Windows without creating disk partition?

Could there be any way at all to install / access Windows on my Mac with Lion without creating a separate partition? I just would like to use a small piece of software that doesn't have a Mac version available. It's a rather small database / code generating software thing (no, it is not a keygen/pirating-related type of application). I'd so much prefer to not mess with partitioning my MacBook's hard drive or any of that just to use the small program. I'm sure just any basic functioning install or version of Windows 7 would do.

Is there anything like Parallels software that could do this (or… can Parallels software actually do this)? I'm not experienced with these types of programs, but I assume you need a separate partition. Hopefully maybe I'm wrong.

Thanks very much for any help.

GGJstudios said:

To run Windows apps on your Mac, you need to install Windows via Boot Camp or use Parallels or VMware Fusion.

You don't need a separate partition with Parallels or Fusion.

If you don't have a Windows license, you can use CrossOver to run some applications. Not all Windows apps are compatible with CrossOver. Check their site for compatible apps.

Click to expand...

Thanks so much. I was just under the impression that I needed a bootcamp partition in order for Parallels to work. I'll totally get that then so that I can more easily keep the Windows option. It's hugely rare that I need it, but I guess it's good to have it around if I don't need to have the hard drive split up.

(And I tried CrossOver about a year ago and really didn't enjoy the experience. Figured just using Windows directly would be the better solution.)

akm3 said:

The difference is if you don't do it 'with bootcamp' (and a separate partition) you can't boot into ONLY windows. You can only run windows as a VM within OS X. That doesn't sound like a problem based on what you describe, but I want you to be aware of it.

Click to expand...

Yeah, that's what I expected. I used to have Parallels installed about two years ago when I did have a bootcamp partition, so I guess that's from where I had that misconception about needing a separate thing.

Now I've got it installed and it works fine! I have about ten-twelve gigs taken up just so I can use this one program (yaaay?), but it was quick and easy enough.