Can I use a HP/Dell Windows Operating System CD with Parallels for my Mac?

Question

I am wanting to install parallels on my MacBookPro and since you need a real Windows OS cd, I was wondering if I would be able to use the OS cd that came with my old Dell or HP? They are real OS cds and not copies, but they came with a Dell/HP computer. Would this work? Or will I have to go out and buy a Windows OS CD from Microsoft?

Answer 1

No, they aren't real XP CDs, they are a Recovery CD only. They only restore the hard drive to the original factory settings, like Norton Ghost.

You will have to go out and buy a FULL Windows OS CD from Microsoft.

Answer 2

in case you do no longer hire your previous Dell and have reformatted the HDD, in the different case, you may, yet you will have issues gaining access to the internet, because of the fact Microsoft is particularly-known with what number desktops are registered on one laptop. besides that's a competent thought tp get XP professional, over an older OS (Vista continues to be extremely buggy, and the drivers are extremely flaky (i assume that's a domicile windows factor). I certainly have Vista, and have faith me wait until SP2, the only reason I certainly have that's because of the fact I bough it preinstalled on my new laptop. It looks mice nevertheless, for sure when you consider that it particularly is approximately all it does, you may basically use XP professional and there are various softwares obtainable that may assist you personalize your settings. One stated as Vista transformation %., may even make your XP OS appear like Vista! besides, good success!