Preferred PARALLELS config? Parallels image, or Bootcamp install...

[Jem]

Finally getting around to installing parallels on my 1.66Ghz Mac Mini, and was going to just do the parallels disk image creation thing, but then remembered that Parallels can now use the install from BootCamp as well.

This would seem to make sense, since it would allow for booting natively in WinXP (Bootcamp) OR running Parallels from within OS X as suits the situation.

The negative as I see it, is that the BootCamp install MUST be on the internal drive, which sadly is only 60GB. Whereas a simple Parallels image can be created on an externally attached drive.. right?

Anyone have any further thoughts to share on the Pros and Cons of one solution or the other? Thanks!

[MGS_forgot_password]

I tried both and I hate using the Boot Camp partition. You can't suspend windows using the boot camp partition. You'll have to shut down and reboot Windows every time you fire up Parallels.

[M A V I C]

There's a good thread in the parallels forum about this.

I use the boot camp partition because, well, I also need boot camp. It's on my MBP so HD space is a premium.

What it seems to boil down to, is if you need to use boot camp or not. If you don't (eg, are not using anything that requires 3D hardware acceleration) then the image tends to be more useful.

[Jem]

Thanks guys. I'll have a look over at the Parallels forum for more info.

Another concern I have is about reinstalling WinXP multiple times and how quickly that will become a problem.

For instance, if I install ONCE in Bootcamp and use that for both BootCamp sessions and Parallels sessions there is no problem.

But I'm guessing that if I do a BootCamp *AND* a Parallels (image) install that will count as TWO installs of my license (a real computer and a virtual computer)... if either install becomes hosed and I have to reinstall from scratch that might appear as a 3rd install, and require phone authorization from the MS mothership.

Or, if I decide to get a MacPro or Intel iMac and want to move the license to that *instead* of the Mini, same issues apply. I'm assuming I can't just move parallels and the associated image to the MacPro with out the MS authorization scheme throwing a hissy. Or maybe I can... I don't know.

[M A V I C]

[quote Jem]But I'm guessing that if I do a BootCamp *AND* a Parallels (image) install that will count as TWO installs of my license (a real computer and a virtual computer)... if either install becomes hosed and I have to reinstall from scratch that might appear as a 3rd install, and require phone authorization from the MS mothership.
If you have a backup of the image, just replace the image.

Or, if I decide to get a MacPro or Intel iMac and want to move the license to that *instead* of the Mini, same issues apply. I'm assuming I can't just move parallels and the associated image to the MacPro with out the MS authorization scheme throwing a hissy. Or maybe I can... I don't know.

You probably can use the same image on two machines. You may have to mess with the parallels settings some to make sure you have the same MAC address on both.