.

If you do not have a Windows DVD, please contact Microsoft and obtain an .ISO image file for Windows 8.1 and then try to install Windows 8.1 on

your Parallels Desktop using the .ISO image file by following the steps as suggested at http://kb.parallels.com/4729

 

contact microsoft for an ISO image? This is the most vague advice I have ever read..have you ever tried contacting microsoft? Its next to impossible to get what you're actually after.

 

Hello GrantW,

We do understand your concern, but the .ISO image file for Windows 8.1 can be obtained only from Microsoft so kindly contact them and obtain

an .ISO image file for Windows 8.1 and then follow the steps as suggested at http://kb.parallels.com/4729 to create a new

Windows Operating System on your Parallels Desktop.

 

I just spent the last hour with Microsoft on the phone and first I had to find someone that would even talk to me because I am on a Mac, second when I did finally get someone on the phone they told me that unless I purchased a disk version there is nothing I could do and recommended I get a refund. He said if I wanted an ISO version I would have to call Apple?

 

you need either the DVD for windows 8 / 8.1 AND a DVD drive
OR
the ISO for windows 8 / 8.1 (which you can get from Microsoft if you're an MSDN subscriber) or you can go to the download website as long as you have a valid key (which you would get when you purchased windows).

make sure you select to download the ISO file.

there's nothing parallels can do.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only

 

My problem is how do I get the file to down load as a ISO file. The link you supplied does't offer any choice in how to down load the file type and if I just hit the button it downloads a .exe file? My computer is Optical so a CD or DVD is an option with out buying a drive.

 

Hi Parker,

Windows 8/8.1 installation file with an '.exe' extension can only be used to upgrade an existing Windows Virtual Machine. If you are performing a new Windows installation, to create a new Windows Virtual Machine, the .exe installation file will not work.

You may contact Microsoft Authorized OEM Distributors http://bit.ly/Sy3Gt0 in order to request either Windows 8/8.1.iso installation image or physical DVD.

 

Thanks, I did contact Microsoft and they wont provide me a .ISO version and stated with out an optical drive I should just get refund. I will contact one of the companies on the list you provided via the link and see if I can get a copy from them.

 

This is what I'd do - it's a bit of a faff but I couldn't find Win8 ISO images either.

First up, install Windows 7 using an official ISO, links to which can be found at:
http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads.12325/

This is perfectly legal, even without a key, as they have a 30 day trial before you need to activate.

Now you can make yourself a Win8 iso, by using the EXE you've already downloaded, in that Win7 VM.

You already have the EXE so you're halfway there - follow this:
http://www.cnet.com/uk/how-to/how-to-download-the-official-microsoft-windows-8-1-iso/

Once you have the ISO exported, SAVE IT To avoid doing all this again.
When you have the ISO safely outside the Win7 VM, you can nuke the Win7 VM and start your Win8 install. Phew.

 

Thanks, sounds like the long way around but solid solution to my problem.