Snow Leopard's 64-bit Kernel & Parallels Desktop

I currently run a MacPro1,1 and a MacBookPro2,1 neither of which (so I read) are currently compatible with the 64-bit kernel option on the current 10a432 build of Snow Leopard. However, while trying to sort out why that was, I discovered that Parallels uses a number of kexts. Since I am running Leopard (and Parallels 4), these must be 32-bit kexts.

My question is: if the release of Snow Leopard does support the 64-bit kernel on my hardware, or (even better!) I get newer hardware, will I be able to use Parallels? Will I have to reinstall the software, or will there be some smooth transition?

For now, I'm happy with how things are running, but I don't want to perform an upgrade that would break Parallels!

(N.B. This is not a question about running a 64-bit Snow Leopard VM.)

 

64 bits Snow Leopard kernel + current public build of Parallels Desktop == have you asked for a crash? Here it is.

 

Id did work with 10A380 but was broken at 10A411 or somewhere about there. No fix from Parallels yet.

 

Does those machines boot in 32-bit?

I thought those machines boot in 32-bit mode by default for better compatibility?

 

Dear All!

I have a German Parallels installation (Version 4.0.3844) on my Mac Pro early 2009. I recently updated to Snow Leopard and I have checked the System Profiler, the Mac Pro boots in 64Bit mode. I am now having trouble booting the virtual machines and get 2 error messages, which finally hinder the VMs from booting:

1)
"Der Parallels-Treiber kann nicht geladen werden.
Starten Sie Ihren Mac neu und versuchen Sie es noch einmal."

English (as good as I am able):
"Parallels drivers cannot be loaded.
Restart your Mac and try again"

2)
"Die Virtual Machine kann nicht gestartet werden.
Unerwarteter Fehler beim Start der Virtual Machine. Wenden Sie sich an das Support-Team von Parallels, um Unterstützung anzufordern."

English (as good as I am able):
The virtual machine can not be started.
An unexpected failure occured starting the virtual machine. Please contact the Parallels support team in order to request support.

I rebooted my Mac, but no improvment. I also de-installed Parallels and re-installed it, no improvement. Is this a single failure on my machine or is there a lack in snow leopard compatibility of Parallels?

If this a lack, what is the forecast for an update? Is there a workaround (however I do not like to boot my MacPro in 32Bit mode)? I am desperately looking for any kind of advice/hint, unfortunately I need the VM in order to get my things done....

Cheers,

Werner

 

So far I'd recommend to boot to the 32bit Snow Leopard. Just hold keys 3 and 2 while booting or execute in /Application/Utilities/Terminal the command

sudo nvram boot-args="arch=i386"

(and to return to 64bit - sudo nvram boot-args="arch=x86_64")

 

When will there be an updated version of parallels available, then?

 

Having the same problem, it's not a solution.

I'm running snow leopard in 64bits, and don't want to run it on 32bits, because of parallels...

We need an update or a patch ASAP, currently working in a production mode for a big company, we can't accept it..

Yann

 

i found a utily that can easy switch 32 or 64 Bit and show you (on LEO) show only the possiblty of your Machine,changing is only possible on SL. Das Programm gibts auch auf Deutsch !
Startup Mode Selector
http://www.ahatfullofsky.comuv.com/English/Programs/SMS/SMS.html

DEUTSCH:
http://www.ahatfullofsky.comuv.com/Deutsch/Programme/SMS/SMS.html

My mac pro 2008 is full 64 capable, Sl ready here to install. At the moment i am on Leo.

Sincerly from Switzerland

hanspeter

 

The new build 3846 of Parallels Desktop 4, available from the download/trial page and probably soon from the auto-update mechanism, seems to **fix** that issue. Give it a try.

 

Build 3846 with 64bit kernel support is available:

http://forum.parallels.com/showpost.php?p=381975&postcount=1

 

Where from the need to run the 64bit kernel? By defaulting to 32bits on non-server hardware Apple recommends running 32bits kernels at present; probably untill enough / all drivers & extensions are 64bits.

Just curious

 

Thanks !

Thanks for this update ! Today is bank holiday in the UK I'll install the update for tomorrow