Problems installing XP - Devices Greyed

I'm new to Mac's and that is probably most of my problem. However, I'm trying to install XP in Parallels for Mac and I'm having problems.. When following the quick start guide, everything goes great through the activation and creating the VM. However when I try to go to the menu bar under Devices to select the CD as instructed, everything is greyed out or un-selectable. In resources on the VM the CD is enabled. If I try to start or play the VM the system the system crashes and has to be restarted. I've searched and found related problems from others but no real solution. I've tried different XP install disks, tried making a image file, everything I can think of...... I only have one account on my iMac and it obviously has admin privledges. Can someone help me please!!!!

Doug

 

I'm experiencing the exact same problem. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Same problem here, and I have to shut down the hard way, too. Painful. Can't use windows install disc at all, nothing happening.

frustration, please help!

 

I figured out my problem. I was running the older build that came with the CD which appearently is not compatable with the newer core duo chip that I have in my brand new iMac. After I downloaded build 1940 and tried it, everything is working fine.

And note that the Help->Check for Updates menu option did not tell me that there was a newer build available. So, don't rely on it!

 

Same problem, no response from Parallels support

I'm having the same problem as Doug. I tried downloading the update. Still no solution. I'm trying to install XP on a new MacBook Pro running OS 10.4.7. I emailed Parallels support 6 days ago; no response, even though they promise a response within 3 business days. Any help much appreciated.

Ken

Thank you for your reply, Vladar.

I have followed your instructions EXACTLY.

They worked as far as they went.

Here's the problem now:

As I follow the installation instructions for Windows XP Pro, and after the disk has run installing a number of files, a screen appears "Welcome to Setup. This portion of the Setup Program prepares Microsoft XP Professional to run on your computer."

The screen then gives three bulleted options:
"To set up Windows XP now, press ENTER.
"To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.
"To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3."

When I press ENTER on my keyboard, nothing happens. Same for when I press R or F3.

I'm stuck again. I need help, please.

Thank you.

Ken
-----

Update:

I received the following reply from Parallels Support today. It's posted below, along with my response to them. I hope this will help other users, and perhaps another user can help me surmount this latest problem, mentioned below.

Thanks,

Ken

----
Thank you for your reply, Vladar.

I have followed your instructions EXACTLY.

They worked as far as they went.

Here's the problem now:

As I follow the installation instructions for Windows XP Pro, and after the disk has run installing a number of files, a screen appears "Welcome to Setup. This portion of the Setup Program prepares Microsoft XP Professional to run on your computer."

The screen then gives three bulleted options:
"To set up Windows XP now, press ENTER.
"To repair a Windows XP installation using Recovery Console, press R.
"To quit Setup without installing Windows XP, press F3."

When I press ENTER on my keyboard, nothing happens. Same for when I press R or F3.

I'm stuck again. I need help, please.

Thank you.

Ken

----

> Hello,
>
> You have to install Windows Xp on newly
> created virtual hard disk.
>
> First of all be sure that you installed latest updates for Parallels
> Desktop
>
> http://download.parallels.com/GA/Parallels-Desktop-1940-Mac-en.dmg
>
> and that you have real bootable Windows Xp installation CD
> (not just upgrade CD)
> Do not bother about item 6, follow the instruction:
>
>
> 1. If not running, start Parallels Desktop
> 2. In the Resourses list click the CD/DVD-ROM link
> 3. In the Configuration Editor select CD/DVD-ROM
> and verify that Enabled and Connect at startup are
> selected.
> 4. Select Use CD/DVD-ROM and specify which drive to use
> in the CD/DVD-ROM Drive pop-up menu. Click OK
> 5. In the virtual machine configuration window click Save
> 6. Insert the Windows XP disc into the drive
> 7. Start the virtual machine by clicking Power On button
> 8. Follow the installation instruction for Windows XP
>
> Regards,
> Vladar
>