Parallels tools issue

Is there any way possible to access Parallels tools one at a time? The tools are keeping me from using Adobe Illustrator in my Creative Suite Design Premium. I have installed Parallels on my new iMac with Windows XP so I can use my CS3 for windows but the tools keep Illustrator from launching. We have come to the conclusion that the tools are closing portals that allow Illustrator to connect with Adobe. It apparently is interfering with the Flexnet licensing. When we un-install the tools Illustrator will launch but other graphic features cease to work, for example, you can no longer expand the window, all you get is a tiny window. The mouse ceases to work within the window as well.

 

Yes, you could open up msconfig in Windows. I've turned off most of the Parallels tools (Parallels Coherence Service, Parallels Tools Service, Parallels Desktop / Server Switch) and only keep the Parallels Control Center - the Control Center allows things like copy & paste between Mac and Windows.

However, this could also be a network issue... you may want to check how your VM is connected to the Mac. Is it Bridged or Shared Networking? Is the DHCP server enabled in the Parallels setting? I suggest you play with these settings before you start disabling some of the tools. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the response. I will try what you have suggested. So you use the method you suggested on your system and you don't lose any functionality of the features as I mentioned in my post?

 

It depends on what features you want to retain. I run my VM in full screen. I can still run it in a window. But I can't use the Coherence mode (nor Crystal) since I turned off the coherence service in Windows. Since I want to enjoy Windows in all its glory I don't need to run Windows programs in Coherence.

Parallels tools also contains a bunch of drivers like the sound driver, the graphics driver (which will allow you to size the VM's monitor resolution to pretty much anything you want, including full screen), mouse driver, network card driver etc. Many of the basic functions that Parallels provides, such as copy & paste between Mac and Windows, keyboard mapping, mouse integration etc. are governed by the Parallels Control Center that runs in Windows; if you want Mac-Windows integration (such as copy and paste) you should not prevent that program (prl_cc.exe) from loading at Windows startup.

What exactly happens when Illustrator won't start? Have you tried other options such as changing your VM's network settings?

 

First of all, I am not a computer whiz so if my ignorance shows, forgive me. I am letting my bro figure all this crap out because he is in school for computer engineering but we both are new to the mac operating system but we are learning. I am a graphic designer so I stick to using the software not dissecting it. Everything I have posted so far is what we have figured out through trial and error and asking questions on the internet, just haven't figured out a way around the problem.

Ok, what happens when I launch Illustrator, it immediately crashes with the message: Adobe CS3 Illustrator has encountered a problem and needs to close. Sorry for the inconvenience" and then you are asked to send an error report. The error is faulting application illustrator.exe, faulting module something.dll and so on. But like I said, Illustrator is the only program in the suite that doesn't work, every other program does, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, etc. When we uninstall the tools, it launches but with other things not working like I mentioned.

Also, what exactly is Bootcamp? Is it something we need to mess with in order to have CS3 to function properly? I have read some other forums and it seems to be something that is very delicate and must be done correctly or you could mess your computer up. Again, not really sure what it is.

 

I've so far not heard of any of the CS3 programs not working in Parallels. Odd. Do you get internet access with your VM?

BootCamp is Apple's way of allowing you to use Windows on your Mac. I haven't ever used it. However, I don't think it's particularly delicate; you can read the instructions for setting it up on apple.com. Essentially you'll provide some space on your hard drive for Windows, install some drivers specific to the Mac hardware, and then you can select on restart whether you want to run your Mac as a Mac or as a Windows machine. Then your Mac will be running Windows natively. The disadvantage is that you won't be able to access your Mac programs since you're running Windows (which is what Parallels allows you to do).

However, you can set up your Parallels VM in a way that it uses your BootCamp partition. In this way you can use Windows "natively" - i.e. via BootCamp - *and also* concurrently with your Mac programs - via Parallels.

 

Ok, thanks, I get it now. I do have internet access on my VM. Do you think that is an issue? Me and my bro are going to work on your suggestions today and see if we get anywhere. I will keep you posted. I think if he can not figure it out, I guess I will have to pay someone to get things going. Trying to avoid that whole scenario. I still am having a hard time grasping the fact you have to pay for tech support for this software.

 

I don't think that Parallels is closing ports which CS3 needs to talk to Adobe. Maybe they're closed on your Mac Firewall, or by some machine that sits between your Mac and the internet (your router maybe...?), or possibly they're closed in the Windows firewall... but Parallels by default & by itself to my knowledge doesn't shut any ports.

One way of finding out would be to try and install CS3 software on your Mac and see if that runs.

 

Ok, we have tried everything you have suggested thus far and nothing has worked. This is driving me insane! I'm mad, my bro is mad! Just don't get it. My windows firewall is off but haven't checked the mac firewall. My CS3 is for windows, so how could it work on the Mac? My bro is gonna try Fusion to see if that works and if that doesn't work try Bootcamp. He tried to get his professors opinion but they don't know nothing about macs so we are screwed on that end. I have a feeling I will be paying someone to figure this crap out and I bet it is something simple. I will keep you posted. So pissed!

 

If it's a portable machine try taking it elsewhere and see whether the install works there. It sounds as if there were a firewall issue somewhere that prevents CS3 from validating the serial against the Adobe servers.

 

We tried the firewall issue but it still doesn't work. We are gonna try another brand and see if there are any problems. The past few days I started getting emails from other new mac users and they are having the same exact problem. CS3 and Illustrator.

 

Well, found a solution...went with another brand. Installed Fushion and everything works now. Thanks for you help and suggestions.