[Nodnarb]

Ok, so I got a brand new XP install disc (full version, home edition SP2, and all that jazz). I tried installing it using boot camp, and everything was going fine, except during the installation process (the blue screen from windows) it has trouble formatting the drive? Then it gave me a disc error message.

I tried that a few times with the same result, and then I decided to download the trial of parallels to check that out. I chose the auto-install option and it got further than the blue screen, it restarted the virtual machine and was going fine but then the CD popped out and I got a message saying "please insert the disc, we need file 'asms'." Anytime I popped in the CD, the drive spun up, and then spit it back out. I tried this a few times again, and kept getting the same result.

What can I do? I know I can't return open software, but what's going on? If I have the authorization code, is that linked to the CD? Or can I find just the CD somewhere else without the code (and presumably be cheaper?)

I'm just kind off ticked, I just spent $100 to get stupid Windows on my computer, and I'm already having problems before it's even installed. Anyone know what the deal is or have any advice? Thanks a lot.

[Cold Warrior]

you could try duplicating the disc to another DVD.

[Nodnarb]

Using disk utility, toast, or what? Any tips on how to do this, I wasn't aware I could because I figured microsoft tagged that CD so it has to be the original CD. If not, how do I copy it?

[Cold Warrior]

Toast will let you burn 1-for-1 exact copy if you have 2 drives (one for reading, one for burning).

Otherwise you should try using disk utility to image it as a dvd/cd master, then burn it.

[Nodnarb]

I've just got one drive, so I'm trying the disk utility way it's making the image right now. Hopefully this works, thanks for the help, I'll let you know.

[Nodnarb]

Thanks for the help Cold Warrior, Parralles is finishing up the installation now. But now it seems I've screwed myself over even more, because to install in boot camp after this (I don't want to pay another $80 to run windows, I only need it very rarely) I have to call Microsoft and go through the hassle of getting another activation code (per the stickied thread a few above this). Blahhh, now I remember why I left windows years ago.

Thanks again.

[ghporter]

You should have gone in the other direction-installed Windows to boot natively through Boot Camp, and then use Parallels to virtualize it when you need it for an on-the-fly purpose. Fortunately, it's not a horrible experience to undo. You go through the whole Boot Camp process, and when you go to activate XP, you call Microsoft (it should give you a toll-free phone number to call), you tell 'em that you've moved the copy to a different machine. They give you an activation code, you plug it in, and viola! Now you select the Boot Camp image to use with Parallels and you're done. You are NOT "installing" Windows by using the image-just using the image-so you should be fine.

[Nodnarb]

Right, well the only reason I installed parallels was to see if there was a problem with the disc. I didn't want to pay the $80 bucks for it because I only use windows every so often. Now I think I have 2 XP installations. On my desk top I have "my boot camp" and "my windows xp."

Should I delete the one that says "my windows xp?" I'm going to keep parallels installed, at least for my whole free trial, cause it seems pretty cool rather than having to reboot anytime for windows.

Thanks again for the help guys.

[Nodnarb]

Wow, ok, parallels may be getting my money. I've just discovered using spaces to have full screen OS X in space 1 and full screen Windows in space 2. I just need to keep telling myself I don't need to use windows that much! But wow, this is a great program and simple way to run windows (I know, I'm about a year late to the party, sue me).