video memory is low

I've had Parallels 5 for some time now. In the last week (since last upgrade) I keep getting an error message as I start Parallels that says:

"The 3D acceleration support is enabled for this virtual machine, but the amount of video memory allocated to it is lower than 256 MB. You are highly recommended to increase the amount of video memory for optimal 3D performance."

I've gone to configure, Hardware and video both enable 3D acceleration and vertical synchronization are checked but grayed out so I can't change. It's set at 128MB but I can't change that either
The lock is not locked

The entire programs seems to be very slow.

Any suggestions

Thanks

 

Hi,
please try to adjust video and 3D settings when virtual machine is stopped - the settings should be available then.

 

I'm not quite sure how to get to the virtual machine when it's stopped.
I'm using a macbook Pro with 10.6.2 if that helps

 

Same problem

I am having this exact same problem. When I go into the VM configuration I am trying to change the amount of memory available in general, and the video memory under hardware>video. Both of these don't let me change the slider. I've accessed the help files and accessed these options with the view mode set to Crystal, but its still giving me the same problem. How do I access the config without the VM running?

 

I understand now. I've increase it to 256MB
Thanks

 

You don't need to get to the VM, just to it's settings. Shut down windows and wait until the VM has shut down. Parallels - the program - should still be running, though. From the Parallels menu "Virtual Machine", select "Configure" (which is the very last entry in that pull-down). The vid mem is configured from the "hardware" tab; choose "Graphics" and change the value. (I am surprised that you get a message to set the Graphics memory to 256 MB... I have it at 128 and have never had any such message...)

 

Thanks for that Shaddam. I had my setting configured so that when I shut down Windows it quit parallels which is why I had the problem. So I changed the configuration for that under "Configuration>Options>Startup and Shutdown" first. I used the following: "On shutdown: Close Window" and "On Window Close: Suspend" which seemed to do the trick. Then I shut down from the windows menu, and once I had Windows Suspended but parallels still running, I clicked on the Virtual Machine menu and followed Shaddam's instructions as above. Just a note on your comment at being surprised at the message - I've only had it since this last upgrade, and it is definitely in reference to the 3D accelleration, so this new feature must have added some extra memory requirements.

 

Odd. What machine are you running Parallels on? I'm running it on a very low spec MBAir (1.6 GHz / nVidia 9400, 2 G Ram). I have the VM's Graphics set to do 3D acceleration with 128 MByte which is sufficient for what I do (including Windows' Aero Interface). Increasing that to 256 MB actually didn't do a thing for me (or, rather, for my VM's speed and performance).

 

I have been having the same problem, but only since the new version came out. I do use the Crystal feature with the new version. Maybe that uses more video memory?

 

Had the very same problem with video memory (version 5.0.9308 on a MacBook Pro with the maximum 3GB of ram). I followed the fix(es)/advice provided by those above (with great THANKS), raised video memory to the max 256 now, I now do not get the 'low video memory' caution but still get significantly visually inferior screen resolution. Also my system is noticeably slower than before - not the 'up to 3 times faster', as cited for this upgrade. Quite disappointing, especially given the previous raving I have done to others promoting this product. I will be changing my tune if the next 'upgrade' is another downgrade.

 

i need help pleaseeeeeeee!!!

Im using parallels 6 the one that works with os x lion. 3d acceleration and vertical synchronization is enabled but i still can not exceed 256 mb. does anyone know how could i fixxx this???????????????????????

 

yelalfy,
I am also having problems with the amount of video ram I can allocate. What is now concerning me is that maybe 256Mb of Ram is all Parallels V.6 allows the user. I have a feeling that, irrespective of the size of your video card, 256Mb is all the Ram Parallels V.6 will allow you.

Does anyone know if that is true?


James