Anyway to copy

Is there any way to copy the OS (Vista Ultimate) from Parallels? I do not have the Microsoft software CD's as I purchased the computer used with the software pre-installed. It is legit and licensed software (i.e not stolen or hacked). I want to keep a CD in case something happens to the software and it needs to be reinstalled. I'd also like to write Office 07 Enterprise to disc for the same reason.

Thanks!

If you didn't get the software discs nor the serials, then it's not exactly legit. And no, there's no way to create a disc from an installation of Windows. You can, however, create a copy of the Parallels virtual drive for backup purposes. If your current installation gets corrupted, you just overwrite it with the backup.

I have the key codes but not the discs. The software is licensed to me. How do I create a image or a copy?

If you have the serial numbers, then what you can do is request a copy straight from Microsoft, telling them that you lost your copy. You just give them your serials to verify that you have legit copies, and Microsoft should send the discs out.

Another option is to just download a copy from the Internet. Don't worry, this isn't actually piracy since you'll be using your legit serial numbers (which is essentially what you pay for when buying licensed software). Think of it as using a backup copy.

I had this problem once with my older Dell machine, where they didn't give me the discs either, it all came pre-installed. So i called them up, explained that i needed the discs to perform a wipe of the computer, and they sent them to me, free of charge. I recommend doing that.

Is the S/N and Product ID code the same thing? Which number do I call at Microsoft to order the software CD's? Are they free?

Anyone?

I don't think the Product ID is the same thing as the serial. The serial for Windows and Office products should have about 16 or 20 characters.

How do I access the S/N # within Vista? I have a 20 digit Product ID number.

If the product code is attached to the computer, and is a color coded sticker, Microsoft MAY help you out. Any copy of Vista Ultimate will work but perhaps your problem will be the previous owner has registered/activated the software, kept the disc and uses the product code do you think?

Always pays to insist on the software discs.

No, there is no sticker on the Computer.... It's a Mac not a PC!

Anyone have a clue how to go about doing this?

If you only have a 20 digit product ID number and didn't get a 16 character CD key, then you don't have legal rights to that copy of Vista. Looks like the guy did the typical thing of adding a bunch of software to increase the value of the computer, but kept the original discs and/or products keys.