These instructions are pretty old, things have probably moved on a little since I wrote them, use at your own risk.

This is a three part article, you might want to prepare, or configure first.

The simplest way of testing out your new TinyXP is to run a typical install using Parallels Desktop for Mac.

Parallels

I’m using the latest build of Parallels (3188 at the time of writing).

Create a New VM from the by selecting ‘New…’ from the file menu. Check ‘Typical’, in the ensuing dialog box, hit ‘Next’, select ‘Windows XP’, it’s the default, and hit ‘Next’ again.

Give the VM a name, hit ‘Next’ and here is where you either insert the CD you burnt or else, by clicking the ‘More Options’ text, you can point Parallels at the ISO you created (I found using an ISO was about 30% quicker).

You’ll have to ‘format’ the partition as part of the bluescreen setup, but do a quick format and it’ll take seconds. Now it needs no more help and in a matter of minutes (typically under ten in my experience) you’ll have a functional Windows XP installation with IE7. It’s plain looking, but fast.

You now need to install the Parallels Tools from the Action menu, but after that you’re golden. (If you’ve followed my instructions to the letter the Parallels tools may not auto-run so you’ll have to manually navigate to the ‘CD’ in Windows Explorer to launch.)

You’ll probably want to skip past the next section, but if you want to install a Bootcamp partition read on.

Bootcamp

Installing on Bootcamp is as easy as it normally is, easier infact given you don’t have to enter your data throughout the process.

Download and install the software (v1.2 at time of writing) from Apple and burn yourself a Drivers CD (if you don’t already have one). Partition your drive, you’ll only need about 1.5GB for Windows itself but the minimum size for Bootcamp is 5GB. I use about twelve so I can get my Half-Life on in relative comfort.

Once you’re sorted you can reboot to start the install. One note of caution when in the blue screen section, only format the partition named C: or you might mess up your whole windows or, god forbid, your Mac. That’s a Bootcamp thing though rather than anything particular to this particular process.

When you’re on the Desktop you’ll need to fire up your Drivers Disk to properly get the best out of Boot Camp.

Multiple Internet Explorers

Now you have a fully functional version of Windows to use for testing, but it only has IE7. As many issues as that (much improved) browser has, you’re mainly here to flagellate yourself on Internet Explorer 5 through 6.

Which is where Multiple IE comes in, I haven’t really seen this blogged about the place much, but I know it was mentioned on 456 Berea Street in May last year, and it seems to work for me! I only install 5, 5.5 and 6 as anyone still using IE4 is beyond my help.

Summary

Hope people find this useful. Enjoy.

These timings are approximate, and from an unscientific stopwatch on my desk thus are indicative of the improvement you might expect.

Parallels Install Time (RC2 3188)

• 28mins (standard XP SP2 – Express Install – excluding automatic install of Parallels Tools)
• 10 mins (Tiny MacXP – excluding manual install of Parallels Tools)

Boot Camp Install Time

• 28mins (standard XP SP2)
• 16mins (Tiny MacXP)

‘Boot’ Time (from Startup Sound to usable desktop)

• Bootcamp: 51s – Parallels: 12s (standard XP SP2)
• Parallels: 8s (TinyXP)

Installed Size

• Approx 2GB hard disk / 80+ MB RAM (standard XP SP2)
• Approx 1.25GB hard disk / 45 MB RAM (Tiny MacXP)

It should be noted that it is mainly a page file that’s taking up all that space!