Express Windows Installation

1. Start Parallels Workstation and launch New Virtual Machine Wizard by choosing New from the File menu.
2. 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.

3. In the Virtual Machine Type window, select Express Windows and click Next .
4. 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.
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 Create .

   • After the virtual machine is created, in the Prepare to Install Operating System window, specify the source of installation files and click Start .

     Notes:

     1. OS installation CDs and DVDs are not included with your Parallels product. You must obtain an operating system separately.

     2. For a Linux virtual machine, the source installation files may be located on the Parallels server only.

6. 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 installs Parallels Tools.

During the unattended installation, Parallels Workstation 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.