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General discussion

Using OEM version of Windows on Parallels

May 28, 2007 1:44AM PDT

Has anyone out there installed an oem version of windows using parallels? The instruction manual suggests to use a full version but it had been suggested before that OEM will work.

Discussion is locked

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There are different OEM versions. But the "retail OEM" is
May 28, 2007 2:16AM PDT

Just fine. The other OEMs are such as you get with HP, emachines, etc which are not usable.

Why not tell us exactly what you have?

Bob

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Don't have anything yet
May 28, 2007 3:55AM PDT

Actually I have a full version of XP Pro (non-OEM) that is on a desktop I built right now. I bought Parallels for my macbook and I was planning on buying an OEM version of either vista or MCE 2005 for installation on the macbook, to save a few bucks, but the manual says NOT to install OEM versions.

So does that mean that it won't take an OEM OS included with a desktop from a manufacturer (ie HP or Dell), but it WILL take an OEM version of an OS you buy say on Amazon?

The option I was considering is just moving my non-OEM version on my desktop right now to the macbook, and buying an OEM OS for the desktop.

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MCE 2005 is not XP.
May 28, 2007 4:17AM PDT

I'll see someone correct me but I wonder why one would chose that if only to see how it turns out.

As to the OEM question you never showed the EXACT version you wanted to try. So I can't answer. Try supplying links to the products next time.

Bob

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That's a good one.
May 28, 2007 4:47AM PDT

That is the one that is known to work. It has some caveats about support and clean installs but it's one of the ones I'd use.

Bob

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Great thanks for your help
May 28, 2007 4:56AM PDT

Thank you

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Can't reactivate OEM copy installed on boot camp w/parallels
Jun 15, 2007 2:05AM PDT

There is one caveat I've discovered with the OEM copies - They can only be activated once - retails versions allow 2-3 activations. The only way this impacts you is if you have installed your OEM software on boot camp and then try to reactivate it under parallels running from your boot camp partition. It says you need a new code. Microsoft is extremely unsympathetic, their response to me was that an OEM version is ONLY for use on the system that it was purchased with and that running a virtual machine doesn't count. They told me to go buy a retail license. Caveat Emptor.

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WOW thanks for the warning
Jun 15, 2007 2:17AM PDT

So if need be, should I just tell Microsoft I'm upgrading the hard drive or something?

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Yes. That works.
Jun 15, 2007 3:20AM PDT

So far it hasn't been an issue unless you talk too much.

Bob

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Cool
Jun 15, 2007 6:37AM PDT

Thanks again Bob. Good advice especially with Leopard coming out, I was considering doing a clean install.

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Cool
Jun 15, 2007 11:08AM PDT

Thanks again Bob. Good advice especially with Leopard coming out, I was considering doing a clean install.