Hi, I'm new to Parallels and I had a quick question; I wanted to buy the latest version of Parallels, but is it possible to install Windows 7 via the following route: 1) Install Parallels (onto Yosemite) 2) Install Windows Vista (I have the installation disk for Windows Vista Home) 3) Upgrade Windows Vista to Windows 7 (via a Windows upgrade disk I already own; the upgrade disk is designed to go from Vista --> 7). My main issue is I already own a copy of Vista and an upgrade disk for Windows 7, and I would prefer not to shell out an additional $70.00 for the Windows 7 OS. Thanks!
Hi AmanM, * Yes, you can install Windows Vista and then upgrade to Windows 7 using an upgrade disk for Windows 7. * Make sure you're using the latest version of Parallels Desktop. Go to Parallels Desktop menu > Check for Updates, and if a new update is available, follow the onscreen instructions to install it. * Insert the Windows 7 upgrade installation disc * Open virtual machine's Configuration window by pressing on "Configure" button or by choosing "Configure" option in "Action" tab in Parallels Desktop menu at the top of the screen: * Switch to "Hardware"-> Boot order-> make sure CD/DVD in the top and then restart Windows Vista Virtual Machine and initiate the upgrade procedure in a usual way.
