Install a Guest OS from a Disc or Image

If this is your first time using Parallels Workstation, or if you simply want to start with a fresh installation, you can install any supported guest operating system into a new Parallels Workstation virtual machine.

You need one of the following:

• An operating system installation disc
• An image file of such an installation disc

You can use any of the following modes to install a guest OS:

• Express Windows . Installs Windows 7, Vista, or XP and Parallels Tools (software that makes your work with the guest operating system as seamless as possible) automatically.
• Typical . Creates a virtual machine with a typical configuration for the selected guest OS.
• Custom . Allows you to customize the virtual machine configuration while creating it.

This guide provides you with the instructions on how to create a virtual machine and install a guest OS in the Typical mode. For the instructions on creating virtual machines in the Custom or Express Windows modes, refer to the Parallels Workstation User's Guide .

To create a typical virtual machine:

1. Start Parallels Workstation:
   • In Windows: Choose Start > All programs > Parallels > Parallels Workstation Extreme > Parallels Workstation Extreme .
   • In Linux: Choose System Tools > Parallels Workstation from the Applications menu.
2. In the Parallels Workstation window click Create a New Virtual Machine or choose File > New .
3. Do one of the following:
   • If you're installing from a disc, insert the disc.
   • If you're installing from an image file on another hard disk, connect the disk to the host computer.
4. Select the operating system you want to install.
5. In the Virtual Machine Type window, select Typical and click Next .
6. Click Choose and specify where you want to store the virtual machine.

   By default, Parallels Workstation stores the virtual machine in your Documents > My Parallels folder.

   When ready, click Next . The wizard creates a virtual machine.

7. In the Install Operating System window, select the source of the installation files from the Source menu.
8. Click Start to begin installing the guest operating system in the virtual machine or click Done if you want to install it later.