Express Windows Installation

1. Start Parallels Workstation Extreme and launch New Virtual Machine Wizard by choosing New Virtual Machine from the File menu.
2. In the Introduction window, click Next to proceed with the virtual machine creation.
3. In the Select Operating System Type and Version window, select the Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003 guest OS and click Next .

   Note: Not all Parallels products support these guest operating systems.

4. In the Virtual Machine Type window, select Express Windows and click Next .
5. In the Express Windows Installation window, specify your user details and the Windows product key necessary for the Windows guest OS installation.

   Note: If you do not enter the Windows product key in this step, you will have to provide it later when the Windows guest OS installation starts.

   If you click the Advanced button, you can set the number of CPUs and the amount of RAM to your future virtual machine.

   Click Next .

6. In the Name and Location window, define the name and location for your virtual machine:
   • Name . Indicate an arbitrary name to be assigned to the virtual machine. By default, the virtual machine gets the same name as the operating system that will be installed inside this virtual machine. If a virtual machine with such a name already exists, you will be prompted to indicate another name. The name must not exceed 50 characters.
   • Location . Use the Choose button if you want to change the default location of the virtual machine-related files.

   

   If you click the Advanced button, you can set the number of CPUs, the amount of RAM, and the virtual hard disk capacity to your future virtual machine.

   Click Create .

   After the virtual machine is created, in the Prepare to Install Operating System window, specify the source of installation files and click Start . You can use the following types of installation media:

   • Real CD/DVD-ROM Drive . Select this option to use a disc inserted into the CD/DVD drive of the computer. Choose the drive to use from the Drive list.
   • CD/DVD Image . Select this option to use a CD/DVD disc image connected to the virtual machine's CD/DVD drive. Type the path to the file in the File field or use the Choose button to locate the file.

     Note: Parallels Workstation Extreme does not provide users with OS ISO images or OS installation discs. You should purchase an OS installation disc or an OS ISO image if you do not have any.

   

7. After you click Start , New Virtual Machine Wizard will automatically start the new virtual machine and install the guest operating system in it. After the guest OS has been successfully installed, Parallels Workstation Extreme installs Parallels Tools.

During the unattended installation, Parallels Workstation Extreme creates an administrator account with a blank password. When the guest OS installation is complete, we recommend that you change the password in order to protect the safety of your data.

To change the administrator password in Windows Vista:

1. Click the Start menu, then select Control Panel -> User Accounts and Family Safety -> Change your Windows password .

To change the administrator password in Windows XP (Professional Edition):

1. Click the Start menu, then select Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Computer Management .
2. In the Computer Management window, open System Tools -> Local Users and Groups -> Users . Right-click the Administrator account and choose Set Password from the context menu.