How to Install Vista Ultimate on a Mac Book Pro

Mac OS X includes the capability of running Windows XP or Vista on your Mac. You might want to install Windows Vista to play games or run programs that aren't available for Mac, or simply because you want to make the switch to Mac a bit easier. Windows XP or Vista (in all of its iterations) can be run either separately on a Mac, when using Boot Camp, or simultaneously if you're using a program like Parallels.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An Intel-based Mac
• Windows Vista Ultimate Install CD with Key (Serial)
• At least 10GB of free space on your Mac
• Mac OS X Install Disc
• Third-Party Software such as Parallels or VMWare Fusion (optional)

Let's Get Bootin'

1. Decide whether you want to run both Mac and Windows simultaneously or separately. If you only want access to certain Windows applications and switch frequently between operating systems, a third-party solution such as Parallels will be your best choice. If you want to run games or similar applications that use a lot of processor power, Boot Camp (Apple's Solution) is your best bet. If you decide to use software such as Parallels, skip to Section 2 below.

2. Open Boot Camp Assistant (located in Applications/Utilities). The program will ask you how large you want your Windows partition to be. Choose the size depending on your needs and click "Partition."

3. Insert your Windows Install disc. Click the "Start Installation" button and your Mac will restart from the Windows Install disc.

4. Ensure that you select the correct partition you just created using the Boot Camp assistant (it should say BOOTCAMP) for the installation. If you select a different partition, catastrophic data loss may ensue.

5. Follow the remainder of the the instructions, such as reformatting the Boot Camp partition and entering your Vista CD Key. You will be prompted for these actions.

6. Insert the Mac OS X install DVD after windows has installed in order to install drivers for Apple products. Once you insert the disc, your computer will automatically start the installation process.

7. Restart the computer holding the option key to select a different operating system---that is, if you want to switch between Mac and Windows operating systems.

Installing Windows Vista Using Parallels

8. Install Parallels or VMWare Fusion from the install CD that came with the software you purchased, following the manufacturer's instructions.

9. Create a new "Virtual Machine" by opening Parallels and selecting the correct OS (in this case, Vista).

10. Insert your Windows Vista Ultimate CD when Parallels prompts you to do so, and follow the instructions. Ensure your CD Key is handy.

11. Switch quickly between Mac and Windows operating systems by running parallels in "Coherence" mode or by confining it to one window on your Mac.

Tips & Warnings

• Print out the Boot Camp instructions before beginning the process so that you have a handy reference.
• While Mac OS X is basically immune from viruses, computers that run Windows---including Macs---are not. Ensure you purchase and install antivirus software for the Windows side of your computer.

References

• Boot Camp Installation PDF (Apple Support)