Can't find VM file anywhere!

I'm hoping someone here can help me. The hard drive in my iMac failed and I had to get a new one installed. I had everything backed up via Time Machine thank goodness, so all my apps, programs, docs, etc. on my Mac were all recovered without a problem. When the hard drive was replaced, they also upgraded the OS to 10.9.2 from 10.6.8. When I tried to start Parallels after I got my computer back, I got an error message saying it was unable to start and to please reinstall, which I did. Now when I try to start Parallels, it says the VM can't be found because its files were either deleted or moved. I've done a Finder and Spotlight search for the .pvm file but can't find it anywhere. I can see all my Windows applications in Time Machine, but that all important .pvm file is nowhere to be found. I'm at a loss as to what to do next and would appreciate any advice or suggestions.

 

Hello CarolB,

By default the Virtual Machine .pvm file will be located in:

Mac HD/Users/Username/Documents/Parallels or Mac HD/Users/Shared/Parallels

In your time machine backup , try to locate the .PVM file from one of these two locations and paste them into your Mac on the same location.

Then double click on the .PVM file and select the option : Copied and check how it goes!!!

 

Thank you for the answer, but I can't seem to find the file in either of these locations. Wouldn't it have shown up in my spotlight search?

 

In the Users/Shared Parallels folder, there are two folders present. One is labeled "Backups" and is empty and the other is named "Problem Reports" and has 4 .png files in it.

The Users/Username/Documents/Parallels folder is empty.

 

If you Virtual Machine is backed up, it should be in one of the two locations by default.

If its been present in any other folder, it should show up in the spotlight as well.

If its not present, then your Virtual Machine might not have been backed up and may need to create a new copy of Windows Operating System or if

you have the .PVM file backed up in an external Hard Drive you can retrieve the Virtual Machine from that backup as well.

 

When you say I need to create a new copy of Windows Operating System, do you mean reinstall Windows 7? The message I get when I start Parallels is to either Cancel, Delete the VM or Locate the missing file, which has been unsuccessful. Should I delete the VM and try to reinstall Windows? I have a retail copy of Windows 7 Professional.

Sorry if these are dumb questions, I'm not terribly computer savvy and I just don't want to mess this up.

 

I thought the VM was totally backed up, I can see all the application and saved files but I can't find the .pvm file. I guess it must have been deleted somehow? It sounds like I need to reinstall the Windows OS, is that what you mean by "create a new copy"? Should I delete the original VM before I try to reinstall?

 

Hello CarolB,

If you are unable to locate the .PVM file, you can click on remove and take off the old Windows Virtual Machine completely by moving it to trash.

Then you can create a new Windows Operating System Virtual Machine on your Parallels Desktop by following the steps as suggested at http://kb.parallels.com/4729

Feel free to get back to us if you need any further assistance.

 

Thank you Maheesh, I guess that's my only option at this point. I appreciate you trying to help me.

 

Hi Carol,

Install a new copy of windows operating system and then try to back up the .PVM file so that it will easier for you to retrieve the Virtual Machine

even if it gets corrupted.

You may also refer to : http://kb.parallels.com/8829 on how to backup virtual machines.

 

Thank you Maheesh, I've reinstalled Windows and have created a copy of the .pvm file and placed it in a folder on my desktop. I checked Time Machine to make sure it's been backed up and it has, so all should be fine now. Thank you for your help and information.

 

Hello CarolB,

It's great that you were able make a backup of the newly created Virtual Machine.

Feel free to reach us if you have any further questions.