Parallels with OEM Windows XP

Hi,
I am installing Parallels Desktop 7 Switch to mac Edition. The program does state that you need a copy of Windows but nowhere in my reading did I see that migrating an OEM version of Windows is not valid for Parallels. When I was installing Parallels it asked for my Windows Product ID code. I entered the code that came with my original Toshiba OEM copy of Windows XP Pro and it was not valid. I called Microsoft and was told that the OEM version is not eligible to transfer from my Toshiba PC to my new Mac.

Is that correct? Is there any way around that? Is my only option to buy a new version of Windows which I would only use with Parallels on my new Mac? The cheapest one I can find is Windows XP home for approx $100. I really didn't want to spend any more money than I already have spent. Any ideas?

 

1. there is no way around it.

2. the windows license specifically states that OEM versions run on a specific computer system and can not be transferred to another.

From MS's site:

OEM licenses are single-use licenses that cannot be installed on more than one computer system, even if the original machine is no longer in use. The End User Software License Terms, which the end user must accept before using the software, states that the license may not be shared, transferred to, or used concurrently on different computers. System builders must provide end-user support for the Windows license on computers they build, but cannot support licenses on computers they didn’t build. This is a fundamental reason why OEM System Builder licenses can't be transferred.

 

Would have been honorable if Parallels stated on the box or clearly their website that OEM versions of Windows are not valid for use with their system. Box just says "Requires Windows or other operating system (not included)".

Anyone have any ideas how to get a cheap copy of Windows for use with Parallels?

 

parallels offers windows as a downloadable product from their store and the price is the same you will pay by going to best buy, wal-mart, target, etc. the retail version of windows 7 is $199. you can also purchase it from microsoft or other online retailers.

if you search (using google, or bing, etc.) you might find some online retailers that are selling an "OEM" version which is cheaper generally around $100 or so but require you to purchase some sort of hardware to get the "OEM" price (a mouse, a keyboard, etc.)

in general the prices are pretty static as they are "dictated" by microsoft.

 

Thanks. When I buy a new version of Windows how does the installation work. Do I have to uninstall Windows XP OEM (that has not been verified) from my Mac (and if so, where do I find Windows XP app--it's not in finder applications) and then install the new Windows or do I have to uninstall Parallels (which I assume would uninstall the Windows XP too), install the new Windows and then reinstall Parallels?

 

if you haven't installed anything on the current virtual machine - which i can't imagine you have since you've been unable to verify / activate it. i would just delete it and start fresh. then run parallels transporter to copy your settings and files over.

no need to uninstall parallels. just delete the virtual machine and create a new one.

 

Thank you for your assistance Tony. Sorry if I sound ignorant but where do I find the Virtual Machine to delete it? When I click Mission Control I don't see a VM. I do see a file (it says it's in documents) called Windows XP.pvm. Is that it? Do I just click it and hit delete key or how is best to delete on a Mac? Do I need to delete any additional files before installing the new Windows?

 

1. open Parallels Desktop
2. click "Window" in the menubar
3. click "Virtual Machines List"
4. control+click (right-click) on the windows virtual machine and select "Remove"
5. click "Move to Trash"

 

ok Thanks!
Then I install the new version of Windows onto my Mac.
Then run Transporter Agent on my PC?

With that will I have options to import other programs from my PC to my Mac? Parallels will already know not to import the Windows XP OEM from my PC to my Mac because it will see a copy of Windows on my Mac already, correct?
Any tips on choices I should make with running Transporter?


Thanks in advance.
sharon