Migrating from MacMini to IMac

I've learned the hard way that to run my XP programs the way I need to, I need 8 GB of RAM. I tried upgrading the MacMini to 4 GB and while this helps, it doesn't solve the problem. I love Parallels; it just needs more RAM to run my databases. I'll also be getting a faster hard drive. So, my question: can I migrate my entire MacMini into the Imac using Apple's migration technique, OR do I have to reinstall Parallels, etc.? I can't figure out how to do this and nobody at MicroCenter or Apple really knows anything about Parallels. I plan to format the seven-month-old Mini's HD when done, reinstall Snow Leopard and try to find somebody who wants it.

I'm hoping I can migrate everything without reinstalling Parallels because it took a tech in India (who was great) several hours to get everything to work. I don't want to revisit the experience, no matter how nice he was.
Leslie

 

Same issue - migrating to new cpu

I have same issue. I'm trying to duplicate my existing Macbook P 5.0 setup on my new MacMini. I tried using apple's migration program: Parallels 5.0 seemed to transfer OK, but virtual machine (XP) did not - when VM begins to start up, it can't find any of the needed resources, including the XP"image", the HD, the CD drive, the network, etc. I've sent a support request into parallels today asking if there is anyway to avoid a complete new install.

 

I can't believe nobody has responded to our request for help!

 

response from Parallels

I contacted parallels support about his issue. This is the response I've just received. I have not yet tried anything.



With regards to your issue, please try to copy ".pvm" file from the following location:
Open Finder -> UserName (Home Folder) -> Documents -> Parallels -> Select "Windows XP.pvm" (Virtual Machine files) -> Right Click and Copy.

Then create a Parallels Folder in the same location in you Mac Mini and paste this ".pvm" file after you install Parallels Desktop application.

Now double click on the .pvm file use Windows XP Virtual Machine.

Please note that, if you are using both of the systems in the same network, you may have to change the MAC address of the Virtual Machine. To do so, please follow these steps:
1. Launch Parallels Desktop application(From Mac Mini) but please do not try to start Windows
2. Go to Virtual Machine from the top menu bar
3. Click on Configure -> Hardware -> Select Network Adapter1
4. Then click on "Generate" to create a new MAC address
5. Click OK and Start Windows VM.

For more information, please click on the below link:
http://download.parallels.com/desktop/v5/docs/en/Parallels_Desktop_Users_Guide/22249.htm

You may also refer the below link to Clone you Virtual Machine:
http://download.parallels.com/desktop/v5/docs/en/Parallels_Desktop_Users_Guide/23064.htm

Please let us know the status of the issue.

 

Bob, have you tried this yet? I've successfully gotten a new copy of Parallels 5 installed/registered on my new laptop as well as the old Windows laptop installed in the vm on the new laptop. Two down, one to go. I'd like to purchase the iMac immediately and move my existing Parallels program and vm to the new iMac from the Mac Mini. I know - a glutton for punishment. But, my stuff is running beautifully on the Macbook Pro with a 7200 rpm drive and 8 GB of RAM. I'd like the main computer to be equally fast!
TobyT

 

It worked

Toby,
It worked fine. All my programs & data transferred successfully. The only exception is I am now unable to print from Quicken within the VM....

Good luck

 

Did you use the Mac's Migration Assistant to move the Parallels program? I guess I don't fully understand how this works. I'll be formatting the Mini's drive and getting rid of it afterward so I need to move my licensed program onto the iMac. I'm actually considering paying for a remote session to move the program and vm. I had a terrible time installing it into the Mini in the first place. My third Parallels migration (I have three registered, separately purchased copies of Desktop for Mac) was event-free, but then I've learned the hard way (posted my tips for a successful migration which may seem excessive, but I believe Murphy was an optimist).
TobyT

 

Yes, I used Migration Assistant to move all my programs and data files. It worked just fine for everything except parallels. Once I copied over the ".pvm" file as the Parallels tech suggested, it worked fine.

This was the process: After running Migration Assistant, but prior to copying the ".pvm" file from my old computer to my new one, I installed a new licensed version of Parallels onto my new machine. When I installed this new Parallels 5.0 on my new machine, I suspect that it replaced the old version of P5 that Migration Assistant had moved over.

1. Run Migration Assistant
2. Install new licensed Parallels 5
3. Copy the ".pvm" file from old to new mac
then everything worked fine.....

 

Apple Migration Problem

I bought a new MacBook Pro (MBP) and used Apple's Migration tools to move all applications and data files from my old MBP. When Parallels failed to boot due to a Hard Drive problem, I found that the .prvm file size on the new MBP was only about 8 GB while the size on the old MBP was 24 GB. The file was manually move from the old MBP to the new MBP and Parallels would then boot successfully.

 

Easy way to migrate between CPUs

Try Super Duper or Carbon Copy Cloner and just clone one HD to the other.

Start new machine holding down the T key

Now put a FireWire cable between CPUs

Now run Super Duper or Carbon Copy Cloner on old CPU and clone old HD to new CPUs HD

 

Worked a treat

Thanks @Bob5160a. Your tip worked a treat and saved my bacon.

Kind regards,
Gr@wl!x