We will start the Windows installation process by configuring Parallels Desktop for Mac, so that it knows what type of OS we plan to install, and how it should configure certain virtualization options, including memory, networking, and disk space.
By default, Parallels uses its Windows Express option to install Windows XP or Windows Vista. This option uses predefined configurations that work just fine for many individuals. Another advantage of this option is that after you answer some basic questions about the OS you're installing, such as the license number and your user name, Parallels will take care of most of the installation for you.
So why am I suggesting that you do things the "hard" way, and use the Custom install option? Well, the Windows Express option does most of the work for you, which takes the fun, or at least the challenge, out of it. The Windows Express option also doesn't let you directly configure many settings, including type of network, memory, disk space, and other parameters. The Custom install method gives you access to all of these configuration options, yet it's still simple to use.
Using the OS Installation Assistant
- Launch Parallels, usually located at /Applications/Parallels.
- Click the ‘New’ button in the Select a Virtual Machine window.
- Select the installation mode you want Parallels to use. The choices are:
- Windows Express (recommended)
- Typical
- Custom
- Windows Express (recommended)
- Select the Custom option and click the ‘Next’ button.
