With Virtual Machine application, we can install many operating systems on our base operating system. It means you can install Windows XP / Vista, Ubuntu, Xandros above an operating system such as Mac OS X. One of popular virtual machine application on Mac OS X is Parallels Desktop. I’ve used Parallels Desktop for 6 months and I am using it until today happily. And I want write my experience when I install Windows Vista on my MacBook through Parallels Desktop.

Make sure you have installed Parallels Desktop application on your Mac to following this tutorial.
1. Open Parallels Desktop and then click File -> New menu. If you’re currently run an operating system with Parallels Desktop, stop it first.

2. Choose first option, Windows Express and then click Next button.

3. Choose Windows Vista option, click Next button.

4. Enter your Windows Vista serial number/product number where usually written on CD case.

5. Giving it represents name, I suggest leaving it with name Microsoft Windows Vista, and making sure Enable file sharing is checked.

6. Choose first option, Virtual Machine in next step and the click Next button.

7. If you’re installing Windows Vista with an original CD, choose Real CD/DVD option and then click Finish button.

8. Parallels Desktop is starting virtual computer.

9. And Windows Vista installation progress is begun.

10. Re-enter your product key, if the Vista installation is asked and then click Next button.

11. Windows Vista installation will begin to copy its installation files.

12. Choose your Windows Vista edition which you bought.

13. If Windows Vista installation wizard is begin to install drivers, just click Install this driver software anyway option.

14. After all of drivers have been installed, installation wizard is finished. And you’ll bring to your new Windows Vista screen.

You can read this article to optimize your virtual machine.

(Article no: 0115)