09-19-2011, 02:34 PM

I have a MacBook Pro and I am using now for my small business. I would like to install accounting software but Quickbooks is not supported on the Mac in Canada.

I was thinking of installing xp pro via bootcamp.

Is this a mistake?

Any suggestions?

09-19-2011, 03:31 PM

Its not a mistake at all, if you need to use Quickbooks for windows go ahead - there are many ways you could run Windows on the Mac.

Running Windows on a Mac: A Switcher's Guide

09-20-2011, 10:56 AM

One caution - I would recommend installing Win7 - if you have Lion installed, XP will not be supported in Boot Camp. But you can install it via a virtual machine which will run Quickbooks as well, and will likely be much simpler for you to live with too.

The sticky will explain all of that but feel free to post back with questions.

Cheers

09-20-2011, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by SammySlim

One caution - I would recommend installing Win7 - if you have Lion installed, XP will not be supported in Boot Camp. But you can install it via a virtual machine which will run Quickbooks as well, and will likely be much simpler for you to live with too.

The sticky will explain all of that but feel free to post back with questions.

Cheers

Which virtual machine would you recommend?

I also have an external USB HDD. Could I install windows on the external and run any windows app on it?


Thanks.

09-20-2011, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by Terry2124

Which virtual machine would you recommend?

I also have an external USB HDD. Could I install windows on the external and run any windows app on it? Thanks.

I recommend the latest version of Fusion, however, VirtualBox is free and may well be all you need.

You can not run Windows from an external drive as this is a restriction imposed by Microsoft to prevent piracy.

09-20-2011, 06:24 PM

But ... you can run Fusion, Parallels or VirtualBox on an external HDD I believe. Just something to consider.

Cheers!

09-22-2011, 03:37 AM

I run Windows 7 via Fusion and Parallels on an external Firewire 800 drive on a daily basis.

09-22-2011, 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by Rambaud

I run Windows 7 via Fusion and Parallels on an external Firewire 800 drive on a daily basis.

Could you provide me with more details on how you did your install. Thank you.

09-22-2011, 09:05 AM

I usually just install Windows normally on the laptop's hard drive via Fusion or Parallels and copy/move it to an external drive.

You will need a separate licensed copy of Windows, although I understand Parallels now has an option to purchase Windows on-line.

09-22-2011, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by Rambaud

I usually just install Windows normally on the laptop's hard drive via Fusion or Parallels and copy/move it to an external drive.

You will need a separate licensed copy of Windows, although I understand Parallels now has an option to purchase Windows on-line.

Thank you.

09-24-2011, 04:03 PM

Total newbie here but I just installed fusion on my macbook yesterday. I then installed windows 7 in fusion and have quickbooks pro 2011 working great under it. The process was simple and the fusion/windows setup only took 60 gb to install. I have a 750 gb hd so it is no biggie. I would not want it on a removable drive because I always want it with me.