Parallels USB Problem

[Mara]

I have a problem with my new MBP using winXP with Parallels. I am using this combination since nearly one year on my macbook without having severe problems. Now I switched to a MBP and transferred my installation with the help of the migration assistant in Mac OSX. It runs quite well, all my data including the Parallels datas are on my new maschine. I had to reinstall Parallels because the virtual partition was not found, after doing it all applications in winXP could be used without having to set up the XP installation again.
Now my problem: all USB devices cannot connect to the virtual maschine:

" USB Device you are trying to connect to the virtual maschine in being used by another application. Close that app. or unplug the device aand plug it again. Then try to connect the device again."

USB problems because of using winXP on another maschine???

I need winXP for my office (banking, personal managment)

Is there anyone who can help?


(I hope you can understand me, my english lessons at school are long ago)

[Ankou]

Hello Mara
Please provide more information about your system, what USB devices are you using?

[Mara]

Well, I am using an Epson printer aculaser c1100 and a USB pinpad (cyberjack, reiner sct) for my HBCI banking software.
When I plug the devices to my MBP the failure is coming up, no matter if I turn the automatic Usb device installiion on or off.

[hilmartor]

Ankou,

Can you answer this as well:

Hi
I have been using Parallels for some time but I have some bugs that I cannot fix, I cannot hook up some USB devices. When I try to connect my Epson R1800 printer, the ISIGHT camera, my Dymo label 400 turbo printer and some other USB devices Parallels simply hangs. It starts by the screen freezes and I cannot do nothing (Parallels window), I can still use Parallels but I cannot use the XP side since the screen is simply frozen. This happens when I try to hook up USB devices that I need. In a few minutes the fan goes full speed and I have to force close Parallels.

I installed VMWARE this weekend and it works better. it locates the USB devices and I can actually set the up and use them. But I feel that Parallels is faster and I like the program some what better.

Is there anyone who can help me. I have bought both the older Parallels (a long time costumer) and upgraded to the new V 3.0.

Please advice so I can go back to Parallels.

-Hilmar

[Ankou]

To Mara and hilmartor:
What build of Parallels are you running?
To hilmartor:
maybe this thread can help you with isight:
http://forum.parallels.com/thread10334.html

[hilmartor]

I am running Mac Os 10.4.9 and Parallels 3.0 (4128)

I cannot use the thread since Parallels hangs before I can install the USB drivers. It happens as soon as I try to connect to the USB devices.

[Mara]

I am running 3188, but I tried the new 3.0 trial version today; it' s all the same whatever I do. I have the new MBP Santa Rosa, is there a USB problem known? My old MB CD 2.0 was running fine without a single problem.

[Mara]

I'm still trying to get my USB Ports working, but no result up to now, no device (isight, printer etc.) can be connected to the VM!

I tried the new 3.0, with no success

Is there a problem known with the new MBP?? Other specifications?

I tried today the VMware fusion beta, I could conect the printer to the VM but trying to print a test page ends up in a system crash?!

I have to work with the windows apps. there is no alternative, I need it for my office!
What can I do??

[hbg]

Mara, I am getting exactly the same problem also with a brand new MacBook Pro and with version 3.0 on a USB printer with a Lexmark T522 Laser printer.

[samuel]

Same problem here. Just updated Parallels and now any USB device will not connect because it says another application is using it...please help. Thank you.

[phantomo]

Similar problem here, got the exact same message that another application is using that USB device. Actually, this started to happen after the Tiger 10.4.10 update.

I am trying to Hotsync my Palm TX on the MacBook Pro with Parallels 2.5 Build 3212. When I plug in the Palm to the MBP using a USB Cable, that message started to appear and I know I don't have other application running that will take over the Palm.

[mschool]

I just realized that I'm having the same problem as well, because iSight was working with Parallels 3188 build, and I just noticed that since upgrading to Mac OS X: 10.4.10, as well as the other posters here, that the USB issue is back.

USB connectivity problem with Garmin iQue -"The selected port, COM1 is not available"
Mac OS X: 10.4.10
Parallels Build 3212
HW: iMac Intel Dual Core with 2GB of Ram

Windows Guest OS is XP Pro
Parallels is configured with 1GB of Ram

The device I'm having problems with is a Garmin iQue 3600. It is a Palm device with GPS.

When I attempt to sync the Garmin with Hot Sync Manager, XP error window tells me:
The selected port, COM1, is not available at this time. HotSync Manager will open the port when it becomes available.

Parallels error window tells me:
USB device you are trying to connect to the virtual machine is being used by another application. Close that application or unplug the device and plug it again. Then try to connect the device again.

Well, of course I have tried all that. Re-started the Garmin. Checked to see if Parallels would recognize USB flash drives. They work. But I seem to be in a loop with the Garmin.

Anybody know the solution?

[reachscott]

After loading build 3212, I can no longer access any USB devices -- I get the same message:

USB device you are trying to connect to the virtual machine is being used by another application. Close that application or unplug the device and plug it again. Then try to connect the device again.

I've tried everything I can think of to get around this problem. This problem existed in one of the older Parallels version and was fixed with an update.

Seems like the new build has caused a new problem!

Help!!!!

Scott

[reachscott]

Just saw the USB issues with the Mac OSX 10.4.10 update (which I loaded) and Parallels 2.5 (including build 3212). So, we must wait for a new Parallels update/build to fix the USB problem. I understand that the update will be out in the next few days???

Scott

[mac2pc]

Greetings to all here. I'm new Macs in general, and have been using Parallels with my Mini as a crutch. I can't seem to fully let Windows go. Anyhow, I haven't really had any issues with Parallels up until now. I've read the previous posts and I think I have a similar issue with a USB device no longer working.

I think I have also traced the problem to when I installed the Apple update. Nothing else has changed. I'm running Mac OS 10.4.10 and Parallels 3212. The USB device in question for me is a GPS receiver, a BU353 from Globalstat. I get the same message in Parallels that the device is being used by another program or whatever.

Here is what I think some may find interesting, when I reload the Win XP drivers for the BU353, and reboot the virtual machine as instructed, VOILA! The BU353 works in the virtual machine again. Unfortunately, when I shut down and then power up the Mini and bring back Parallels, I get the same problem that can be "fixed" by reloading the driver for my device and rebooting the virtual machine.

I hope this temporary workaround helps others. But more importantly, I hope that this helps the developers or at least points them in the right direction.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that I did also try to reinstall Parallels Tools. But that doesn't change anything, only the re-installation of the Windows driver in the virtual machine works for me.

[chadrichards]

I just switched from a pc to a mac. However at school we still use pc's and some programs that are not available in mac format. I am trying to use a thumb drive so I can do school work at home. My problem is a little different i believe. When i plug in my thumb drive i can go into parralels and see the drive, when i select it to allow windows to use it. I get an error message that new hardware was found. I can not get the usb controller driver to load. Any suggestions?

[dkp]

I just switched from a pc to a mac. However at school we still use pc's and some programs that are not available in mac format. I am trying to use a thumb drive so I can do school work at home. My problem is a little different i believe. When i plug in my thumb drive i can go into parralels and see the drive, when i select it to allow windows to use it. I get an error message that new hardware was found. I can not get the usb controller driver to load. Any suggestions?

You have to first eject the thumb drive from your Mac so that Windows has exclusive control of it. After the Mac is disconnected from the drive you can use the Parallels menu "Devices -> USB -> device name" to attach to it.

[chadrichards]

dkp,
I have done that however, windows will come up with new hardware found usb device. Then it starts looking for a device driver and can not find it. Could this possibly be a windows issue, i have tried getting the driver off of the windows cd but no success. Any more suggestions, thanks.

[dkp]

dkp,
I have done that however, windows will come up with new hardware found usb device. Then it starts looking for a device driver and can not find it. Could this possibly be a windows issue, i have tried getting the driver off of the windows cd but no success. Any more suggestions, thanks.

I don't know, Chad - that's a problem I can't reproduce. The usual suggestion is to re-install Parallels Tools, though.

[chadrichards]

Well I re-installed the parallels tools and now I have the exact same problem with the error message. If anyone comes up with a solution that would be extremely helpful.

[dkp]

Well I re-installed the parallels tools and now I have the exact same problem with the error message. If anyone comes up with a solution that would be extremely helpful.

When you install the Parallels tools does it end by rebooting Windows?

[chadrichards]

yes it does

[dkp]

I absolutely cannot reproduce that error. It will be interesting to know what the solution is for this problem. I've read posts where similar things happen when folks have manually installed drivers that overwrite the ones that Parallels has already replaced. Parallels has had to jump through some hoops to get all this to work and if any of their installation file set has been replaced I can see where some weirdness will follow.

One of the gripes I've had with Windows is that installers can replace components of Windows that other applications depend on. Maybe it's time for Windows to allow the equivalent of /usr/local found in Unix systems :)

[Purplish]

Chad,
Is your internet connection working from the VM?
Also, when you get the "New Hardware Found" message, give it at least 15 minutes to find and install the driver. This is only a problem the first time through.

[chadrichards]

dkp, well i have upgraded to paralles 3212 and now i am getting the error that the usb devie you are trying to use is in use by another device or something to that degree. i think i am falling into the category that many others are complaining about now.

purplish,
yes my internet connection is working through vm. I will try that. There is one thing that I should probably mention. I have not done any patches to the windows operating system for the reason that i went to a mac. I do not want to upgrade to service pack 2 since i do not want big bill to be watching.

[Mara]

With the new update, the problem is solved. Thank you for your support!

In my case it's a bit different, my problem appeared with Mac OSX 10.4.9 on my new MBP 2.2! So, it's not only the new 10.4.10 responsible.

[burtd]

I have the same problem using a flash drive. Has anyone discovered a solutin yet?

[fidosg]

Sounds like I'm in the same boat, all working well, 30 mins ago, I updated my mac software to 10.4.10 and immediately I get the same "USB device...... is being used by another machine...."

Also for flash drives....

Does anyone have an answer to this?
Looks like someone does:
http://forum.parallels.com/showthread.php?t=13580&highlight=upgrade

Just upgraded to the 3214 build and USB is back up - Good job!

[LDF]

I had exactly the same problem, just after I moved my entire configuration from a MacBook to a MacBookPro through the nice transfer procedure through a firewire Apple provides.

What I tried that didn't work:
- I plugged and unplugged several times
- I closed the application that used the USB
- I deleted the USB device and reinstalled it (in the device menu)
- I upgraded Parallels (3188 -> 3214)

What I did that (probably) worked (may in connection with the last action above)
- I restarted Windows XP (may be the Mac OS, but I don't think so)

No problem since, my barcode reader and my camera are accepted again.

Hope it helps, sorry for the incertitude.

[Mara]

as I wrote in another thread my problems still there:

I' m still having a problem with my cardreader (reiner SCT for online banking, with hbci card). All USB devices work fine since I updated parallels, except this device.
For me it's the only reason for using win XP on my Mac (business apps. banking and personal managment, for both apps. I've to be able to use the smartcard (banking card reader) and still I'm getting the same problems:

" USB Device you are trying to connect to the virtual maschine in being used by another application. Close that app. or unplug the device aand plug it again. Then try to connect the device again."

HELP!

How can I find out which app. is using the device?

[volli]

Same problem as Mara

I'm using Parallels 3.0 latest update on an IMAC 20" with Intel.
I can only use my homebanking after about 20 tries to connect the usb device.

Somehow it works after about 20 tries. I have to do this every time.

Does anyone have a solution to this problem ?

Thanks
Andy

[psp777]

I too am having USB problems here.

I am unable to connect to my Line 6 tone port kb37 for audio. The device is unselectable greyed out when I use the utility "Line 6 monkey" to update the usb firmware and flash memory for the device in order for it to work.

It works fine under bootcamp but not parallels.

Line 6 says they dont offer support for virtual device programs so i am hoping parallels gets their usb issues fixed


Macbook pro intel core 2 dou
windows xp
All latest updates

[chadrichards]

Well I two am having a bit of a problem even after the upgrade. Even though my error message went away now it seems that I do not have the usb drivers installed in windows xp. I did re-install the parallels tools and that did not help. Can anyone tell me where the driver comes from. Does it come from windows xp or from parrallels? Is it a generic driver that I can get off another windows machine and put into parallels or is it something that is virtually run that parallels has to run. Any help would be appreciated.

[psp777]

@chadrichards
you make a good comment about the usb device itself. Can this be isolated and updated seperately? From a 3rd party?

From my experience it is clear that all usb works under mac os of course...

All usb works under bootcamp (at least my devices)

So what is missing as far as the usb in relation to Parallels desktop? Where is the device driver?can it be isolated, switched, altered etc...?

[mjuchter]

Since there have been firsts, seconds, thirds, and beyonds, we'll call this an "eleventh." I can't pin down exactly when it started, but the majority of my USB devices are now unusable in Parallels. Each time I try I get the message about the device being in use by one of my Macintosh applications... Even when Parallels is the only thing running on my system!

I did check the programs that launch at startup, and none of them should be using, say, my printer/scanner combo (EPSON).

I really need to access several USB devices under Windows so, for now, Parallels has become useless. Consider this another plea for a fix!

[Pmoscoso]

Unable to connect my MacBook Pro with Parallels 3214 to my Garmin GPS 278C. Before upgrading I was able to connect. The only reason I bought this software was to use this device with my Mac. I am very dissappointed.:(

[davetroup]

I was having the exact same problem with my Garmin 396, and I just accidentally found a workaround. I had tried plugging it into the left-hand USB slot on the keyboard, as well as directly into my Mac. Both failed with the "device is being used by another application" error. Then, just for the heck of it, I plugged it into the OTHER USB slot on the keyboard. To my surprise, it works! It doesn't make sense to me, but it works. So try different USB slots, perhaps it will work for you too.

[Sumleilmus]

I was already running Moc OS 10.4.10 when I installed PD build 3188.

I always get the message about another program using my USB device.

Even though I set the PD prefs to autodetect USB devices, the Palm does not show up in the Device menu, and Windows XP can't find it to install it.

I hope they fix this soon.

The only reason I bought the software was for my Palm.

[dkp]

They did fix it. You need to use the Update option in Parallels's Help menu and download build 3214. It was released to correct the problem introduced by Apple with 10.4.10.

[Sumleilmus]

Thank you.

I had actually attempted using Parallels update as you suggest, but it took so long for the progress bar to show any activity at all that I foolishly abandoned the search.

It's downloading now.

[bobk]

Good day,
First post and I am hoping this is the thread I need. I recently upgraded to 3.0 and now my mbpro cannot log into Windows XP because the ctrl/alt/delete keys will not work except with a usb mac desktop keyboard. Hopefully, a common, easy fix is available?

[legacyfarm]

Hi,
Well I guess I don't have to type my problem out now. It is EXACTLY the same problem, I have. EXACTLY! I even uninstalled the 3.0 and put the last version thinking it would work. No soap. I got windows and parralles for my Mac Book Pro just so I could use my iQue 3600 and download the stupid maps. Geez Louise. I guess I'll have to go to a friends house on thier PC and do it. I'm ready to give up. I hate WIndows. Took me over 5 hours to get it up and running. And it really slows down my Mac Book Pro and freezes it too.
What is all the press about if we are all having the same issues with this thing not working?? Please if anyone has a fix please post it. I need to use my GPS because I get lost in the rural area of NE Iowa I live in.
Cheers,
Katy:confused:

I just realized that I'm having the same problem as well, because iSight was working with Parallels 3188 build, and I just noticed that since upgrading to Mac OS X: 10.4.10, as well as the other posters here, that the USB issue is back.

USB connectivity problem with Garmin iQue -"The selected port, COM1 is not available"
Mac OS X: 10.4.10
Parallels Build 3212
HW: iMac Intel Dual Core with 2GB of Ram

Windows Guest OS is XP Pro
Parallels is configured with 1GB of Ram

The device I'm having problems with is a Garmin iQue 3600. It is a Palm device with GPS.

When I attempt to sync the Garmin with Hot Sync Manager, XP error window tells me:
The selected port, COM1, is not available at this time. HotSync Manager will open the port when it becomes available.

Parallels error window tells me:
USB device you are trying to connect to the virtual machine is being used by another application. Close that application or unplug the device and plug it again. Then try to connect the device again.

Well, of course I have tried all that. Re-started the Garmin. Checked to see if Parallels would recognize USB flash drives. They work. But I seem to be in a loop with the Garmin.

Anybody know the solution?

[Juliet]

I am having the same exact issue, however, Parallels no longer sees my HP Printer.... after I upgraded to 3.0 - anyone having that issue???? It only sees my Apple devices, like keyboard, mouse, etc.....

[Farid]

hey,

i have the same problem with paralles 2.5 build 3188. when i try and plug my GPS into the USB i get that error and don't know what to do.

[rklutts]

I too have had the same problem of Windows telling me that the usb device is in use by another application since using version 2.5. Same problem with 3.0. I sometimes got it to work but don't know why it worked once in a while.

Ron

[Ankou]

Hello Farid
You have to update you Parallels Desktop to build 3214
go to Help->Check for updates
or use this (http://download.parallels.com/GA/Parallels%20Desktop%203214%20Mac%20en.dmg) link

[w7ox]

There is another thread (one message) which purports to have a solution here:

http://forums.parallels.com/thread14141.html

Phil

[Pmoscoso]

Tried that fix and still got the same old message that there is another application using the USB port. I am using Parallels 3.0 with Windows Vista instead of XP.
Pedro:mad:

[Pmoscoso]

I found a solution:D Get rid of Parallels and move to VMware Fusion. No USB issues, very fast and no black screens.
Pedro:)

[markand]

I'm having this same problem and none of the above fixes worked.

Parallels 3.0 build 3214
Mac OSX 10.4.10

As with others, everything was working fine until upgrading to 3.0

[HHiller]

Ankou,

You saved my computer life yesterday with the link to 3214. I have spent several terrible wks tring to deal with USB issues, & am now cured. Had read about 3214 before, but was unable to find it on the website.

Now if you can advise me how to get a refund re 3.0 purchase last mo, which I did before I realized that I had purchased 1 yr free upgrades Xmas '06.
I have heard that I should receive a free 3.0 upgrade, but that has not materialized. Have Emailed Parallels & the blog, to no avail.
Any ideas?

Herb Hiller

[Kazzi]

Same issues here too. Parallels 3.0 build 4560 on an intel core duo iMac at 10.4.10.

It worked once and then I get the same error about the device being used by something else. The device is a TomTom 910.

I upgraded to version 3.0 in the hope to fix this issue.

[rinconj]

Before a recent update to Parallels 4560 and migrating my work from a MacBook to a MacBook Pro, I've been using Parallels to run TI's CCS( code composer studio) over win XP and control a dsk6455 through USB. On earlier combinations, once in a while the USB device could get disconneced, but I could always reconnect the device through CCS in win XP.

On 4560 however, once CCS can't access USB device , forcing it to reconnect again will cause it to hang. The only way to make CCS see the device again is disconnect and connect it again through Parallels' devices -> USB menu.

So apparently 4560 is having problem maintaining a USB connection.

[rinconj]

It appears my USB problem has something to do with an external firewire/usb drive that parallels VMs are stored. When I just had that recent 4560 update, that external drive was connected through USB and therefore compete with parallels' USB bandwidth. Now the external drive is connected through firewire link and it seems to be much more reliable now.

[stevefinlay]

Hi

I get this message when connecting my USB device.

USB Device you are trying to connect to the virtual maschine in being used by another application. Close that app. or unplug the device and plug it again. Then try to connect the device again."

I am using a Smarthome Powerlinc V2 USB 2414U. This was working perfectly in parallels until I upgraded to OSX 10.4.1. I have upgraded to build 3214, but still no joy.
I have tried everything suggested on the FAQ and forums i could find, including turning off auto detect USB device etc.etc.....

[dazman]

Hi,

I also have the same problem. Everything was working perfectly until OS X decided to upgrade to 10.4.10. Now USB does not work !!!!!!!!!

I don't really want to upgrade my Parellels version because I don't understand anything about it and I'm worried about my data. However if they know the issue with 10.4.10 (8R2232) I'll give it a go

[stevefinlay]

I was able to solve the problem by doing a reapir permissions then uninstalling parallels, doing a reapir permissions again and re installing version 3214, including installing the tools.. There is a thread about this on the forum which gives you detailed instructions on how to uninstall and re install. All USB problems were resolved for me.

[dazman]

http://forum.parallels.com/archive/index.php/t-13585.html

This is scary - I'm playing with the virtual disk image (which I completly don't understand) to just fix a USB problem. Can Parallels not work with the Mac OX10.4.1 image and just provide a patch to give us USB back!

[moeremans]

Hi Folks, got the same problem with a USB SMART CARD READER...... Parallels 3 4560 MAC OS X 10.4.10

[jtodd]

I, too, have this problem. I'm just trying to connect a simple USB-to-DB9 serial adaptor so that I can talk to equipment whose makers supply Windows-only programs for machine control.

I have never had good luck with any version of PC software on Macs for this purpose, and this problem now really just tells me I should abandon any type of Mac-based applications that try to run Windows unless I'm just running "solitaire" or "minesweeper".

I've tried the tricks in other threads - no luck. I've killed every possible app on MacOS that might talk with the serial port, but still no luck. Zterm.app talks just fine to the serial port, so why not Parallels? Frustrating.

JT