Do I need to install Parallel AND Windows

Hi there

Firstly forgive me if I ask any stupid questions as I dont know that much about computers.

I bought my first iMac a couple of days ago and i'm loving it. I know I need to get Parallel 3.0 in order to use any files created in Windows and vice versa.

What I need to know is do I have to install my Windows XP Home Edition on my iMac, OR do I simply use Parallel to open any Windows files which I transfer over via my memory stick?

If I need to install Parallel and Windows XP should I install one before the other, or doesn't it matter which one I install first? Also is Windows XP Home Edition compatible?

I will only really be using Parallel to work on Word or Excel files created on my work PC which I might have to work on at home on my iMac.

Thank you kindly for your advice
Dave

 

You install Parallels, and then when you open Parallels it will walk you through installing Windows XP.

 

Great thank you!

 

Or you could just buy Office for Mac and open, use and work on your Word and Excel files that way...

 

Very true, and probably preferable to virtualization.

 

I've installed parallels Desktop 3.0 for Mac on my MacBook OK, but the Parallels CD is still in the drive when the install assistant starts on the windows installation. It asks me to insert the windows CD, but I can't eject the parallels CD, to put the windows XP CD in the drive. The message I get is that the Parallels CD is still being used.

I tried uninstalling and reinstalling, but it hasn't helped. After I cancelled the windows installation I tried ejecting the parallels CD but I still cant eject for the same reason - the CD is being used, even with no other programmes running...