Moving parallels using bootcamp installation of windows

Discussion in 'Installation and Configuration of Parallels Desktop' started by CarlaR1, May 22, 2016.

  1. CarlaR1

    CarlaR1 Bit poster

    Messages:
    1
    Hello all, I've been googling and reading, but I'm still not certain of the best way to do this. I am adding a SSD to my 2011 Macbook Pro and want to move the Mac OS, Bootcamp and Parallels to the new drive. Currently, Parallels is using the bootcamp installation of Windows 10. This is sort of a complicated mess. After much heartache and way too many hours, I finally got the upgrade to windows 10 on my current HDD running and activated. It is working in both Parallels and Bootcamp. Hallelujah! But, since I upgraded to windows 10, one of my programs doesn't recognize the license under Windows 10. Make a long story short, I'm told the only way to fix this is to rollback to Windows 7, boot up the program, deactive the license so I can reactive when I install Windows 10. My info/questions below:
    • Can I clone, import, copy etc. the current setup of Windows 10/Bootcamp/parallels that is working before I rollback the current install on the HDD to windows 7 and fix the licensing problem? Since the current setup is working, I'd like to do this part before I do the rollback to Windows 7 if at all possible.
    • Assuming the answer to above is yes, what is the best way to get Parallels, bootcamp and Windows 10 to new SSD? I have been trying to import the Windows 10 Bootcamp per http://kb.parallels.com/en/113658, but it gets to the end and fails. Twice now..I am wondering if it is using the bootcamp partition to do this, in which case there isn't enough room on the bootcamp partition which would explain the failure.
    • If I do all the clones/imports etc of Bootcamps/Windows 10/Parallels before I rollback Windows 10 on the HDD to Windows 7, will I need to reinstall 10 on the old HDD before I can move everything to the new SSD - in which case may be no point in doing the cloning/importing etc. first?
    • I am concerned about Windows activation problems when installing to the new drive. What is the best way to do this that will reduce the likelihood of having activation issues. I think I would prefer to install Windows 10 on the new machine into parallels, rather than bootcamp. But, not if it is going to send me back on another troubleshooting finger pointing run around between parallels, Microsoft, apple on how to handle activation.
    • I have my windows 7 and windows 8 disks, but they are upgrade only disks dating back to Windows XP.
    Thanks in advance for any assistance you can offer.. -cj-
     

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