Windows XP and the latest Bootcamp

[ernesto18]

At the moment I am running Windows XP under Bootcamp in my 27-inch mid-2010 iMac. I need to use XP because of a particular program that won't run in any later versions of Windows (all the rest is done in the Mac).

I am planning to change my iMac for a brand new one sometime next year. I understand that in the new machine under High Sierra, or Mojave, Bootcamp will only work with Windows 10.

The question is: If I install Parallels in the new iMac, will that allow me to run XP? In the Parallels website, XP (SP0-SP3) is mentioned as one of the "Guest Operating Systems". I take that to mean that it will run XP, but I wondered if anyone in the Forum had any more experience?
Many thanks

 

[chscag]

Hi ernesto:

Yes, that's correct. A new iMac (I have one) will only be able to run Windows 10. Boot Camp will not allow any other version of Windows to be installed. However, if you use Parallels, VMWare Fusion, or the free VirtualBox, you can install XP as a guest operation system. And since you only have one application to run, that would be the best way.

 

[ernesto18]

Many thanks for your prompt and clear answer, chscag. I will have to go the Parallels' way.
So now I have another question. Let's assume that now I buy and install Parallels in my old machine. I understand that then I can use the same Windows XP I have in Bootcamp to use it under Parallels (sorry, the nomenclature may not be correct, I hope you understand what I mean). If this works, when I come to buy the new machine, I make a last backup in Time Machine in the old one (which will backup Parallels and Windows? Obviously I won't care about Bootcamp), and then use this back-up in the new machine. Would that restore a functional Parallels and Windows XP?

 

[chscag]

I understand what you're saying. However, you may run into problems with both Parallels and Windows XP when you move them or attempt to install them on the new machine. I'm not sure about the licensing for Parallels but I believe it's for one machine only so you would have to remove it from the old machine first. Windows XP will definitely complain if you move it and will require re-activation.

To answer your other question, restoring a backup of Parallels and XP to the new machine from the old machine is probably not going to work. The safe way would be to do a fresh install of Parallels on the new machine and then install XP as a guest. Lots of work but it's probably the best way.

 

[pm-r]

However, you may run into problems with both Parallels and Windows XP when you move them or attempt to install them on the new machine.

Just wondering here, but would the APFS format of the new Mac put a wrench in the works and compatibility, assuming it would be using it???

But I guess it's easy enough to check on the 'net. Maybe... :Blushing:






- Patrick
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[chscag]

Just wondering here, but would the APFS format of the new Mac put a wrench in the works and compatibility, assuming it would be using it???

It shouldn't be a problem. It won't matter to Parallels whether the new machine is formatted to APFS or HFS+, and, keep in mind that Windows XP will be installed as a guest to Parallels. When any version of Windows is installed as a guest in Parallels, VMWare Fusion, or even VirtualBox, it's formatted to NTFS by the VM software.

I had Windows XP installed as a guest using VirtualBox some years ago on an older iMac that I had. VirtualBox took care of the formatting (virtual formatting) and formatted the XP VM as NTFS.

 

[pm-r]

It shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks Charlie, I've never really been involved running Windows on a Mac. Heck, I've hardly done much with Windows even on a Switcher's machine.

One of the main reasons I bought a Mac in the first place, but then the PCs at work were only running DOS of some sort. Talk about being a slave to a computer was my feeling back then!!







- Patrick
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[ernesto18]

Many thanks, chscag. I will wait to have the new machine, and install Parallels in it, and then XP as a guest.
Again, many thanks for your help.