Parallels Desktop Build 3188 (#2): Problems starting up/installing update: Fix

We continue to report on an issue where the Parallels Desktop 3188 update fails to properly install, or the virtual machine fails to properly startup after installation of the update.

In many cases, users are told they need to re-install the Parallels VM tools. During the re-installation process, the system freezes and does not recover. Subsequent attempts to start the virtual machine fail.

MacFixIt reader David offers a case example:

"I have a fairly standard Mac Pro running Mac OS X 10.4.9 and I have been unable to get Build 3188 to install. Like other readers,  when I install the boot process starts as per normal and I then end up with a black screen. I have attempted the install 4 times and get the same result each time, necessitating me to remove 3188 and revert back to build 1970, which works just fine. Clearly there is something broken in this release."

Bob Guthrie offers another:

"I tried to install Parallels 3188 and the process stalls with a DOS black screen with white letters, saying to 'reinsert the disk' to continue the installation. It does not tell the user what disk must be inserted, but when I tried my Windows XP Home edition, I got nowhere. I had to eventually hold down the start key for the usual six seconds to shut down. When I rebooted I went right back to where I was and wound up again holding down the start key."

Fix

In many cases, using the following process to apply the Parallels Desktop Build 3188 update will result in proper installation and ability to startup the virtual machine:

1. If you have already attempted installation of Parallels Desktop Build 3188 and it has failed, uninstall the program using the included uninstall tool and install an older, stable build.
2. Download the Parallels Desktop Build 3188 update but do not install it
3. Launch the stable version of Parallels
4. Start the Windows virtual machine
5. Once Windows has booted, uninstall the Parallels tools by going to the Start menu, then to the Control Panel, then "Add/Remove Programs." Select "Parallels Tools" and click remove.
6. Restart Windows (this should happen automatically)
7. Shutdown Windows and quit Parallels
8. Install the Parallels Desktop Build 3188 update
9. In Mac OS X, navigate to /Library/Parallels/Tools (Note that this is the top level library not the one under home directory."
10. Mount the VMtools.iso disk image by double clicking it
11. Burn the contents of this disk image to a CD (This can be accomplished using either Toast of Apple's Disk Utility. Formatting should be ISO 9660)
12. Leave the burned disc in the optical media drive.
13. Launch Parallels
14. Start the Windows virtual machine (note that since the Parallels Tools are not installed you need to click within the Parallels window to perform operations in Windows)
15. Navigate to "My Computer" in Windows
16. Launch the Parallels Tools setup disc you burned (generally drive D:)
17. Follow the on-screen instructions.
18. Restart the Windows virtual machine.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• Parallels Desktop Build 3188: Problems starting up

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