About configuring Windows

This topic includes selected information about configuring a supported Microsoft Windows operating system; it does not provide help for every setup screen.

Product key information for Windows
Computer name
Administrator password
Network settings
Workgroups
Connecting to the Internet
High-speed Internet connection
Windows XP desktop

Product key information for Windows
You need to provide the product key for the Windows operating system to "unlock" your copy of Windows.

The product key for Windows is a 25-digit number with the format xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx. This number is typically included with the product packaging. If your copy of Microsoft Virtual PC includes a Windows operating system, the product key for Windows is located on the back of the Virtual PC media case.

Computer name
The Windows Setup Assistant will suggest a computer name. This computer name is not the same name you use with Mac OS X or the name of your virtual machine, which appears on the virtual machine window and in Virtual PC List. This name is used only to identify your virtual machine on a business or home network and the Internet.

If you are on a business network, check with the network administrator to determine your computer name. If you are on a home network in which printers or other devices are shared among multiple computers, select a unique name to distinguish your virtual machine from other computers or devices on your home network.

Even if you are not on a network, you should enter a computer name because some Internet service providers (ISPs) require that you use a specific computer name to identify your computer and to validate your Internet account.

If you are prompted to enter a description for your computer, enter a description to help you identify it on a network.

Administrator password
Most versions of the Windows operating system require an administrator password. As the administrator for this virtual machine, you need to assign it a password, which will control access to this virtual machine. While it is possible for others to use this virtual machine and the Macintosh computer, there are certain tasks that can be performed only by the administrator. It is a good practice to use the same administrator password that you use for your Macintosh computer.

Network settings
The Setup Assistant may prompt you to select a type of network configuration:

Typical These network settings have been pre-configured to perform the majority of tasks in the Windows operating system. This option is the recommended setting and is selected by default.

Custom This option is for advanced users who want to customize their network settings. If you change the network settings, always use Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) unless you are using a domain or your network administrator tells you to use a setting other than DHCP. DHCP is a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) that enables a network connected to the Internet to automatically assign a temporary IP address to a host when the host connects to the network. For more information about custom network settings, check with your network administrator.

Important For best results, most users should select the Typical option, especially when using Shared Networking. If you use custom network settings, please contact your system administrator and enable Virtual Switch Networking.

Workgroups
In some versions of Windows, you may be prompted for domain or workgroup information. Use the following descriptions to help you decide if your virtual machine needs to be a member of either a domain or a workgroup:

Workgroup A workgroup is made up of one or more computers with the same workgroup name. Workgroups share information, such as files and folders, and hardware resources, such as printers. You do not need special permissions to join a workgroup. You can join a workgroup by entering the workgroup name. You can use the workgroup name that is provided or you can create your own. If you are not in a workgroup, leave the default setting in the workgroup or domain box.

Domain A domain is a collection of computers on a network that share common information and are managed by a network administrator. To join a domain, you must have a user account that allows you to add a computer account to the domain.

Important If you are unsure or are not part of a business network, do not select Domain. Use the default setting. You can join your virtual machine to a domain after you finish installing Windows.

Connecting to the Internet
By default in Virtual PC, virtual machines connect to the Internet and networks by using Shared Networking. Shared Networking uses the Internet and network connections that have been set up for your Macintosh.

Shared Networking requires Windows to be configured to connect through a network, even when your Macintosh may connect to the Internet and networks through a dial-up modem, DSL, cable, or other Macintosh connection. If you configure Windows to connect to the Internet directly, you may compromise the performance of Virtual PC.

After you finish configuring Windows, you can optionally connect your virtual machine to the Internet independently of your Macintosh by using Virtual Switch networking. For more information about Virtual Switch networking, see Set up Virtual Switch networking.

The following table shows which options should be selected for use with Shared Networking.

When the options are	Select this option
Digital subscriber (DSL) or cable modem – or – Local area network (LAN)	Local area network (LAN)
Local area network or home network – or – Directly to the Internet	Local area network or home network
Use a username and password to connect – or – Always connected to the Internet	Always connected to the internet If the User Name and Password to Connect to the Internet screen appears, your Macintosh may not be connected to the Internet. In Virtual PC, your virtual machine uses the network settings of the Macintosh to connect to the Internet. After you have finished configuring Windows, establish a connection to the Internet for your Macintosh. For more information about Internet connections on the Macintosh, see Mac OS X Help.

High-speed Internet connection
To select high-speed connection settings, such as an internet protocol (IP) address, always select the Obtain IP automatically and Obtain DNS automatically check boxes.

Important If you change the network settings, always use Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) unless you are using a domain or your network administrator tells you to use a setting other than DHCP. DHCP is a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) that enables a network connected to the Internet to assign a temporary IP address to a host automatically when the host connects to the network. Do not use a static internet protocol (IP) address with Virtual PC unless you are using Virtual Switch networking in a network that requires static addresses. Consult your network administrator for more information.

Windows XP desktop
The configuration process is complete when you see the Windows desktop in the virtual machine window.