-- Posted by hI jAMES at 5:47 pm on Aug. 30, 2008 When I get my windows files transferred to my mac, will it transfer the Windows OP system too? Or just the files? Im super stoked I can run Windows on the external monitor and MAC applications on the macbook monitor. I have to get that dual application thing. Im working on finding a cheap one. This is my plan: Receive my mac and external monitor from the UPS man. Hook it up and change the settings, blah blah. Unplug my macbook and take it to the apple store with my pc. Transfer the files. I ask this question because Im not sure if I will have to buy the windows operating system again. It obviously came with my pc, but no disc. So when I transfer the files, can they transfer the oparting system too? -- Posted by Narfle the Garthok at 5:48 pm on Aug. 30, 2008 Depends what type of files. More details I demand of you! -- Posted by bighead1991 at 5:49 pm on Aug. 30, 2008 Have you checked on the back of your base unit for a windows CD-key? If you don't have a Windows key, you won't be able to install it on something else, to install Windows on a mac you need the key. You can also only run one copy of windows per machine otherwise it invalidates the copy. -- Posted by drifting at 5:51 pm on Aug. 30, 2008 Nope. -- Posted by hI jAMES at 5:52 pm on Aug. 30, 2008 Quote: from bighead1991 at 8:49 pm on Aug. 30, 2008 Have you checked on the back of your base unit for a windows CD-key? If you don't have a Windows key, you won't be able to install it on something else, to install Windows on a mac you need the key. You can also only run one copy of windows per machine otherwise it invalidates the copy. I will look for that disc.  I put all the books and stuff the pc came with in a pile somewhere. If I happen to not find it, I can transfer the files, but not the OS?  Whats a cheap but reliable source to buy a windows OS?  Vista and XP. Im using Vista now.  Will the files I transfer not be compatible with the XP if I end up using that? -- Posted by bighead1991 at 6:07 pm on Aug. 30, 2008 Your files will be compatible. Try looking for OEM copies of Windows on the internet, on things like Ebay. Its basically an OS disk they give with hardware, so they will send you a cheap pen drive or something similar. I can't suggest any computing websites to buy things from since I'm drop the UK. Also, from what I am reading you are going to be using some emulation software to run Windows applications on MacOSX? Not going to run the OS on its own using boot camp? -- Posted by hI jAMES at 6:18 pm on Aug. 30, 2008 I'm going to be using Boot Camp. But I have to have a Windows OS (I realized I was calling it OP) installed right? Thats why I was asking if they can just transfer my windows vista program to the mac. And then when I want to use it, I can use Boot Camp to switch. I plan to use Parallels to run both though.