Upgrading Mac OS & Parallels

Please excuse my confusion re this & thanks in advance for any help!

I am currently running Mac OS 10.5.8 (Leopard) with Parallels 5 successfully (& running Windows XP in it). The Parallels is important as it allows me to run MYOB (an accounting package) & the website creation software (Intuit/Homestead) I use.

I have bought (but not installed as yet) the upgrade to Mac OS 10.6 (Snow Leopard) which seems to require Parallels 8 - Parallels 9 apparently won't work as it requires a newer Mac OS - Lion.

I have backed up my Mac to an external hard drive under the existing configuration.

As my MYOB & Intuit/Homestead software are so important to me I cannot afford to loose them in the upgrade process.

My questions are:
Is it correct that I need Parallels 8 for Mac Snow Leopard?
The order in which the upgrades should be done ie Mac OS first Parallels 2nd, or vice versa?
Where can I purchase the Parallels 8 upgrade?
Any recommendations on tips/tricks & how to safely manage the upgrade/s?

Again thanks in advance to whoever can help - I've spent hours on the internet trying to get to the bottom of this without much success

 

Did you ever get an answer to your questions?
I am in the same situation and would love to hear what you found out.

 

Hi All,
Parallels Desktop 9 is compatible with Snow Leopard 10.6.8 (just make sure you have the latest patch installed).

I'd suggest to follow these steps:
1. Make a backup of your VM: http://kb.parallels.com/en/8829
2. Upgrade to Snow Leopard
3. Purchase and download Parallels Desktop 9 at http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/
NOTE: Since Parallels Desktop 5 has been end of life'd, you will need to purchase a full license copy (not upgrade)
4. Install Parallels Desktop 9
5. Launch your VM and wait till it automatically updates Parallels Tools

Hope it helps!