Best solution for running a virtual copy of Win7 on a MAC running OS X 10.8.3
I've got a MacBook Pro running OS X 10.8.3 and I've got a PC running a 64 bit version of Win7 Professional.
I want to create a virtual Win7 machine inside my MAC and run a copy of what I have running on my PC in that virtual space. After this, the physical PC will be wiped and sold. In the end, I will just have the MAC system running OS X with a virtual machine within it running my Win7 Professional.
I'm aware of Boot Camp, Parallels, and VMWare.
My problem is that the PC system I have came with a legal copy of Win7 but without an install DVD. The PC system is from an Israeli company and I've asked them for the install DVD but they haven't replied.
So I haven't a new, legal copy of Win7 to install onto the MAC OS X system.
So, I'm looking for a way to do what I want without an install-able copy of Win7.
Any ideas would be much appreciated.
I want to create a virtual Win7 machine inside my MAC and run a copy of what I have running on my PC in that virtual space. After this, the physical PC will be wiped and sold. In the end, I will just have the MAC system running OS X with a virtual machine within it running my Win7 Professional.
I'm aware of Boot Camp, Parallels, and VMWare.
My problem is that the PC system I have came with a legal copy of Win7 but without an install DVD. The PC system is from an Israeli company and I've asked them for the install DVD but they haven't replied.
So I haven't a new, legal copy of Win7 to install onto the MAC OS X system.
So, I'm looking for a way to do what I want without an install-able copy of Win7.
Any ideas would be much appreciated.
You would need to format your PC before selling and even then you cannot possibly install it on a virtual platform.
That israeli company may be having a pre approved OS which sells for less compared to the retail version with media. Media will always cost more. The OS on it may not be activated on a virtual machine.
That israeli company may be having a pre approved OS which sells for less compared to the retail version with media. Media will always cost more. The OS on it may not be activated on a virtual machine.
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As you are running an OEM version of windows 7 on your original PC, you won't be able to run that OS as a VM on your MAC (you need to get a new license of Windows to do so). OEM versions of windows are "married" to the hardware they came with. You can't move them.
Also, when you sell that PC your customer will want to buy it with the original OS that came with it, so completely wiping it isn't a good idea. Just use it's factory recovery options to get it back into the state it was sold to you in.
If you do have another legal, non OEM license for Windows 7, then follow hanccocka's advise above.
Also, when you sell that PC your customer will want to buy it with the original OS that came with it, so completely wiping it isn't a good idea. Just use it's factory recovery options to get it back into the state it was sold to you in.
If you do have another legal, non OEM license for Windows 7, then follow hanccocka's advise above.
ASKER
Experts, all great information - thanks.
So, I get that I cannot move an OEM copy of Win7 Professional from its original machine and, if I do install a copy I've made with a P2V transfer, it will probably require an activation when I fire it up in the virtual machine which will stall/stop me.
I do have a legal copy of Win7 Home Premium.
Does that open up possibilities for me?
I wouldn't mind if my virtual machine ran Win7 Home.
But then I'm wondering how I can use the P2V of Win7 Professional that I've made from the OEM machine and get the things I want from it.
Ideas?
So, I get that I cannot move an OEM copy of Win7 Professional from its original machine and, if I do install a copy I've made with a P2V transfer, it will probably require an activation when I fire it up in the virtual machine which will stall/stop me.
I do have a legal copy of Win7 Home Premium.
Does that open up possibilities for me?
I wouldn't mind if my virtual machine ran Win7 Home.
But then I'm wondering how I can use the P2V of Win7 Professional that I've made from the OEM machine and get the things I want from it.
Ideas?
It will transfer, but you are breaking the terms of the License Agreement, and it's likely to break activation, and you will need to provide a Retail or Volume License Key to Activate.
OEM software is tied to the hardware it's installed on.
If you have media and a license, you will be able to install a new OS.
OEM software is tied to the hardware it's installed on.
If you have media and a license, you will be able to install a new OS.
You can buy Windows 7 at eBay for $65 (USD).
Actually this article from PCWorld says that you can create your own legal installation DVD.
http://www.vmware.com/products/converter/