New User - Windows 7 64 bit question

[BJMC]

I am new to Parallels this week with a purchased copy of Version 5.

I am using an i7 iMac 27 inch.

After much hassle with MS Authentication, I have managed to get an old XP SP2 Virtual PC Image migrated and running.

I want to install Windows 7 64 bit version.

I have no available 64 bit Windows OS's to upgrade from but several 32 bit XP discs from the past.

Will I need the full Windows 7 64 bit license or is there a way forward with the Windows 7 Upgrade?

If a full Windows 7 64 bit system is purchased, will I need further software to install it on Parallels 5?

Once installed, how many cores should be configured for Windows 7?

Thanks in advance

 

[sandro]

I am new to Parallels this week with a purchased copy of Version 5.

I am using an i7 iMac 27 inch.

After much hassle with MS Authentication, I have managed to get an old XP SP2 Virtual PC Image migrated and running.

I want to install Windows 7 64 bit version.

I have no available 64 bit Windows OS's to upgrade from but several 32 bit XP discs from the past.

Will I need the full Windows 7 64 bit license or is there a way forward with the Windows 7 Upgrade?

yes of course. Parallels just providing mechanism for Windows work at Mac OS but not Windows OS itself. So Win 7 distribution as well Win 7 license should be purchased from their vendor - Microsoft.

If a full Windows 7 64 bit system is purchased, will I need further software to install it on Parallels 5?

Nope, you'll be able to install Win 7 into Parallels as you've installing it on ordinal PC somewhere.

Once installed, how many cores should be configured for Windows 7?

As many as your hardware provides and you want. At least thing - make decision at once before Win 7 installation because Windows won't let to increase this value in future - it has to proper configure HAL during installation. Also Windows licensing bound with hardware configuration and each change leading to Windows registration procedure again.