Changing VM default directory on Parallels Desktop 5

Hi, I'm really need your help

I'm packaging Parallels Desktop 5 using composer.

I need to know how to change VM default directory. I know you can set it up in preferences. But what I need is after installing parallels desktop 5, the default folder for virtual machines is set to other directory automatically without user interfere for example, /virtual machines and not /users/username/documents/parallels. I have done something but it seems useless, correct me if I'm wrong.

So, I have modified "DefaultVmFolder" in "vmdirectorylist.desktop.xml" file into the following: <DefaultVmFolder>/Virtual Machines</DefaultVmFolder>
I've also made change to the key of "FileDevSelectorWidget.FolderHistoryitem-0" in "com.parallels.Parallels Desktop.plist" file to /Virtual Machines.

I have tried both but everytime I log on and run parallels Desktop the Default folder for virtual machines is still pointing to /users/username/documents/parallels" and it's overwriting the "vmdirectorylist.desktop.xml" file and "com.parallels.Parallels Desktop.plist" to the default setting.

Is there any way to change the default folder for virtual machine to other directory automatically (without changing it manually from preferences) and not overwriten after installation? Cheers.

 

if you changed something at vmdirectorylist.desktop.xml manually - Parallels dispatcher service restart required: reboot your host or perform follow commands from Terminal application:

sudo launchctl stop com.parallels.desktop.launchdaemon
sudo launchctl start com.parallels.desktop.launchdaemon

But i extremely do not recommend you to change something manually - use Parallels Desktop->Preferences menu item and General tab in order to specify default folder for VMs

 

I am having the same problem, but for some reason the entire general tab is grayed out and unselectable. How do I fix this?

 

Are the General preferences locked? Clock the lock icon in the lower-left corner and enter an admin password to change the settings.

Steve

 

The general preferences are not locked—and now Parallels wont even open. It's stuck on the gray textured "Parallels Desktop" startup oval.

 

Sounds like it's time to try reinstalling Parallels.

Steve