The Windows Vista installation process begins with the last step of the Parallels Windows Express installation option. If you haven't used Windows Express to create your virtual machine yet, refer to this guide, then pop back here and we'll install Vista.

When you set up the Windows Express virtual machine, you provided all of the information that Parallels needs to handle the Vista installation on its own.

While Parallels does the work, here are some tips to keep you occupied.

Hurry Up and Wait

• If you click inside the Parallels window during the installation process, Parallels will capture your mouse and keyboard, and any keyboard clicks or mouse movements you make will be directed to the Windows installer. You'll be prevented from moving directly back to the Mac desktop until Parallels finishes the installation.
  
  
• All is not lost, however. Press the Ctrl + Alt keys to recapture your keyboard and mouse and use them in OS X, while Parallels does its thing with Windows.
  
  
• Multiple reboots are common during the Windows installation process, even on a Mac. This refers to Parallels rebooting the virtual machine, however, not to your Mac rebooting. Once you recapture your mouse and keyboard, you can use your Mac at will.
  
  
• A range of 20 minutes to one hour is typical for a Windows installation. The version of Windows you're installing, as well as the type of Mac you're installing it on, will affect the amount of time the installation takes. A Mac Mini will be the slowest; a Mac Pro will be the fastest. iMacs, MacBooks, and MacBook Pros will fall somewhere in the middle of these two extremes. No matter what kind of Mac you have, waiting for Windows to finish installing won't be one of the most exciting activities you'll ever undertake.
  
  

Set Up Parallels Tools

1. You'll know that the Windows Vista installation is nearly complete when Parallels displays a 'Vista Installation Assistant is ready to install Parallels Tools' window. Click the 'OK' button, and then click the 'Install this driver software anyway' option on any security warnings that Vista may display about unsigned drivers. When the installation is complete, Vista will reboot (but your Mac will not).
   
   
2. Click the ‘OK’ button.
   
   
3. Windows won't be able to verify the publisher of the driver software that Parallels Tools installs. You will see a related warning message multiple times as the Parallels Tools installation progresses.
   
   
4. Click the ‘Install this driver software anyway’ option each time the warning displays.
   
   
5. Eventually, the Set Networking Location window will appear. Do not click on any of the listed options. Parallels will configure this setting for you.
   
   

Vista will reboot one last time. When it reboots, it will have some housekeeping chores and cleanup tasks to perform before it's ready to roll. Once you see the Vista desktop, Vista is ready to use. Enjoy!