Using USB ports for sign software

I make signs for a living. I have Flexi 8 Sign Software that can only run on XP but in order to use it a usb key must be seen by the computer Sometimes it sees it and sometimes it doesn't. In addition, in order to cut out vinyl letters I have to have a plotter ( somewhat like a printer) connected through a USB port. So, if I am lucky and the sign software sees the usb key, I can open the sign software and design a sign. Then, when I go to print it by sending it to the plotter, it consistently won't work. Can anyone help me figure out what I need to do In addition, every time I switch to Windows from Mac I have to fool around with the usb key to make sure it is being seen. It isn't automatic. I tried switching from coherence mode but it doesn't make any difference.

 

While your XP vm is running, if you plug in a USB device such as your USB key, Parallels will ask if you wish to connect the USB device to OS X or to XP. You can mark the checkbox to remember this decision as well. If the USB key is already plugged in when you start XP, you can click Devices on the Parallels pull down menu, then USB and click the USB key to connect it to XP.

Rick.

 

Hi ellen123,

Please follow these steps to make this particular USB device always connect to the virtual machine;

Click on the Parallels Desktop > Preferences > Devices > Choose the option “Connect it to the active Virtual Machine”

Also choose the USB device in the Permanent Assignments and change the “connect to” option from “Computer” to “Windows Virtual Machine”.

If the USB device is not in the list click on the '+' option on the left corner of the Permanent Assignments.

Thanks,
Manoj