How to bypass VM autostart when launching Parallels?

Discussion in 'Parallels Desktop for Mac' started by vikingshelmut, Nov 2, 2006.

  1. vikingshelmut

    vikingshelmut Bit poster

    Messages:
    6
    How would one bypass the autostart feature of Parallels? I hate that if I need to make a configuration change, I have to start Parallels, then shutdown the VM to make changes on the Property Page View. Am I missing something obvious? I'd like to be able to hold down a key when launching Parallels that disables the autostart.

    Ideas?
     
  2. joem

    joem Forum Maven

    Messages:
    1,247
    I have autostart off so that I can make changes. One little click and it starts, and I don't even have to rest my finger afterwards from all the exercise <grin> I like having control so that if the VM hangs, I can still start Parallels and not start the VM, or start another one.

    You can always rename the folder containing your VM to keep it from autostarting, then rename it back when you are done.
     
  3. vikingshelmut

    vikingshelmut Bit poster

    Messages:
    6
    Thanks for the response, but this is exactly why I'm looking for a key bypass to loading the VM. Why should you have to do anything to start the VM? If you want to make a settings change or there is something wrong with the VM, you should be able to hold down a key (like option) to prevent the VM from loading.

    Think of it like iPhoto, or other apps that access data external to the application. If you start iPhoto and hold down the option key, you get a dialog asking to select an iPhoto library. This way if there is any problem with your library, you can still get iPhoto to launch. iPhoto doesn't load and ask me to pick a library each time, it just loads the default library automatically, but gives me a way to bypass this action should a problem arise.

    If this doesn't exist in the current version of Parallels, seems like an opportunity for them to add a nice feature.

    I for one only use one VM, and I assume most of the Parellels users do too.
     
  4. billearl

    billearl Member

    Messages:
    31
    FWIW, I agree. I've also wondered how to bypass autostart in order to change settings first.
     
  5. constant

    constant Forum Maven

    Messages:
    1,010
    .
    Configuration, Options, VM Flags.
    .
     
  6. vikingshelmut

    vikingshelmut Bit poster

    Messages:
    6
    Considering I had to turn this feature on to run across this issue, I already know how to turn it off on a global scale. What I am looking for is a one time method to bypass auto start when I launch Parallels.
     

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