Parallels

Resolution

Note:

1. In case of Windows Vista please follow How to repair Windows Vista installation article.

2. Windows XP Installation CD being used during repair should have the same Service Pack level as in Guest OS, otherwise you can corrupt your system. Please read the article http://kb.parallels.com/en/5446 how to slipstream service pack into Windows installation files and burn new Windows XP Installation CD.

For Windows XP virtual machine that uses a virtual hard disk:

1. Open the virtual machine configuration.


2. Click the CD/DVD-ROM option to open its settings.


3. Make sure that "Emulation" is set to "Use CD/DVD-ROM".


4. Click the "Options" menu on the left side of Configuration Editor.


5. Choose the "Booting" tab and set "Boot Sequence" to "CD-ROM, Hard Disk, Floppy".


6. Click "OK" to close Configuration Editor.


7. Insert Windows XP installation disk into your Mac CD/DVD drive.


8. Start the virtual machine.


9. Windows should ask you to press any key to boot from the CD - click inside the VM window to capture input and press any key.


10. Windows Setup should start loading, wait till it loads completely then press Enter (Return) key.


11. Press F8 (or Fn+F8 on the Macbook keyboard) to accept Windows License Agreement.


12. Now Windows should scan your VM for the exisitng Windows installation - wait till it finishes and choose to repair existing installation.


13. Wait for the repair operation to finish.


14. Try starting Windows again. Re-install Parallels Tools.
    

 

For virtual machine that uses Boot Camp partition as a hard disk (Parallels Desktop for Mac only):

1. Launch Macintosh HD - Applications - Utilities - Boot Camp Assistant.


2. Choose to "Start Windows Installation".


3. Insert Windows Installation Disk into your Mac CD/DVD Drive and restart the Mac.


4. When prompted press any key to boot from the Windows CD.


5. Windows Setup should start loading, wait till it loads completely then press Enter (Return) key.


6. Press F8 to accept Windows License Agreement.


7. Now Windows should scan your VM for the existing Windows installation - wait for it to finish and choose to repair existing installation.


8. Wait till the repair operation finishes.


9. Start Windows in the Virtual Machine in order to re-install Parallels Tools.
   

Additional information

Troubleshooting:

 

Problems during the repair procedure (corrupted files, unable to copy file):

- clean your Windows installation disk with some soft cloth, make sure there are no scratches on its surface.

 

Windows Setup can not find any existing Windows installation and prompts to install Windows:

- it means your system is seriously damaged and repair is impossible. Windows re-installation is recommended in this case. Please mind that it may lead to the loss of data on the Windows disk.