Installing a version of Windows with a manufacture tie in, on a VM?

I need to install Windows XP on a VM (Parallels) in order to run a very specific piece of old software.

Im very conscious that i dont want to get an installer from anywhere as it could very easily come bundled with malware.

My thought was to buy a brand new in box copy from eBay (I know this is not fool proof, but the best solution i could come up with).

The problem is the copies I can find on eBay are either without the serial number (so presumably no good unless i use a cracked serial, which i dont want to do), or branded as "for dell hardware" or "for siemens hardware" etc..

If i was to try and install a copy of XP which has a manufacture tie in as above, would it work on Parallels ? Or is there somewhere else i should be looking ?

As long as the XP box comes with a valid license key you are good.
These OEM branded versions (that originally came bundled with computers) are normally identical to the normal XP, with maybe some extra drivers slipstreamed (that you won't use in a VM anyway).
They just have an added manufacturer startup logo and show the brand name when you open the "Properties" of "This PC". That is just cosmetic.

Please note: If you have access to a Microsoft VisualStudio account you can download an XP image with key from Visualstudio.com as well. Access to various media and keys for old Windows versions is part of the benefits that come with such an account.