I just installed Windows XP on an iMac using Parallels Desktop. Of course, like any good computer user, I made sure to update the OS. So I ran the software update (which can be found in Internet Explorer > Tools, of all places), and I go ahead and perform an 'express' install. The first update I don't remember what it was for) was pretty simple. The second reported a total of 76 security updates. 76 updates? Geez! Why can't they consolidate all of them into one combo update? The iMac, which had a fresh install of OS X, needed to be updated too. A total of 1 OS update resulted, and that was for 10.4.9. Right now, both Windows and OSX are updating at the same time (guess which one is leading the race to completion). After this, I'll need to wait for Windows to complete before I can restart OSX. I'm pretty sure I'll have one security update for OSX after the restart, and way more for XP after it too restarts. haay! Wala lang, just sharing. I hate Windows.
Just wait until XP's automatic update installs WGA (windows genuine advantage) on your virtual machine. You may or may not get flagged as a pirate har har har...
I SO know the feeling. Get ready for the longest update of your life I don't even bother with the updates anymore. If you do encounter WGA, simply renaming a few files in the System folder will take care of that. I do believe there is a combo update available used by system admins, that is, if you dare seek its hidden location within the depths of the Microsoft website before you go mad with frustration! muuuwaaahahahaha...!
@Elbert: now you know why the suits in my office pays me... I had to do that 75 million Windows updates 250 times!
As Ripley's would say it, "Unbelievable? Believe it." Our office is predominantly Windows. And everytime XP would give them problems, I can't help but look lovingly at my Mac as a "proud parent" would, hahahaha... I've witnessed countless re-installations of XP and the whole process, including the blasted updates, is truly a test of one's patience. It's like watching paint dry, hahaha...
well, I left the office with the update running. I had to cancel and resume the windows update at one point because I wanted OSX to restart to get its own updates over and done with. At least it didn't really start over (although it verified each and every one of the ones already downloaded). Why does Microsoft want to make life so difficult? Do they do this intentionally or are they just clueless? Regarding WGA, doesn't the act of successfully activating XP help? How many times does one have to authenticate his OS? (with Apple, it's 0 times)
in case you need to do another reinstall... it would probably be best if you slipstreamed SP2 into your installer and you wouldn't have that many patches to download.
I think the latest update to WGA will phone the mother ship from time to time to verify your copy without your knowledge. If you update your VM settings (e.g. changing ram size, processor type, etc.) it might trigger WGA to think it's running on a new computer and thus might require you to reactivate.
XP Home SP2 and 112 updates to be exact. Edit: 113 now, since Automatic Updater downloaded and installed this: 'Update for Microsoft Core XML Services (MSXML) 6.0 Service Pack 1 (KB934268)" what a name
Once WGA is active, it will check to see if you have an authentic copy of XP when you install programs. Update IE, it checks. Update MS Office, it checks. Update Windows Media Player, it checks. Install XP service pack xxxxxx, it checks. Install Office update, it checks. Install XP, it sux. It checks everytime.
