1st run upgrade to 3.0 can't start XP VM created with Parallels 2.5

I was able to successfully run Parallels 2.5 on my Macbook Pro 2.33 ghz in Tiger with a Windows XP VM. I recently upgraded to Leopard, necessitating Parallels 3.0. Parallels 3.0 installed OK, and no problems updating to build 5582. I want to use my existing XP VM previously used successfully with Parallels 2.5 on Tiger. The Parallels manual states that 3.0 will automatically convert an existing virtual disk to run on the new format used in Parallels 3.0, however when I attempt to run the XP VM, a Windows screen with blue background briefly appears: "A problem has been detected and windows has shut down.." then a black screen appears: "We apologize for the inconvenience, but Windows did not start successfully. A recent hardware or software change might have caused this..."

Windows will not start "normally" or in safe mode. Many repeated attempts to run the VM, always fails.

Short of completely reinstalling a fresh Windows XP VM, all the Windows updates, applications, etc. what's the trick? Nothing I can find in Parallels FAQ or printed manual tells what to do. Apparently the old VM is not automatically upgrading to run on Parallels 3.0. Prior to installing 3.0, I saved a copy of the VM created in 2.5 in case something was corrupted when trying to run it on 3.0

 

I have had a similar problem. OSx ran parallels fine. Once I installed Leopard, the first difficulty was an external hard drive on a USB port was not recognised. Spontaneously, it recognised the drive, but could not access the file paths. Acrobat pro 8, on windows Xp stopped working, then started working. Finally, parallels packed in completely, failing to launch.

I thought I would cut my losses, and reinstall parallels as there was some chat that a fresh install was necessary. After uninstalling and reinstalling parallels, I get a message that the xp/winxp.hdd seems to be not a regular file and cannot be used as a hard disk. I have no idea what this means, far less how to fix it. I am on the verge of ditching parallels, getting a refund, and using bootcamp as I do on my Imac. What a disaster this has been..... Any suggestions before the product hits the bin?

 

I've read more encouraging reviews of VMware Fusion, but after receiving a special offer email from Parallels, I decided to give Parallels 3.0 a try since my earlier 2.5 version is incompatible with Leopard. So far, not good since version 3.0 won't work with my version 2.5 XP virtual machine. My XP VM is on the internal HD of the Macbook, in the user>Library>Parallels folder where it lived in version 2.5.

Barring a fix on this forum, I'll try installing a fresh XP virtual machine, along with all the Windows patches and Windows apps. The thought of paying Parallels for initial support when their product isn't working as advertised is galling.

 

I agree that it is galling. I had thought of a fresh XP installation, but I am concerned I might loose the files on the existing XP VM. There is the hassle of reinstalling numerous programmes, many of which are installation key protected and I need to call for those keys.

I have found the lack of support from parallels truly amazing. Their web site is difficult to navigate, and despite sending a bug report some weeks ago, I have heard nothing. They claim when I try to retrieve a new product key that my email address is not known, despite them having used it previously to send me the key. A pathetic customer service.

I am going to the local mac genius bar today to see if they can breathe life in to parallels. If they give me an answer, I will let you know what it is. Glad to know I am not alone in this problem....

 

Still no further forward. Apple shop not of any help, as it is a third party product, despite me buying an upgrade from them.

Parallels site in USA contacted me and provided me with a long suggestion of what to do. After buying the PD 3 upgrade, and following the instructions, same old problem. I thought of reinstalling windows, but that seems too drastic as I will lose my files on Windows I suspect. I am continuing to try to get help from parallels help, but fear that the matter is now impossible. Going back to using Bootcamp. There is clearly an issue between Leopard and Parallels that cannot be resolved easily. My advice is that anyone with parallels should choose: either upgrade to Leopard and ditch parallels; or forget about the upgrade.

 

Hello,

please try to start Parallels Image Tool. There you should choose your existing virtual hard disk file and convert it to a new format.

Best regards,
Stacey