Parallels Desktop Doesn't Recognize Windows XP (SP2) CD

After installing Parallels Desktop, it does not recognize my Windows XP (SP2) CD. The only way I have been able to open the Windows XP CD for installation is to boot from the CD, which after installation leads to all kinds of problems, mainly creating a partition and installing over (i.e., essentially deleting) the Mac OS.

I assume there has been some issue with my installation of Parallels Desktop as the Windows CD appears to be functioning properly. The only aspect of installation of Parallels Desktop that does not go perfectly per the manual is "Choose Default CD/DVD-ROM from the Devices menu." In the Devices menu, none of the choices are active, and I don't see the indicated choice in any event. Further, in the Configuration Editor, "CD/DVD-ROM" was selected, so I don't see that this is the issue.

Any suggestions for getting Parallels to recognize and install from my Windows XP CD?

 

Hello,

please, read this article and perform steps from it.

Best Regards,
Alicia.

 

Alicia, Thank you for the suggestion. However, it did not help. To be more clear, the WinXP icon does appear on my desktop, but Parallels does not provide for its installation. I followed the suggested steps, and an image of the WinXP was created, but Parallels still did not provide for its installation. When I attempted the alternate recommended strategy -- opening up "New" in the File menu -- that made no difference (there should be clarification as to whether this refers to New Window or New VM but it made no difference as neither helped.) Now, whenever I open Parallels, the desktop is quickly covered by moving (downward) grayness and I am instructed to restart the computer. This happens repeatedly.

Can you offer an alternate suggestion? There is nothing wrong with the WinXP CD, and the CD-ROM drives appears to function entirely normally. The computer is the new iMac 24" with the extreme processor.

 

Problem solved

Apparently the boxed version of Parallels Desktop 3.0 currently being sold is not compatible with the new iMacs, at least with mine, without first upgrading Parallels. Too bad there is no prompt on installation -- or anything in the Quick Start Guide or Manual -- about the possible need to update to get the application to function. I am used to needing to upgrade software but not generally to get the software to function. Unfortunately, I wasted many, many hours on this.

 

Same problem

I am having the same problem. I tried the ISO route following the instructions laid out by the Parallels knowledge base information and nothing. I ended up having to move to VMWare...I hated to do it but there is such a lack of support and information from Parallels that I didn't have any other choice. I just wish Parallels had better support...I think I might camp out at the Parallels booth at MacWorld in 2008 and warn folks...maybe we should have a mass protest!

If anyone has any other suggestions to fix my problem of loading XP from my geniune Microsoft CD please let me know.

Thanks,
Greg

 

Greg, before attempting to load Windows XP, did you update your copy of Parallels? That solved the installation problem for me. Now my only problem is that Parallels doesn't run the Windows games that led me to buy it in the first place!

 

Upgrade

Yes I did upgrade. I am going to try again this week to see if I can get it to work. It is crazy it won't work with the CD. I have loved using this product since day one but always knew that if I ever had problems the customer support wasn't there. I hate these one line error messages and one line support answers. I think we, as paying customers, deserve more detailed reasons as to why the CD won't be recognized by the software. Oh well...I will keep you and this thread posted on my attempts to get this working.

Thanks,
Greg

 

I followed every step in that article and I am still having problems. Windows XP gets to a certain point and blue screens. Parallels flips so fast I cannot see the errors message.
I have tried to install from CD and from ISO. I can't check for updates because Parallels insists I install as soon as it opens and closes as soon as I hit cancel.
This is a brand new Windows XP/SP2 disc.

Any other ideas?

 

Windows XP SP2 CD

All same issues I have experienced...with no fix. I am using a new out of the box XP CD and Parallels 5160 build...Parallels will not recognize the CD...standing by for the magic keystroke