How to activate Win XP from Windows 7 compatibility mode on MacOS Parallels 5

Posted by Ben Hammond on Super User See other posts from Super User or by Ben Hammond
Published on 2010-05-08T20:38:26Z Indexed on 2010/05/08 20:48 UTC
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parallels

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windows-7

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windows-xp-mode

I am running Parallels Desktop 5.0.9344 for Mac.
I am running Mac OS 10.6.3 10D2094
I have bought a retail copy of Window 7 professional specifically because I need the XP compatibility.
Windows 7 is installed and working.
I have problems with the XP activation

Windows7 'Virtual PC' does not run under Parallels (strange error about Server Execution failed 0x80080005).

I have used the Parallels Transporter to convert the "Windows XP Mode Base.vhd" file into a parallels Virtual Machine. This copy of XP now starts normally, however it records itself as unregistered. There was a KEY.txt file in the same directory as the .vhd file; although this file contains a valid-looking activation key, it does not appear to activate the instance of XP. I have also tried to enter the Win7 activation key; this does not work either.

I have tried calling the two phone numbers; an automated system asked me to enter 56 digits through the telephone and then accused me of being a pirate.

I believe it may be possible to install Win7 via Bootcamp, start WinXP under Virtual PC, activate it and then import this activated .vhd into Parallels; but that seems a long way round, and is far from certain.

What can I do to get WinXP running under Mac Parallels Desktop ?

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