[rsilber]

I'm trying to install an old OEM copy of XP on the MacPro with Parallels, and the install process just doesn't go smoothly. The install process gets interrupted, and once it actually completed, but I could not update to SP2. This OEM disc is from an old Dell I had about 5 years ago.

I'm reading in some forums about "slipping" SP1 and SP2 into the install DVD somehow, then doing an install. I'm not really sure what that means. I'm guessing perhaps it means to make a disc image of the install disc, but how would I get that to SP2? I have gone to the Windows page and downloaded and saved SP2 and SP3 along with an update for SP2.

Any ideas on how I should proceed? This original OEM XP disc is mine and I have the License Key, but since it's pre-SP2 I suspect that may be the problem.

Thanks for any suggestions...

[Typhoon14]

It's called "slipstreaming". It basically involves downloading the full SP2 (or SP3) update and running some commands to merge it with your existing install, then you simply reburn the whole thing. I've used my own slipstreamed SP2 and SP3 CDs to install XP on macs with no problems at all. Just to a search for windows sp3 slipstream in google and you should find all the information you need.

[rsilber]

Thanks! I understand what slipstreaming is now, and it makes perfect sense.

But, after reading through the how-to's on Google it seems I'll need to find a Windows machine to do this. I didn't see anyway to do this on a Mac.

[SSGoku]

Just a few comments.

1) Slip streaming isn't required with Parallels. Slip Streaming SP2 is only necessary if you intend on using Boot Camp to install Windows on a partition or another hard drive. SP2 is a requirement for Boot camp.

2) With Parallels you can install any old version of Windows such as 98, 2000 or ME. With Parallels, you can even install other operating systems like Linux. With Parallels you should be able to install XP without SP1, SP2 or SP3.

3) Your Dell OEM disc may in fact be a recovery disc designed specifically for the Dell computer it came with. It won't work on other PC's or Macs. I believe this is the reason why you can't install Windows with Parallels.

Hope this info helps.

[rsilber]

SSGoku, you may be on to something here. This would certainly explain the difficulties in even trying to install from this disc, as during the process it will stop, Parallels goes to the stopped position, then the program restarts with a Windows dialog that install is resuming.

I guess if I decide to install Windows I'll need to purchase a fresh copy. This doesn't bode well with me...