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Virtual PC 7.0.2 (#3): Kernel panics
Kernel panics Users continue to report severe kernel panic issues with Virtual PC 7.0.2. MacFixIt reader Mike Stimpson has one of the more detailed accounts:
"I problems running 7.0.1 on Tiger, other than the annoying, but mostly trivial error about 'Virtual Switch' being disabled at launch. Since upgrading to 7.0.2, however, I can only run Virtual PC for about 15-20 minutes maximum without experiencing a system-wide kernel panic. On three separate occasions, the kernel panic was severe enough to require a complete reinstall of the Windows XP software (Virtual PC itself did not require a reinstall, although I've tried that too).
"Many other users have experienced similar problems, as are documented on numerous Mac Support websites, as well as the poor reviews this version has received on your sister site, Version Tracker. Despite many complaints that have surfaced ever since the version's June release, Microsoft continues to advise its Mac users to upgrade to this highly unstable version, making no mention of users' common kernel panic experiences.
"The only update that can be downloaded from Mactopia currently is 7.0.2; however, I did manage to locate 7.0.1 on a mirror site and downloaded it. I then attempted a reinstall of 7.0.1 over the top of 7.0.2. The install appeared to have worked fine, but when I relaunched VPC, the version still said '7.0.2'."
As previously noted, this problem may be resolved by creating a new emulated PC with Virtual PC using the same disk image as before so that data is retained.
If you are experiencing seemingly inexorable kernel panics with Virtual PC 7.0.2, please let us know.
Previous coverage: Resources
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lots of noise when running VPC 7.02. Fans rev up etc. (even when VPC is not
doing anything but sitting there).
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iMac G5, 17", 1.8 GHz, 1GB RAM
PowerBook G4, 12", 1.5 GHz, 768 MB RAM
Both OS 10.4.2
I am certainly experiencing this problem. Happens almost daily. I
run VPC 7.0.2 on OS X.4.2. It occurs on two MDD Dual Processor Macs, one
with 1.25GB SDRAM, and the other with 2GB SDRAM. I've checked all RAM
with Memtest, have repaired permissions, checked the disks, etc.
I believe the KPs occur mainly when switching between VPC and another
application. It might help to reduce memory usage in general perhaps by
quitting programs like Photoshop (? - not sure about this)
I have also noticed that Disk Utility now "sees" a drive called "BaseDrive.vhd"
which I don't believe was there before 7.0.2 (I could be wrong about this).
Interestingly, two G5 iMacs here, also running VPC 7.0.2, have not experienced this problem.
I have a Dual 867MHz PowerPC G4 (running Mac OS X 10.4.2 with all the
latest updates) and have experienced the kernel panics attributed to the 7.0.2
upgrade. I have read most of the posts here and am now seriously wondering
if this problem with kernel panics after the 7.0.2 upgrade only affects G4
computers. Postings indicating G5 computers do not seem to be affected.
I also make reference to a posting by Vendor (posted on Sunday, September
04 2005 @ 03:07 PM PDT).
"I had this problem too, then I cut the memory allocation from the guest
machine down to 256M. It's been stable since then."
This may help explain why I was having the kernel panics only when I
launched my Windows XP container (set for 384M of RAM) and not my
Windows 98 container (set for 256M of RAM).
I have yet to test the new Windows XP configuration. I ended up uninstalling
Virtual PC 7 and reinstalling up to the 7.0.1 upgrade, which has been quite
stable. Not a single kernel panic to this point.
If I can confirm that Vendor's suggestion actually works I may just get brave
enough to reinstall the 7.0.2 upgrade and leave the RAM setting at 256M.
Those kernel panics can be quite scary. One of the kernel panics did take
down my Windows XP configuration, but fortunately that was easily replaced
with a backup copy.
Any comments would be appreciated.
Hmm, certainly makes sense. Indeed, so far, at least that I've read about, all
reports of KPs w/ VPC 7.0.2 are indeed on G4s.
I would be very curious if reallocating only 256M of RAM solves the problem
with 7.0.2. Having reinstalled 7.0.1, and working again without problem, (so
far), I'm relectant to try..
I'm running the latest Apple Tiger release on a G4 Powerbook with 1.5 Gigs of real RAM. Virtual PC is configured to give the virtual machine 256 Megs of RAM. Virtual PC version is 7.0.2. I have now twice lost my hard disk image (so corrupted it won't boot to Windows) thanks to this bug, not to mention just bringing down all my other Macintosh applications.
I'm glad to see that I'm not going insane, but now I get to go insane by calling Microsoft and going in circles. It sounds like 7.0.1 is the lesser of two evils...
Best,
Martin
- by Cowicide October 1, 2005 10:50 AM PDT
- So glad Microsoft bought Connectix out and ruined VPC. Wonderful... : (
- Like this Reply to this comment
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