Can Parallels v7 run a Windows XP VM created with Parallels v4

I have just got a new MacbookPro running Lion 10.7.2 -- Parallels 4 will not install or run on Lion so I will have to install Parallels v7 -- however on my old MBP I have a VM of Windows XP that I'd like to transfer to the new machine - can I do this? Will v7 run a v4 VM? What would be the steps necessary?

TIA
Rich

 

Quick Answer: Yes it can but the disk has to be upgraded.

When you move the disk to the new computer, point Parallels to the transfered VM and it will go through its upgrade routine. Simple.

 

Hi Shannon
Thanks for the quick response -- which file(s) do I have to copy over to the new machine and to which location?
Thanks again!
Rich

 

Hello Rich,

You need to find the following file on your old Mac : /User/Documents/Parallels/VM Name.pvm

This pvm file is the only one you need to move to your new Mac. Before you do it, start the virtual machine and remove Parallels Tools (from add remove programs in Control Panel).

To register this VM on your new Mac, just start Parallels Desktop 7 and double - click the .pvm file in Finder.

Process will start automatically

 

Does the same hold true for a Windows XP Pro VM created via Parallels Desktop 3.0 (was created using transporter)?
Will the 3.0 version pvm convert the same way into Parallels 7 on a Mac running Snow Leopard?

 

generally speaking - yes.

This upgrade is just more complicated in terms of the conversion. I strongly recommend you to keep a backup version just in case.