Reinstalling windows with Parallels?

[amk]

I recently installed Parallels on my MacBook Pro, and then installed Windows XP. Unbeknownst to me this copy of windows had already been installed too many times on other computers, and therefore I have been unable to properly activate this copy of windows. I guess I have two options: purchase a new license/activation key for $184 from Microsoft or purchase a new copy of windows for $199 and try to reinstall it. I have 2 questions:
1. Which option would you recommend doing (i.e. buy the license of the new software)?
2. If I decide to buy a new copy of Windows, will I have any difficulties erasing the old copy of XP before installing the new version? I’ve never done this before.
3. Will I have to reinstall the software that I have currently installed on the old copy of XP?
Thanks!

 

[kolax]

Deleting the Windows bottle from the Parallel's folder (in Libraries) removes that OS from the Parallel's installed list.

As for buying another license key or buying Windows again...who actually buys it? Joking of course!

You might aswell buy it again if it's only a few bucks more.

As for keeping all the stuff installed etc, Windows offers some form of backup but it isn't as straight forward as OSX unfortunately. You'll have to install your programs again to avoid any errors.