Is there a way to reinstall vista without loosing the items already setup from a previously running setup in parallels? I accidentally started to trash the parallels folder (cleaning folders for the new year, oops!) and when the trash stated a file could not be deleted because it was "running" I stopped the trashing. I pulled the parallels folder back to where it was originally. It looks like all the contents are still there. I have a .mem, .pvs, .sav, .fdd, applications folder with all icons for applications installed previously, disks folder with a c drive and a .hdd. But when I go to open vista from parallels 3.0 it gets to the waving icon and crashes, stating it was a hard crash and to insert the vista CD to repair it. Before I do this, I'm wondering if I lost all my programs and everything stored on that hard drive or not. Can anyone provide suggestions? Guess that's what I get for trying to clean my mac for new years!
First of all backup all files you find related to VM, Create new VM, and try to add existing hdd file, and chack can you start VM. Having backup , makes it safe to attempt Vista repair attempt http://kb.parallels.com/en/5223
Thank you, I'll try this tonight! Yippee, what a new years eve I'll have, counting the new year in with a prayer and step by step instructions. I really appreciate your help and you getting back to me so soon! Happy New Year!!!
Hey John, How do I create a new VM and add existing hdd file? Maybe I'm naive but that doesn't seem to be the same as the link you provided, that was for repairing (I think). Got a good link on how to create a new VM and add existing hdd? And if I do, will it keep all the software installed previously? Thanks again for your quick response the first time. I greatly appreciate the assistance.
Please refer to Parallels Desktop for Mac user guide from http://www.parallels.com/en/download/file/doc/Parallels_Desktop_for_Mac_User_Guide.pdf page 67 on hdd step select add existing
