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Lately, many Fort Lauderdale computer repair providers have been inundated with new questions about running Windows on Macs.

It's been a point of contention for some time, but even more so of late, now that VMWare has released Fusion, a virtualization program that allows one to run Windows and other operating systems on an Intel-based Mac.

That's all well and good, but what if you need to convert a Parallels virtual machine (VM for short) into a Fusion VM? This feature is one that some computer services have already put to the test.

If you use Parallels Desktop for a Mac, and you’ve already installed and customized your Windows environment, the conversion process below will enable you to move your customized Windows set-up over to Fusion.

If you don’t use the converter, Fort Lauderdale computer repair experts concur you’ll have to start from scratch with a Windows installation.

The process of converting one virtual machine into another is somewhat involved. Consider these potential hangups.

1. It might not work. While the process has worked well for some of the Broward computer services we talked to, others have done the same things and struggled mightily.
2. Functionality. Even if it does work, unless you take a somewhat time-consuming extra step (upgrading Windows over the top of itself), you will not be able to take full advantage of Fusion.

With those warnings in mind, here's a step by step process that has worked for Ft. Lauderdale computer support providers ...

• Step One: Install VMWare Converter. Aside: Create more drive space in Parallels before you proceed to be on the safe side.
• Step Two: Make sure sharing works.
• Step Three: Run the VMWare Converter.
• Step Four: Wait. Nothing else you can do, as it takes awhile for the process to be completed.
• Step Five: Create a Fusion VM. Consult your manual or network support provider for more advice on this if you hit a snag!
• Step Six: Power up! Aside: Pray.
• Step Seven: Clean shutdown. Aside: You can begin adding multiple CPU support programs to a converted VM at this time.