Installing the Beta = Completely Locked Out of Any Version of Parallels

I am completely locked out of Parallels.

I uninstalled the release version and installed the beta and was then asked for my license key. Inputting the key I purchased a while back I received the message "The activation key cannot be used with the current version of the Parallels Desktop!" I thought that was odd, so I grabbed a trial key...Parallels said the same thing again.

So, I uninstall the beta and reinstall the release version. "The activation key cannot be used with the current version of the Parallels Desktop!", says Parallels. "Thanks a (long trail of expletives deleted) lot", I said.

I sent an email to support an hour or so ago, but have never contacted them before and don't know what an average turnaround is. I have a time sensitive project requiring the use of that Windows thing today, and am desperate for a solution...

Has anyone experienced this? Is there a way to reset the license key logic for Parallels (I've trashed the prefs, but that did nothing)?

 

First I'm hearing something like this. I think it's worth pointing out that the upgrade is a beta upgrade and NOT a GA upgrade. As such I would approach cautiously for use with something critical and/or in a time crunch unless tested in some other manner.

 

Why did you uninstall Parallels before attempting to install an UPDATE. I don't think the beta is a complete Parallels installation. Rather, I believe it is an update (or patch) to Parallels.

 

Why? Why does that matter, or how does that help? There was an UNINSTALL delivered with the update, just like the beta cycle before. So, I followed the old habit, and now I'm screwed. Why is that, is the better question.

 

Thanks for the advice...some of the listed "fixes" were on my most wanted list - which one would think would increase productivity, if one could actually use the program one paid for...

 

Seraglio,

Did you keeped your permanent GA key? It will work with Beta update.

 

Thanks for the reply, Andrew. I was phoned by Parallels support who helped to discover the issue: I had an internal developer build (don't ask me how, I just followed the link and went to downloading...), NOT the beta update. Somehow, someway, this messed up the licensing on my system. Clearing some secret files and downloading and installing the actual beta update solved the issue.

Parallels - keep up the good work on a good product, but please be little more careful about what file you post to the download page.

 

Seraglio: I wasn't trying to be cute or critical with my remarks. I was merely trying to understand why you chose to uninstall the GA version of Parallels before installing the beta. I apologize if you thought I was criticizing you.

Glad you got your VM up and running again, that's the important thing. It's good to know that Parallels is there and listening to this board.