To begin, I'd like to express that I understand that I am talking about a third-party software package (a game), and I know that this probably won't help explain the situation as clearly as I hope considering this question -is- for the general use of Parallels with Windows. I'm using Parallels 3.0 Build 5540, as Build 5580 actually causes graphics issues with the game. I'm using the standard Macbook Pro 2.2GHz 2GB ram 15.4" screen etc. that you used to see on apple.com. No configurations of greatness made, it's a pretty thing as is. I'm attempting to run Final Fantasy XI (FFXI) through parallels on a Boot Camp partition I have made. It runs fine on Boot Camp, It -almost- runs fine on Parallels. Allow me to try to explain: Using the appropriate settings, and more importantly a Bridged Connection via the Airport in a Macbook Pro 2.2GHz standard model (2GB ram, the one you 'used' to see on the main website). At home on my own network configurations, this is successful (with a little tweaking on the software's side (FFXI), nothing to do with Parallels). I have and can actually play the game to it's fullest on both the Boot Camp partition, and the Bridged Connection of Parallels. The reason for using the Bridged Connection over the Shared Network is because when using the Shared Network configuration, something goes wrong at the point of actually playing the game where the packets being sent to me from Square Enix's Servers in goodness knows where aren't being given to Parallels. I contribute this to the fact that the game is natively run in Windows, and the packets are set up as such. When the Mac gets these, it has no clue what they're for (Parallels states this with Shared Network), and just gets rid of em instead of sending them to Parallels. I could be interpreting that all wrong, and in that case I would love to learn how to set up the Shared Network option properly. It connects to their servers, as I'm able to log in and get all the way to the point of actually loading the data from the game (If you've actually played it, the point where you get a blank screen and ***Downloading Data*** appears). Now for my problem. The Bridged Setting works at home just fine. However, I attend College (hooray!) and of course the college requires a log-in before you can access their internet. Now, I can accomplish this on the Mac side, and can open/use Safari/Firefox with no problems (ok, a little configuration because the school site is kind of whatever, but I get it working). However, when Parallels is started with no changes (Bridged Connection), I get the oh-so-dreadful "Limited or no Connectivity" message and that horrid yellow triangle. Unfortunately, opening IE/Firefox within parallels doesn't give me the option of logging into the school's connection, if that makes any sense (In the Mac, you open Firefox and it automatically logs/takes you to the login page of the school. In the Windows, you would usually do the same, however it just fails to connect). Switching to the Shared Networking connection alleviates this problem, and I can use IE and Firefox fine (note: Without logging in as it's already been established from the Mac side). But I still suffer the problem listed above (Stuck at the point of actually loading the game at the ***Downloading Data*** screen). I came here to ask if anyone might have any suggestions as to how one would go about deciding which connection would ultimately be best for Parallels, and -if- I'm setting it up wrong, how to properly do so. Thanks for your time <3
Are you using Airport at your school or Ethernet when the Bridged Networking does not work? Do you know if your school's network does anything with MAC Addresses? The Shared Networking should work, I know it does at my school. But see above.
Using the Airport. I try as hard as I can to set up Shared Networking but I'm going to give it another shot tomorrow, I might know what the problem is. I'll kick myself for it too...
Feeling pretty silly, but the problems solved and as you stated, I can use Shared Networking and acheive what I am looking for. Everything's working 100% now! And... as usual, kicking myself for not thinking of the solution first. Thanks for your help.
