Windows XP - unfortunately, gotta have

[EYESPORTS]

Have been a PC user for many years and finally purchased a MBP. What a treat to have everything on our network pop up automatically, drivers all there, no viruses, etc. Will take a bit to get adjusted to, but ever so happy.

Unfortunately, I have 2 business programs that run on Windows platform only. Therefore, I need to install Windows XP on my mac and will run it off VMFusion or Parallels (not going to use boot camp).

Questions: (1) For Windows XP - do I need to purchase another copy of it - OR - can I use it from my previous PC which I'm not using any longer? I have the original discs from the PC that's no longer being used, but I wish to do it all legally. (2) From what I read in the forums, it seems that VMFusion is liked better (less problems) than Parallels. However, most of the posters are people who have alot of experience with Mac OS. As for being a newbie, any recommendations? Thank you.

 

[Mindflux]

From a legal standpoint you are to buy a new copy of windows in which you can license on your Mac.

 

[weblogik]

From a legal standpoint you are to buy a new copy of windows in which you can license on your Mac.

Not true. he should be able to "deauthorize" his old version...

 

[bigaug]

As long as you have the serial number, you can install it on your mac. I'm not sure if thats 100% legal, but unless your OCD about that kind of thing, I don't think anyone would raise any fuss about it.

I just purchased my first mac last week too. Can't wait for it to get here.

 

[HLdan]

Also his Windows disk can't be a restore disk from his old PC, it has to be a full regular or OEM copy of Windows that would install on any computer. And yes as long as he removes it from his old PC he can use it with his Mac.
I use VMware Fusion as well and love it. Both Parallels and VMware are fine but I like VMware's UI better, it just fits the Leopard UI better than Parallels. IMO Parallels looks too much like a Windows app.

 

[Mindflux]

Not true. he should be able to "deauthorize" his old version...

Yes, but you have to authorize it on a "like" set of hardware. IE your drive died and you bought a new drive for the same computer.. you can re-authorize it because it's the same machine("like" hardware).

 

[steveza]

OEM editions of Windows and other MS software can only be legally used on the machine it was originally installed on. This is why they are cheaper. If you want to transfer to a new machine you either need a new OEM license or purchase a retail (boxed) version and then you are free to use that on 1 system at a time. In other words you can uninstall it and then install the same license key on a different system.

 

[HLdan]

OEM editions of Windows and other MS software can only be legally used on the machine it was originally installed on. This is why they are cheaper. If you want to transfer to a new machine you either need a new OEM license or purchase a retail (boxed) version and then you are free to use that on 1 system at a time. In other words you can uninstall it and then install the same license key on a different system.

Oops you are right, I stand corrected. Although I do recommend if the OP has to buy a new copy of Windows he can get an OEM for cheap on Ebay or New Egg.

 

[steveza]

Although I do recommend if the OP has to buy a new copy of Windows he can get an OEM for cheap on Ebay or New Egg.

Yeah i would go along with that. Getting the boxed product has its advantages but for the most part the OEM is a better choice due to the cost.