A very general question- help please

[todd gray]

I am about to install parallels into my Macbook pro. I understand I need to re-install my windows XP. Do I also have to re-install all the programs on the windows side of my Macbook as well? I have quite a number of them including Adobe CS3 and Quickbooks.....

 

[desgael]

If you mean by "windows side of my Macbook" the Boot camp partition, there is no need to reinstall neither Windows nor Windows programs. All you need is to create a virtual machine based on Boot camp partition:
http://download.parallels.com/desktop/v4/docs/en/Parallels_Desktop_Users_Guide/22437.htm