best way to install Windows 8.1

Hi All,

I've just bought a MAC for the solid hardware, but I need to run Windows every day for work.
I want to ensure the most robust way of running Windows, and was going to do Bootcamp, but have been recommend Parallels instead.
My question is, If I have purchased a DVD copy of Windows with a single activation key, should I install it first on bootcamp, and then try to activate on Parallels, or the other way around.
I definitely want the option to install Windows on Bootcamp in case parallels doesn't work with my windows hardware modules, and I don't want to buy another license.

So, in short, to install Windows to run both via bootcamp and parallels, do i install onto its own bootcamp partition first, or first onto the VM?

Cheers,

 

Hi OptimalH,

As you wish to run Windows 8.1 on both Boot Camp and Parallels Desktop, we suggest you to first install Windows on the Boot Camp partition and then install Parallels Desktop on your Mac.

To use the Boot Camp partition on Parallels Desktop, please follow the steps suggested at http://kb.parallels.com/112941 and check how it goes.

 

Thanks Manoj D.

That's excellent.

My Mac has a 256GB SSD drive. The reason I am using Windows is because I need to run my clinical equipment and software, which only runs on Windows. I have gone from a Samsung Series 9 to the Macbook Pro because it is the most similar in terms of robustness and construction, and I cannot get the Samsung in Australia any more.

My old computer had a 128GB SSD, which was maxing out with the software I needed for work (20GB was reserved as a recovery partition that I couldn't utilise), so I'm going to need probably 150GB dedicated to Windows and the associated software I need (unless I won't need to reserve a similar recovery partition).

If I create a bootcamp partition of 150GB for Windows, will that be duplicated by Parallels when I run the software? If this is the case, I won't have enough space!

Does Parallels use the same space as that from the bootcamp partition or does it need its own equivalent disk space?

I have been mucking around the last day or so (since I bought the Mac) with OS Mavericks, and I really like it for daily/home use, which is why I want to try to run a VM rather than always using Bootcamp. I'm scared that using the VM on its own, I won't be able to run my hardware/software.

What do you think?

Looking forward to hearing from you again.

Cheers,

 

Hello,

If you create a 150 GB Windows partition for Boot Camp (it will be constantly formatted as NTFS so you left 256-150 = 106 GB for Mac side, just to note) and then you create a virtual machine _BASED_ on the Boot Camp partition -> The virtual machine on the Mac side will be just a "shell" for the Boot Camp partition mostly to forward system calls to Mac OS. So the virtual machines size will be less than 100 MB or so. In this scenario you should have enough space along with ability to boot directly to the Boot Camp or running Windows from the Mac side.

Couple of words regarding "I'm scared that using the VM on its own, I won't be able to run my hardware/software"
The virtual machine states for the real computer and the software should work on it just as it was a real physical PC. The same with the external devices e.t.c. With comparison to Boot Camp, the virtual machine has an ability to create a Snapshots (you may save the state of the VM anytime and revert to it back if needed). It is a strong tool in terms of security and safety. Boot Camp does not have such, so you can't back up the VM like that. Please also consider that the Boot Camp based VM also does not have Snapshot feature.

In sum - both scenarios are acceptable, but assuming 256 GB SSD drive, you may experience space issues on the Mac side if you install Boot Camp first.

 

Thanks Guys,

I'll tell you what I have done.
No wI know I can call Microsoft to reactivate Windows, I'm not so bothered, as long as I get the right platform.

I have decided to go without Bootcamp, as everything appears to be working well with Parallels.
Initially i downloaded and installed windows on Fusion as I got a 30 day trial, and I used the Fusion install of Windows for Parallel.
I want to keep Parallel and get rid of Fusion, but I'll have to reinstall Windows on Parallel instead.
Will doing this mean I have to reinstall all of my software/hardware again, or if I take a snapshot, will it reload everything when I reinstall windows on to Parallels?

Additionally, is there any way to be able to use the swipe across trackpad gestures (back/forward in browser etc) on parallels?

Cheers again,

 

Hi,

Thanks for replying.

Please correct me if I am wrong:

you had Fusion instance of Windows. Then "I used the Fusion install of Windows for Parallel" - did you convert the virtual machine?
If we are talking about saving the same copy of the Windows you have previously installed on VMware - solution is to convert the virtual machine: http://kb.parallels.com/en/115305
After that you may remove Fusion and all its traces and continue using your Windows under Parallels without any unnecessary installations from scratch.

Regarding the second question: I'd appreciate a use-case from your end. Like what browser are you using. What the steps to reproduce e.t.c.