Bootcamp first then Parallels (now both)?

Hello. Another Newbie wanting something!

And thanks for having me:

I read somewhere just now that if you already have Windows in Bootcamp a Parallels 6 install can "take" from the Windows install already done in Bootcamp and save you from having to install Windows again for Parallels.

Can someone verify that this is true from personal experience? And if so, is the Parallels set-up easy this way? Installing XP in Bootcamp was traumatic enough taking three tries and 2 calls to applecare.

I just saw an article by KB about the subject but it left me with another question of: If I have XP on Bootcamp and XP on Parallels--can I then access the programs in XP Bootcamp or do I have to reinstall my Parallel XP programs a second time?

Thanks Again!

Moved to correct forum.

Both Parallels and Fusion support using the Boot Camp partition as a VM. It won't be necessary to reinstall Windows. However, Windows will require activation again since it will think that the hardware changed. That's usually done over the net or a quick call to the MS auto activation number.