Installing WindowsXP via ISO using Parallels on MBA

[mplsgirl]

Has anyone successfully installed WindowsXP within Parallels on their MBA? I created an ISO of the WindowsXP CD-ROM, put it on a flash drive, and tried to install it, but Parallels is telling me that the boots from the various drives failed. I've read all of the documentation on the Parallels website and it should be working to install using the ISO.

Thanks.

 

[hotdamn]

yup, about a billion times.
works flawlessly.

I suggest you obtain a legit ISO from an MSDNAA site if you are a student, or, since I assume you have a legit CD key, simply pirate one.
Also, try moving that iso file to your hard-drive, instead of the stick.

 

[wordy]

Had no problems here. I too would suggest moving the .iso from the stick to the hard drive though.

Also, you may want to consider using nLite to save space on your MBA. I was able to save ~1.5GB by removing stuff like windows media player from my (XP SP2) install. NLite includes the ability to create an iso once you've tweaked it to your liking, which will help you also. Even if you don't want to tweak your XP install you can still use nlite to create an .iso or use Magic ISO or Power ISO.

ps. nLite URL:
http://www.nliteos.com/

 

[mcvaughan]

Did it as well. Can't say I had any problems.

 

[cohibadad]

Installed XP on my MBA from an ISO I made. Just did it because it was convenient. Worked perfectly.

 

[mplsgirl]

Thanks everyone- I tried to move the iso to my hard drive but it still wouldn't boot. I eventually went to the Apple store and used their Superdrive with the XP CD. However, I believe the problem was using the "Typical" installation. Once I switched to one of the custom ones, and just followed all the prompts recommended from then on, I was able to install it.

I also purchased a Superdrive while I was there. While I've eventually got the CD sharing to work on a few other transfers, it's inevitably more complicated than it should be.

 

[wordy]

Just so you know, a lot of users on here have reported doing exactly as you did - except after successfully installing their software of choice, they returned the superdrive for a full refund... there's no re-stocking fee!

 

[happyslayer]

I am pretty sure the ISO will have to be on the local hard drive. During the Windows XP install, it will most likely lose the Flash drive, as the USB is discovered, etc..

I installed XP and Ubuntu (Alternate Version) from an ISO in a folder on my local drive.

Good Luck.

 

[mplsgirl]

I am pretty sure the ISO will have to be on the local hard drive. During the Windows XP install, it will most likely lose the Flash drive, as the USB is discovered, etc..

I installed XP and Ubuntu (Alternate Version) from an ISO in a folder on my local drive.

Good Luck.

Just for future reference for everyone, I did move the ISO to my MBA harddrive and Parallels still didn't recognize it. For whatever reason, changing to the custom install seemed to be what made it work.