Leopard + Parallels Build 5160 + XP Installation BSOD woes resolved, solution found.

Hello everyone -

I'm posting this for anyone who may run into the same installation issues I found when working on a customer's new MacBook Pro.

We were attempting to install parallels 3 build 5160 with XP Professional SP2. Each time we attempted the install, the BSOD would appear directly following the copying of system drivers and setup files e.g. the screen would read "Starting Windows" before flipping and showing the BSOD before returning to the parallels virtual machine config screen.

Trying everything I could think of, restarting, reinstalling parallels, checking for build updates, back tracking to tiger, even exchanging the windows xp pro disc for a home edition (which I have been successful with before) yielded no different results.

Finally, I was able to get the installation finished off without a hitch (well, it's saving settings, so keep the fingers crossed!) by disabling acceleration as well as Intel VT under the edit virtual machine menu. I'll try re-enabling the acceleration following the install to verify it is just a setup problem, not full functionality issue.

Hopefully this is something you all have sorted out previously, but just incase you haven't - that's how I seemed to get past the issues!

Any feedback from the masses?

Kyle

 

I have tried the same settings you stated.

DISABLED HW execel
DISABLED Intel-VT

I still get a kernel panic on XP Pro SP2 install.. Right at the point of "Starting Windows" after all drivers load.

Anyone find another work around ? I gotta have this machine out Yesterday for are Sales Exec.. This is not good. Ive never had this kind of issue on VMware Fusion.

Thanks !

Sincerely,
Christopher M Downs

 

cdowns,

In a "mission critical" environment, I strongly recommend opting for the Boot Camp installation under Leopard... until "the Parallels bugs" are thoroughly addressed. I've been "toying" with both options for the past week and have concluded Parallels is not yet bullet-proof. Yes, I understand the process of restarting into the optional environment each time isn't the most convenient, but does provide a solid Windows solution.

But I still have faith Parallels will conquer all hurdles... in time.