Windows on Mac - confused.

wozzizname · 23 Sep 2007 at 11:27

If I wanted to install windows on my mac using both boot camp (for gaming) and Fusion ( for uni programming stuff, office), would I need two different copies of windows or would it be ok with one - and if so would oem be just as good as full retail, wallet-bashing versions.
Thanks in advance.

J1234 · 23 Sep 2007 at 11:30

Hmm, I don't think you would be able to use it twice as both copies will need activating.

The OEM version definitely works on Boot Camp though.

theheyes · 23 Sep 2007 at 11:34

OEM is as good as retail and yes, you need TWO copies to run in bootcamp and VM.

I know, I've done it, and learned the hard way.

OspreyO · 23 Sep 2007 at 11:34

Which Mac is it?

LordSplodge · 23 Sep 2007 at 11:34

What Mac do you have? If it's a MacBook then forget gaming and get yourself a copy of Parallels and then you don't need to leave OS X to run Windows!

Hate · 23 Sep 2007 at 12:01

Parallels and VMWare allow use of the Boot Camp partition as a virtual machine.

And OEM versions of windows can only be purchased with new hardware, as such the license lives and dies with the machine you buy it with.

wozzizname · 23 Sep 2007 at 15:52

Hate said:
Parallels and VMWare allow use of the Boot Camp partition as a virtual machine.

And OEM versions of windows can only be purchased with new hardware, as such the license lives and dies with the machine you buy it with.

This sounds ok, I didn't want to have to splash out on two copies of windows, looks like I won't have to with Fusion and bootcamp

theheyes · 23 Sep 2007 at 16:04

I didnt know you could use the bootcamp partition in a VM.

Hate · 23 Sep 2007 at 16:20

You can, but you're subject to some limitations, i.e you can't hibernate or anything like that.

theheyes · 23 Sep 2007 at 16:39

Hmm, worth putting up with to save yourself 50 quid or so on another copy.

LordSplodge · 23 Sep 2007 at 18:31

Hate said:
Parallels and VMWare allow use of the Boot Camp partition as a virtual machine.

And OEM versions of windows can only be purchased with new hardware, as such the license lives and dies with the machine you buy it with.

How do you do this in Parallels?

Hate · 23 Sep 2007 at 21:25

V3 supports it. new virtual machine -> boot camp partition.

LordSplodge · 23 Sep 2007 at 21:40

Hate said:
V3 supports it. new virtual machine -> boot camp partition.

Great. Good to know for work (licenses = boring!) and even better for me at home when I get my MB!

CocoPops · 23 Sep 2007 at 22:19

You may still need two copies tho...

When you boot Parallels from a bootcamp partition, it still installs it's own drivers, such as vga/mouse/system etc so this may count as a reactivation...

Obviously if you boot into bootcamp, then it would switch back to hardware drivers and require reactivation again..

LordSplodge · 23 Sep 2007 at 23:41

CocoPops said:
You may still need two copies tho...

When you boot Parallels from a bootcamp partition, it still installs it's own drivers, such as vga/mouse/system etc so this may count as a reactivation...

Obviously if you boot into bootcamp, then it would switch back to hardware drivers and require reactivation again..

We use VLK so no re-activation.

griffy · 24 Sep 2007 at 01:35

Not sure on current uk prices but happy to buy vista home premium here in the usa for 130 dollars for a full install dvd, not the upgrade version. Will try installing it with bootcamp tomorrow and if its any good, will upgrade my xp desktop too

wozzizname · 24 Sep 2007 at 06:20

griffy said:
Not sure on current uk prices but happy to buy vista home premium here in the usa for 130 dollars for a full install dvd, not the upgrade version. Will try installing it with bootcamp tomorrow and if its any good, will upgrade my xp desktop too

Didn't I read somewhere that MS has forbidden the use of the home basic and home premium editions of Vista in virtual machines ?