Installing Windows a 2nd time?

[jw3571]

I've installed Windows 7 in boot camp on my machine. I also want to install it on Parallels. It's saying I can't use my existing product key that I have to purchase another key. This can't be can it? It's on the same machine. Do I really have to buy another one?

 

[balamw]

I've installed Windows 7 in boot camp on my machine. I also want to install it on Parallels. It's saying I can't use my existing product key that I have to purchase another key. This can't be can it? It's on the same machine. Do I really have to buy another one?

Parallels and VMWare can run your existing Boot Camp install. You don't need to "install it on Parallels" just tell Parallels to use what you've got.

You may still run into the occasional activation hiccup, but it generally works.

B

 

[jw3571]

That's how I installed it but now it's asking for another code.

 

[balamw]

That's how I installed it but now it's asking for another code.

I'm a VMWare user so I'm not fully Parallels conversant.

Did you install Parallels Tools?

Are you sure you didn't "import" the Boot Camp install into a new VM? It's a common mistake in VMWare.

B