can't reinstall any version of Parallels Desktop after uninstall

On my Macbook Pro 2.33 ghz, Parallels Desktop build 1970 was running fine with XP Pro. I installed build 1922 RC2, worked OK at first. Then I got the familiar message (paraphrase): VM in use..." and could not run the software. I noticed 2 versions of Parallels Desktop in my Mac's apps folder. I was able to run the old version 1970 and I powered down the VM (it had been suspended previously). Then launched version RC2, but got the message (paraphrase): can't run, can't communicate with one of the drivers, please reinstall Parallels Desktop.

Before uninstalling, I moved winxp .hdd out of the Parallels folder in the library to the desktop, hoping to avoid a complete reinstall of Windows XP. Then I used the Parallels unistall app. Got a confirmation message of the uninstall.

Tried to reinstall Parallels Desktop from the original CD (v2.1), also build 1970, and RC2 build 1922. All attempts to reinstall have failed. I get this message: The chosen volume contains software which is newer than the software you are installing. Installing this software will replace the newer version with an older version". I click continue, then get this message during the attempted install: "You cannot continue. There is nothing to install."

I used Spotlight to locate anything related to Parallels and trashed it - emptied trash. Still not able to install any version of Parallels Desktop.

I emailed support, no response. I paid for a phone support incident, unable to get a callback from support.

I assume there are hidden files on my Mac's HD that need to be removed before I can reinstall.

Thanks for your suggestions!

Macbook Pro 2.33ghz, 2 gb RAM, OS 10.4.8

 

Why on earth would you want to install 1922 if you have 1970? Oh well, now that it's well scrambled...

Run the uninstalls from both versions. Reboot. Trash /library/parallels. Move all the files you can see (this is important -- don't move folders, just files) out of ~/library/parallels and its subfolders and trash ~/library/parallels. Now recreate ~/library/parallels and the subfolders you removed, and put the files back (trust me that this is actually useful).

Now install 1970, and throw 1922 away. Really, really delete all traces of it and throw away the CD. It's obsolete.

Reboot your Mac.

Start Parallels and set preferences as desired, and install your key. Quit Parallels.

Find one of your .pvs files in one of the ~/library/parallels folders and double click it. Parallels should launch and your VM should open.

Enjoy.

 

Help!

have the same issue but I installed a beta ages ago, found out that I couldn't use my bootcamp image so abandoned it.

I read that it now supports bootcamp images so went ahead and purchased.

I have already uninstalled (1970 uninstall) deleted all my parallel folders and all associated files (before I read your wise words)

Doh!

any ideas, Parallels support have yet to get back to me on this as well!