Virtual Machine Can't start ERROR

Discussion in 'Windows Virtual Machine' started by Mark Campbell, Apr 13, 2009.

  1. Mark Campbell

    Mark Campbell Bit poster

    Messages:
    3
    Whenever I try to start the virtual machine it hangs up stating the following error:
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    Virtual machine cannot be started because of the following problem:

    Parallels Desktop is unable to access the virtual hard disk image file /Users/mcampbell/Documents/Parallels/Microsoft Windows XP/winxp.hdd. The file is used by other application.
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    This is after the machine has been rebooted without any applications running, any ideas out there?

    Kindly,
     
  2. desgael

    desgael Pro

    Messages:
    344
    1. First of all, repair disk permissions on the Mac: open Finder -> Applications -> Utilities -> Disk Utility, select Macintosh HD and click on "Repair disk permissions".

    2. In the virtual machine folder (Users/<username>/Documents/Parallels/<VM_name>) delete .mem and .sav files if they are present.

    3. Backup the virtual machine and try the following article: http://kb.parallels.com/en/4680
     
  3. Mark Campbell

    Mark Campbell Bit poster

    Messages:
    3
    I tried what was offered up to the point of erasing the file which I saw with the mem extension. I then tried to copy the image named winxp.hdd 113.94 gigs to an external USB drive for backkup and am then given the message:
    Sorry, the operation could not be completed because an unexpected error occured. (Error code 0)
    Their is not enough disk space other wise to duplicated it upon the same drive for backup before proceeding.
     
  4. Mark Campbell

    Mark Campbell Bit poster

    Messages:
    3
    .... Any feedback on moving forward with this?
     
  5. desgael

    desgael Pro

    Messages:
    344
    It is not that important where would you store the virtual machine hard disk. i.e. you can as well save winxp.hdd anywhere on the Mac's hard disk.
    Also, it might be useful to run disk permissions repair: Finder -> Applications -> Utilities -> Disk Utility.
     

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