parallels error message

I get the following message when i try to start parallels...it won't let me go any further. anyone know why?


Virtual machine cannot be started because of the following problem:

Parallels Desktop is unable to access the virtual hard disk image file /Users/ToddH/Documents/Parallels/Microsoft Windows XP/winxp.hdd. The file is used by other application.

 

Could you please clarify what version of Parallels is that and if the virtual machine is being used by more than one user?

In any case, most possibly the reason is as it states - VM file is being used by some other process. Try the following:
- Make sure that virtual machine is completely stopped (not just suspended), close Parallels completely and reboot the Mac.

 

Parallels Desktop 3.0

the version is 3.0. I have made sure that parallels is stopped by using "force quit". I am not sure how to make sure it is not suspended> Any suggestions? Thanks, Todd

 

version is parallels desktop 3.0. I have tried to stop VM by using "force quit". Nothing out of the ordinary happens when i do this. That does not seem to work. I do not know how to tell if it is "just suspended". as far a rebooting the Mac....i have also done this before w/ no success. Any more suggestions? Thanks, Todd

 

Thank you for clarification. If this is 3.0, the please check the following article for solution: http://kb.parallels.com/en/4938

 

You guys are great! Thanks it worked. Is this just something that happened randomly or did I possibly have something to do w/ the problem? Thanks again. Todd